A dental crown is a fixed prosthetic work fitted to a natural tooth or an artificial tooth (dental implant) to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the tooth. This prosthetic work is recommended to restore a natural crown that has been destroyed to a large extent or to complete/load a dental implant. The fabrication of dental crowns is nowadays made of highly aesthetic and resistant materials - such as ceramic or zirconium.
Dental crowns?
What are the advantages of dental crowns?
- functional restoration of the tooth (immediately after application the tooth regains its functionality)
- gives the look and colour of a natural tooth
- corrects imperfections in the teeth (incorrect shape or position of certain teeth)
- the possibility of recovering and preserving badly damaged teeth
- preventing the migration of neighbouring teeth in the case of a missing tooth
- quick patient accommodation
- strength and durability over time (with the exception of composite or acrylic crowns).
Types of dental crowns
Ceramic dental crowns on zirconium crowns
This prosthetic restoration is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional metal-ceramic crowns. It combines two materials often used in dentistry, recognised for their qualities and durability - ceramic or porcelain, which gives a superior aesthetic appearance to any work, and zirconium, recognised for its resistance to shock and pressure. This dental crown is stronger than an all-ceramic crown and at the same time more aesthetically pleasing than an all-metal crown.
Because the framework is made of zirconium, a shock-resistant material, a ceramic dental crown on a zirconium framework can be used without problems for dental restorations in the frontal or lateral areas of the jaw without the risk of fracture or loosening of the work. The degree of chewing resistance is much higher than with an all-ceramic crown. Both zirconia and ceramic are materials that have the advantage of translucency, i.e. they reflect natural light, giving the patient a dental restoration that is as faithful and harmonious as possible with neighbouring teeth.
Another reason why a ceramic dental crown on a zirconia framework is advantageous is the biocompatibility of the materials. Unlike metal crowns which can cause allergic reactions in certain categories of patients, zirconia and ceramic are well tolerated by the body and soft tissues and there is no risk of allergies.
In addition, zirconium does not corrode over time. In the case of metal-ceramic crowns, a grey, unsightly streak appears at the base of the restoration after the gum has receded and the restoration has been worn for a long time. If the patient chooses instead a ceramic dental crown on a zirconium framework, this problem disappears. Moreover, these prosthetic restorations eliminate dental sensitivity to hot or cold, unlike metal-ceramic restorations. Full zirconium crowns offer the highest degree of strength and aesthetics to the teeth.
Metal-ceramic dental crowns (on metal support)
They offer aesthetics and functionality similar to a natural tooth; they are preferred by people who want beautiful and properly functioning teeth at a good price. Dental metal-ceramic crowns are classic prosthetic restorations and widely used in dentistry. These types of dental crowns are mainly intended for the molar and premolar area, where masticatory forces are high. They are used as a last stage of treatment to restore the functionality and aesthetics of severely decayed or severely demineralised teeth or to cover a dental implant.
A full-physiognomic metal-ceramic dental crown is a type of dental crown consisting of a metal framework and a ceramic outer part. Unlike the semi-physiognomic version, the metal part remains hidden, it is completely covered by a porcelain layer, increasing the aesthetic potential of the work.
Ceramics is a material used in dentistry mainly because of its ability to provide translucency to dental restorations, i.e. a result as close as possible in shade to the patient's natural tooth enamel.
Depending on the metal used as a support, the crown may acquire greater strength or other properties. A full metal-ceramic dental crown can have a framework of non-noble (chromium, nickel) or noble (gold or silver) metals.
A suitable candidate for a dental crown is generally anyone who wants to protect a fragile tooth that has been repeatedly affected by tooth decay or other conditions. The semi-vision metal-ceramic dental crown is a particularly advantageous choice for patients who need dental reconstruction in the molar and premolar area because metal offers superior shock resistance to other materials.
Following investigations, the dentist can advise the patient on the choice of the right dental crown according to the specifics of their case, personal preferences, budget and criteria that are important to them.
Full-ceramic dental crowns
A pressed ceramic dental crown, also called an all-ceramic crown, is a prosthetic work made without a metal support to restore the aesthetic and functional function of the tooth. Aesthetically, a pressed ceramic dental crown is superior to other types of dental crowns, such as metal-ceramic crowns, due to the unique property of ceramics to reflect natural light.
The biggest advantage is, of course, cosmetic. A pressed ceramic dental crown is a work that meets the highest aesthetic demands, it can be obtained areas with greater or lesser translucency or areas with specific colorations depending on the requirements or the specificity of each patient's teeth. For this reason, they are most commonly recommended for dental restorations in the frontal jaw area.
Unlike metal-ceramic dental crowns that require an invasive tooth grinding procedure with a large loss of tooth tissue, with a pressed ceramic dental crown the amount of tooth sacrificed is significantly reduced. Furthermore, in some cases (veneers), it may not be necessary to grind at all, but to proceed directly to the impression and dental restoration stage.
In addition, unlike metal, which can cause allergic reactions in some patients, pressed ceramic dental crowns do not cause allergies and are generally well tolerated by most patients. Contact with the gums is made only through the ceramic, thus eliminating the risk of gum inflammation and rejection.
Last but not least, a pressed ceramic crown has the advantage that it does not change its appearance over time but retains its transparency and translucency, making it very difficult to distinguish from neighbouring natural teeth.
These crowns offer the same aesthetics and dental strength as natural teeth. The all-ceramic crown is one of the most advantageous choices for patients because it best mimics the appearance of natural teeth, helps achieve superior aesthetic results and lasts a long time. There are all-ceramic crowns, zirconia (a special type of white ceramic), plain metal framework or gold framework and each varies in cost.
Composite dental crowns
They offer low aesthetics and strength compared to the other 3 types presented above; however, they are an inexpensive restoration solution for damaged teeth. Composite crowns are a cheaper and less resistant type of crown than ceramic or zirconium crowns. Composite dental crowns consist of a metal supporting framework covered with composite.
Acrylic (plastic) dental crowns
They are usually intended for temporary restorations, not permanent works, and have a low degree of resistance.
How do we take care of a dental crown?
Getting used to your new dental crown is very easy and quick. Caring for dental crowns is identical to caring for natural teeth and does not require additional care methods. As a result, to care for porcelain or zirconium teeth, it is necessary to follow the rules of daily hygiene: tooth brushing at least twice a day, flossing and mouthwash. Don't forget regular check-ups at your dentist, twice a year for routine check-ups!