Restore and protect your teeth with the best dental crowns

Did you know that your second molars can exert between 247 and 292 pounds of force? Notable, isn't it? Even on a typical day, your molars chew with about 70 pounds per square inch of force. This puts into perspective just how strong our natural teeth are. 

However, teeth are not indestructible, so that they can be damaged by injury or decay. When one of your teeth is severely damaged, a dental crown is often the best way to save it.

Dental crowns have long been a solution for restoring the appearance and function of a damaged tooth. So they must be strong enough to withstand the same force as natural teeth. These tooth-shaped caps can relieve dental pain, restore the health and functionality of a tooth and protect it from future damage by improving the smile. 

Importance of dental crowns 

This cap-shaped restorative dentistry treatment covers a cracked or damaged tooth, gives full support to a badly broken or misshapen tooth, and replaces a missing tooth permanently to ensure you have a beautiful smile. Crowns are also helpful because they protect other teeth from further damage.

Now, when we talk about the material of dental crowns, there are quite a few, which often confuse what to choose and what not to choose. That's why your dentist is the right person to guide you (based on the condition of your teeth) on what material is best; it's good to be aware of what works and doesn't. 

The best materials for dental crowns 

When your dentist suggests you need a dental crown, two questions may arise: What type of dental crown is best for me? And what is the best material for my crowns?

Advances in dental technology mean that your crown can be made of several different materials, which means you have more options than ever to get a crown. This will help you find an option that fits your needs and treatment priorities, from the durability and longevity of the crown to its appearance and cost. 

But of all the materials available on the market, which is the best? The main types of crowns used in dentistry are:

Gold crowns

These crowns combine copper and other metals, such as nickel or chromium. People like this metal because it is solid and durable, which means it can last for many decades if oral hygiene is maintained. 

For later restorations - and depending on the individual patient's needs - some dentists suggest a gold crown as the preferred option. However, gold crowns are not famous today because of their color and aesthetics.

Gold also does very little damage to the teeth adjacent to the one wearing the crown. This damage can be problematic for those using silver or porcelain materials.

The only problem with gold may be that some people dislike the color. However, if you don't mind, this may be a suitable material for you.

Porcelain crowns

This is the most popular type of crown used today. It's almost impossible to tell it's there. This material looks almost exactly like your natural teeth in color and texture. Porcelain certainly solves your problem if you are someone who does not like the gold color of the crown. 

Not to mention that stains on your teeth would no longer be something you need to worry about because porcelain or ceramic crowns won't stain if you drink a lot of coffee or red wine. In addition, porcelain is a durable crown material used for decades.

Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns

Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns is another type of dental crown widely used because of their durability. They provide both strength (due to their metal structure) and aesthetics (due to the porcelain layer covering the cap).

Although these crowns have been around for over 50 years, we know they work well and are less expensive than porcelain crowns. 

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia is a relatively new material that combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain crowns. These high translucency zirconia crowns and layered zirconia crowns have become a more popular choice lately.

Providing great aesthetics and being strong, with less chance of chipping or breaking, they are less likely to wear out due to their strength. As metal-free crowns, they are not susceptible to allergic reactions, not to mention that the process can take less time than usual since the zirconia can be cut and shaped in the same office. 

E- MAX: Lithium Disilicate Crowns

The newest type of crown in dentistry today is known as E-Max. It is an all-ceramic crown made of lithium disilicate (also light and thin).

Because they go unnoticed and look great in the mouth, they are an excellent option for both front and back teeth. Despite their cost, these E-Max crowns have become durable and resistant.

The restorative dentistry you are looking for in Mesa, AZ

When considering dental treatment, you must talk to your dentist first. Remember that all types of dental crowns tend to deteriorate, especially at the margins. In addition, they need to be re-cemented regularly, as the tooth flexes with use. 

A tooth that needs a crown may also require a "root canal." Therefore, we advise you to get as much information as possible about the perfect treatment options to restore your smile. 

So if you are looking for or want to change your dentist in Mesa, AZ, Dr. Baker and the team at Dental Innovations Mesa can help you. We offer consultations on the best dental crown material to help you choose the right one for you. We also provide replacement services for a loose or chipped crown. 

You want that perfect smile, and a dental crown can help. It's an investment, but it's worth every penny with its impressive results. Contact us today for your restorative dentistry by calling (480) 985-1910 or visiting our website.