PHOTO: emax crown.
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a dental restoration that covers or caps a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size.
Why would I need a crown?
A crown is often placed over a tooth that may have been previously restored with a large filling and now needs a crown. This is usually because there is a lack of remaining solid tooth structure to support a large filling.
Sometimes a crown is placed on a tooth that has a stress fracture and is sensitive to biting. Often a crown is required to restore a tooth after endodontic treatment (root canal therapy). Teeth that have fractured often need a crown.
Finally, some teeth that are malformed of discolored need a crown.
Your dentist can help you decide to select the proper material for your crown.
For many years, gold was considered the best material for crowns, often used on the back teeth, molars and premolars. Due to increasing esthetic demands ,it is not as popular today. It still is used sometimes for back molars and is often preferred by most dentists in their own mouths.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have been the most popular over the last thirty years. Sometimes the porcelain can chip over time and require a minor repair or require a crown replacement.
There have been many recent advances in materials the last few years.
One type of new material is lithium disilicate, often called IPSemax or emax. This material provides optimum aesthetics and impressive strength. It looks like natural tooth enamel.
Another recent innovation is zirconia crowns.
Sometimes a crown is placed on a tooth that has a stress fracture and is sensitive to biting. Often a crown is required to restore a tooth after endodontic treatment (root canal therapy). Teeth that have fractured often need a crown.
Finally, some teeth that are malformed of discolored need a crown.
What material is best for my crown?
Your dentist can help you decide to select the proper material for your crown.
For many years, gold was considered the best material for crowns, often used on the back teeth, molars and premolars. Due to increasing esthetic demands ,it is not as popular today. It still is used sometimes for back molars and is often preferred by most dentists in their own mouths.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have been the most popular over the last thirty years. Sometimes the porcelain can chip over time and require a minor repair or require a crown replacement.
There have been many recent advances in materials the last few years.
One type of new material is lithium disilicate, often called IPSemax or emax. This material provides optimum aesthetics and impressive strength. It looks like natural tooth enamel.
PHOTO: Zirconia crown.
What about Zirconia crowns?
Another recent innovation is zirconia crowns.
Zirconia is a natural metal that is bio-compatible with the human body. It is harder than an emax crown and it is extremely rare to chip. These crowns have been in use for approximately five years with excellent results.
The original zirconia crown was called Bruxzir.
Here's an interesting video showing the strength of this crown, "The Hammer Test."
Five years ago, the zirconia crowns often appeared too white and did not look as natural. They were placed primarily on posterior (back) teeth. They looked monochromatic, not implementing several natural shadings in the crown. Recent advances have improved the aesthetics of zirconia crowns to look more natural.
Making a crown look natural is very important on the front teeth. Sometimes, a dental technician specializing in aesthetics is consulted with the patient to get the proper “look” of the crown to match the adjacent teeth.
Our office will help you in the decision making process of selecting the proper crown for restoring you smile.
Contact us today to discuss crowns and your dental needs.
The original zirconia crown was called Bruxzir.
Here's an interesting video showing the strength of this crown, "The Hammer Test."
Do crowns look natural?
Making a crown look natural is very important on the front teeth. Sometimes, a dental technician specializing in aesthetics is consulted with the patient to get the proper “look” of the crown to match the adjacent teeth.
Our office will help you in the decision making process of selecting the proper crown for restoring you smile.
Contact us today to discuss crowns and your dental needs.
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