When it comes to dental crowns, our dentist in Fairfield, Connecticut offers several material options to choose from. Gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and zirconia crowns are among the most popular, each with its own advantages and considerations. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best crown material for your needs, whether you’re seeking durability, aesthetics, or comfort.
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Gold Crowns: The Classic Choice
Gold crowns have been used in dentistry for decades due to their durability and long-lasting performance. Made from a blend of gold and other metals, these crowns offer several benefits:
Durability and Strength
Gold crowns are incredibly strong and can withstand heavy chewing forces, making them ideal for molars and back teeth. They’re also less likely to chip or crack compared to other crown materials, which contributes to their longevity. Many patients report that gold crowns can last 20 years or more with proper care.
Minimal Wear on Opposing Teeth
Gold is softer than other materials used for crowns, which means it’s less abrasive to opposing teeth. This makes gold crowns a good option for patients who grind their teeth, as they reduce the risk of wearing down adjacent teeth.
Biocompatibility
Gold crowns are highly biocompatible, meaning they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation. This makes them a safe option for patients with sensitivities to other metals.
Aesthetics
While gold crowns excel in function, they may not be the best choice for patients who are concerned about aesthetics. Their metallic appearance makes them more suitable for back teeth, where they’re less visible.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: The Aesthetic and Durable Hybrid
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a popular choice for patients who want a balance between strength and aesthetics. As the name suggests, these crowns combine a metal core with a porcelain outer layer.
Natural Appearance
One of the main advantages of PFM crowns is their ability to mimic the natural look of teeth. The porcelain layer is customizable in color and translucency, allowing it to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. This makes PFM crowns a great option for front teeth or visible areas of the mouth.
Durability
The metal core provides strength and durability, similar to that of gold crowns. However, the porcelain layer can be prone to chipping or cracking, especially in patients with habits like teeth grinding. Despite this, PFM crowns are still a durable option for most patients, offering a balance between function and aesthetics.
Potential for Metal Allergy
One drawback to PFM crowns is that some patients may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions to the metal core. This can lead to gum irritation or discomfort. Additionally, as gums recede over time, the metal edge of the crown may become visible, affecting the aesthetics.
Zirconia Crowns: The New Standard in Dental Technology
Zirconia crowns represent the latest advancement in dental crown materials. Made from zirconium dioxide, a strong and durable ceramic, zirconia crowns are gaining popularity for their combination of strength and aesthetics.
Exceptional Strength
Zirconia is one of the strongest materials available for dental crowns, making it an excellent option for both front and back teeth. Its durability rivals that of metal crowns, and it’s highly resistant to wear and fractures.
Aesthetic Appeal
Zirconia crowns are highly translucent, giving them a natural, tooth-like appearance. They can be color-matched to surrounding teeth, and unlike PFM crowns, they won’t show a metal line at the gumline as the gums recede. This makes them a top choice for patients seeking both strength and aesthetics.
Biocompatibility
Like gold crowns, zirconia is biocompatible, meaning it’s unlikely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation. This makes it a good option for patients with sensitivities to metals.
Minimal Preparation Required
Zirconia crowns typically require less tooth preparation than other types of crowns. This preserves more of the natural tooth structure, which is beneficial for long-term dental health.
Ask Our Dentist in Fairfield, Connecticut: Which Crown is Right for Me?
Dr. Gary Horblitt can help you determine which type of dental crown is right for you based on your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and restore your smile with the perfect crown solution!
