Dental crowns can cover, protect, and restore a damaged tooth. Crowns are intended to function and feel just like your natural tooth. Depending on the type of material used, they can also look just like a natural tooth. You may wonder, what are dental crowns made from? Below you will find the various types of dental crowns and what they are made of.
What Are Dental Crowns Made From
There are a variety of different types of dental crowns. Depending on your unique dental needs and the recommendation from your dentist, you may get one of the following types.
All Porcelain Crowns:
These are one of the most common types of dental crowns in Yucaipa as they are the most natural-looking. Ceramic crowns look just like your natural teeth as they are made from porcelain. They can even be shade-matched to the rest of your teeth to ensure a uniform smile. In fact, they are carved out from a single block of ceramic by a computerized milling machine. These are also a great option for those allergic to metal as they are bio-compatible. While porcelain crowns are not as durable as metal crowns, they can last up to 15 years if they are properly taken care of.
Partial Porcelain Crowns:
For those who want a more natural look that is long-lasting, partial crowns are a great option. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are created with an underlying metal crown with porcelain covering most of the metal surface. This provides you with the durability of metal crowns with the natural look of porcelain crowns. One of the most effective metals to use is Zirconia as it is white and is far less noticeable under porcelain as compared to other, darker metals. These crowns can last well over 15 years off if taken care of properly.
Composite Crowns:
Crowns made of composite resin are both durable and natural-looking. They are made from composite resin material, which is a combination of plastic materials that are color-matched to the shade of your natural teeth. This is a great alternative for those who have a sensitivity to metal or who are unable to tolerate porcelain. These do need to be replaced more often, but they are highly effective if properly taken care of. Composite crowns can last between 5 to 10 years.
Choosing Dental Crowns
Your dentist in Yucaipa may recommend dental crowns if you have a tooth (or teeth) that is severely worn down, cracked, or weakened. They are also recommended after a root canal to protect and preserve your natural tooth. Dental crowns are also effective if you replace a missing tooth using a dental bridge or implant.
The type of material used for the dental crown depends on a variety of factors. Your dentist will consider the following: how much of your tooth will show when you smile; the location of your tooth; position of your gum tissue; color of your surrounding teeth; the amount of natural tooth that is remaining; and the function of the tooth that needs a crown. When discussing crown material options with your dentist, let them know your preference. Whether it’s having a natural-looking smile or any budgetary concerns, share your expectations with your dentist.
The longevity of dental crowns is heavily reliant on how well you take care of them. While crowns do not need any special care, you should focus on a consistent daily oral care routine and regularly visiting the dentist. Avoiding hard foods, clenching your teeth, or grinding them can harm your natural teeth, in addition to your crowns.