Dental Crowns: Various Types and Their Benefits

If you need dental crowns, you may be surprised at how many options you have when it comes to the materials used in the application. Often, the dentist you choose will have his own preferences when it comes to materials and types. But you should have a say in the choice yourself. Consider the advice of your dentist, but if you want something your dentist isn't offering, you should find someone who can give you exactly what you want. Too many patients fail to act as their own advocate. Here is an introduction to the various types and their benefits.

Metal

The strongest dental crowns on the market are those made of metal. If you want an application that isn't going to break under pressure, this is going to be your best bet. Of course, it isn't all good news when it comes to metal. They are probably the least aesthetically pleasing of all the choices, so they may not be appropriate for teeth that are easily visible. But for your back molars, for instance, they can make a great choice.

Porcelain and Metal

Some dental crowns use a combination of porcelain and metal to give patients the best of both worlds. You get the strength of a metal application and you get the improved aesthetic of a porcelain facade. The porcelain will be a weak link in the chain when it comes to strength, of course, but it should be strong enough for most basic uses.

Ceramic

If you want dental crowns that will match your teeth seamlessly, you may want to consider going with ceramic materials. Your dentist can match them perfectly to the exact color of your surrounding teeth, meaning you'll never have to worry about someone asking what you've had done. The drawback is, of course, the inherent weakness in the material. They won't be as long lasting as metal applications and may start to chip over time. Some dentists also see ceramic applications as more harmful to opposing teeth, although there are tricks that can be done to reduce this impact.

Resin

If you are short on money, you may want to go with resin dental crowns, as they are the least expensive choice you're going to find. Of course, they are also the least durable, meaning you will probably need to have them replaced earlier and more often than other choices. Still, if you are having cash flow problems and need a quick fix, this is a good way to go.