Dental crowns have been a commonplace dental procedure for many years now. They are designed to help protect damaged teeth, and bring back their functionality. One aspect that has changed overtime with dental crowns is what materials they are made from.
Among the array of options available, two contenders stand out prominently: Metal and Porcelain crowns. Brookridge residents should know that each offers distinct advantages and characteristics, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of patients.
By delving into the intricacies of their composition, durability, aesthetics, and biocompatibility, we aim to empower patients and practitioners alike with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding their dental health and restoration needs. Join us as we dissect the porcelain versus metal crown debate, illuminating the distinct virtues and intricacies that define each, and ultimately guiding you towards the optimal choice for your dental restoration journey.
The Durability of Porcelain and Metal Crowns
At first glance, a person may quickly come to the conclusion that any metal crown will be stronger or more durable than porcelain crowns. Brookridge residents should be made aware that this is typically the case, however, that does not mean that porcelain crowns are a good choice to consider.
Porcelain crowns, prized for their natural appearance and ability to mimic the translucency of natural teeth, typically consist of ceramic materials fused to a metal or zirconia substructure for added strength. While porcelain crowns excel in aesthetics, their durability can sometimes be a point of concern, particularly in cases of heavy biting forces or parafunctional habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism).
In contrast, metal crowns, which are typically crafted from alloys such as gold, palladium, or base metal alloys like cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium, are renowned for their exceptional durability and resistance to wear and fracture. The inherent strength of metal alloys makes them particularly suitable for posterior teeth, where the forces of chewing and grinding are most pronounced.
The Importance of Aesthetics with Porcelain Crowns
It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that real teeth look less like metal crowns than they do porcelain crowns. Brookridge residents should know that in most cases, an individual cannot tell the difference between a real natural tooth, and one that has been fitted with a new porcelain crown.
Compared to metal crowns, which may exhibit metallic margins or a dark shadowing effect at the gum line, porcelain crowns offer superior aesthetics with seamless integration into the smile. The ability of porcelain to replicate the natural properties of tooth enamel, combined with meticulous craftsmanship and color matching, results in restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Anchor Dental Care*