Dentson

About the dental crown

What is a dental crown?

Dental crown is a type of indirect restoration, which encircles and covers a natural tooth or a dental implant on the visible portion, ie above the gingival margin. The crowns have the role of restoring the natural shape and functioning of a damaged tooth. This type of dental restoration is used if the affected tooth has extensive carious lesions (better than half of it), the tooth has a fracture, to anchor the dental bridges if you want to occupy a space resulting from a tooth extraction.

How many types of dental crowns are there?

Coronary restoration is classified according to the materials used, in principle it can have the following types:
• all-ceramic crowns;
• polymeric crowns;
• metal crowns – noble metals, noble metal alloys and non-precious metal alloys;
• metal-ceramic crowns – porcelain on metal support;
• metal-acrylic crowns;
• metal-composite crowns.

Of all the ones listed above, the most commonly used in the dental office are metal, metal-composite and metal-ceramic crowns.

All-metal crowns : are indirect dental restorations, made of metal and can be total or partial. Although the advantages of this type of crown are multiple (increased strength, do not chip or crack, withstand the highest masticatory force, have a low price), not many people use them simply because they are unsightly and cannot be used in front or in people who discover the lateral areas when laughing.

Metal-composite crowns : the composite is a material similar to the one used to make photo-polymerizable fillings in the dental office. It is applied over the metal frame, the polymerization being performed in special ovens. Although they offer a good aesthetic in the first months after their application in the oral cavity, they can change color if you are a consumer of colored foods and beverages (chocolate, coffee, teas, etc.).

Metal-ceramic crowns : represent a combination of the mechanical strength of the metal and the aesthetic quality of the ceramic material. They are not as strong as the all-metal ones, but they still have enough strength to be used in both the front and side. Among the advantages of metal-ceramic crowns are the excellent aesthetic appearance and color stability over time. Metal-ceramic crowns are good value for money, which is why they are the most common in patients’ choice.