Metal Crowns vs. Porcelain Dental Crowns

Metal Crowns vs. Porcelain Dental Crowns from Grand Valley Dentistry in Allendale Charter Twp, MIFor patients in need of dental crowns, there are plenty of options available. Two of the most common choices are porcelain crowns and metal crowns (often with a porcelain overlay fused to the metal). Depending on a patient's specific circumstances, one of these crown types may be the preferred option.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns have the advantage of being exceptionally strong. They can be made from stainless steel or a variety of metal alloys. However, since they cannot be matched to the color of a patient's existing teeth, they are not used as often as they once were.

In some cases, metal crowns are still used for molars that are very far back in the mouth. They take longer to wear down than porcelain crowns and very rarely break as a result of biting or chewing. There is some risk of corrosion with metal crowns, but most metal alloys used for crowns are highly corrosion-resistant.

A common alternative to all-metal crowns are crowns made by fusing porcelain to metal. With these dental crowns, a patient has the advantage of the strength of metal, but the porcelain overlay can be color-matched to teeth. With a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, the porcelain may eventually chip, exposing the metal beneath. Patients may also be able to see a dark line where the crown meets the gumline.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a good choice for patients who want a crown that is color-matched but still can withstand significant biting or chewing force. These crowns can be used for front or back teeth.

Porcelain Crowns

For patients looking for dental crowns with the most natural color matching possible, porcelain crowns may be the better option. They are made with several layers of porcelain, each with a slightly different color, and they come closer to looking like a natural tooth compared to other types of dental crowns. With porcelain crowns, patients also do not need to worry about the dark line often seen at the gumline with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Because there are fewer aesthetic concerns, porcelain crowns are commonly used for front teeth, but they can sometimes be used for back teeth as well.

However, porcelain crowns are not as durable as metal crowns. Because they do not have the stronger layer of metal beneath the porcelain, they can be more prone to fractures over time. In more recent years, some dentists have begun using crowns made with layers of both porcelain and zirconia. Zirconia is an extremely durable ceramic that, like porcelain, can usually be color-matched to a patient's teeth. Porcelain-zirconia crowns are stronger than traditional porcelain crowns, and they may be ideal if excessive wear or eventual breakage is a concern. Both all-porcelain and porcelain-zirconia crowns are a potential option for patients with metal allergies.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Allendale Charter Twp, MI.

Conclusion

For patients in need of one or more dental crowns, it is often wise to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both metal and porcelain crowns with a dentist. By taking into account the location of the affected tooth and the patient's individual preferences, the dentist and patient can decide together on the right material to use.

Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.

Recent Posts

The Steps Of A Dental Crown Restoration

A dental crown restoration involves two dental visits. Dentists use this type of restoration to repair a range of tooth damage types, including decay, chips, cracks, and teeth worn down by continuous grinding. This guide discusses what you can expect during a dental crown restoration and how a dentist can help ensure a safe and…

Maintenance Tips To Help Dental Crowns Last

Dental crowns are durable and effective for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. They improve the tooth's structure and function while also enhancing your smile's appearance. However, proper maintenance can extend their lifespan and ensure long-term oral health. With the right care, these restorations can last several years, providing a reliable and aesthetically pleasing restoration.A consistent…

How Dental Crowns Can Give You A New Smile

Anyone who has had dental crowns understands how beneficial they can be. Crowns are highly durable and work to improve the look of teeth, restoring a person's smile. A crown is often used to prevent a damaged tooth from deteriorating further. Others may need a crown to complete a bridge or implant treatment. A dental…

Recent Posts

How A Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Smile

How A Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Smile

Dentists provide smile makeovers to help people enhance the overall look of their smiles. Treatment can involve various procedures depending on the cosmetic issues that need addressing. If you are considering improving your smile, here is how a smile makeover can help.A smile makeover is a dental treatment plan typically involving two or more procedures.…

Treatments For A Smile Makeover

5 Treatments For A Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can be achieved with the help of one procedure or several. What a dentist recommends depends on the attributes of your smile you would like to change. To give you a better picture of some treatments that can transform a smile, take a look at these five popular treatments.Slight to moderate misalignments…