When a tooth is damaged too much to fill but not enough to extract, dental crowns are a good solution. Replacing a tooth that has lost its integrity can be a difficult process. There are a variety of options when choosing the type of crown material. Ceramic is one of the most common crown materials, offering a durable, natural appearance at an affordable price. Here’s what you need to know about ceramic crowns.
What are ceramic crowns?
Ceramic crowns are a type of crown created in one of two ways. Ceramic tooth crowns are made either from a natural ceramic material, or they can be manufactured in a lab. An all-ceramic crown has for its total composition ceramic material. The entire crown, all the way through, is ceramic.
Regardless of the material, crowns are designed and used for two main reasons. The first is to replace a tooth that has been damaged due to decay or has broken off. The second reason a patient may get ceramic crowns is to replace a discolored or damaged tooth for aesthetic reasons.
Other patients receive a crown to protect a vulnerable tooth or to hold a dental bridge in place.
What’s the difference between types of crowns?
Now more than ever, patients have a variety of crown materials to choose from. Which material they use may be just a matter of preference. There are some important differences in materials that can affect the appearance, cost, and longevity of the crown.
Ceramic crown vs. zirconia crown
In terms of appearance, ceramic crowns and zirconia crowns are nearly the same. Both reflect light in layers, making them easy to match to adjacent teeth. Neither require much removal of existing tooth material.
The main difference between a ceramic crown and a zirconia crown is cost and durability. The cost of a zirconia crown can be twice as much as an all-ceramic crown.
The benefit of zirconia crowns, however, is their durability. Created from zirconium oxide, zirconia crowns are very hard and unlikely to chip or crack like their ceramic counterparts. Some zirconia crowns can last upwards of 30 years, with reports of 50!
Ceramic crown vs. metal crown
For some patients, metal causes irritation in the tender gum tissue. For this reason, metal is becoming less popular as a crown material. Many people want a natural look when they are choosing their crown material, and metal front teeth do not fit that bill.
Still, metal crowns are a sturdy, affordable, and long-lasting choice for molars or less visible teeth. They won’t chip or fracture like a ceramic crown and are excellent for tough biting surfaces. Stainless steel crowns are also commonly used for children because they only require one dental visit and will naturally grow with children as their teeth grow.
Ceramic vs. porcelain crown
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a type of ceramic tooth crown that has a metal frame in the middle. This frame is fitted to the tooth and covered with porcelain material. The metal frame can be visible between the crown and the gumline, making PFM crowns a visible choice. Some patients believe that the metal of PFM crowns inhibits the translucent light reflection that makes a crown look more natural.
Dental crowns can also be made from a composite resin similar to the material used to fill cavities. This is a good temporary choice, but lacks strength for long-term use. Composite resin material is also hard to make look natural and thus not the first choice of most cosmetic dentists.
What’s the procedure like for ceramic crowns?
Your dentist will determine if a crown is needed by conducting a complete examination. After that, the first step is to prepare the tooth. Your dentist will remove any decay and prepare the surface of the tooth by removing as much tooth as needed (but as little as possible). They will then take an impression of your teeth and create a temporary crown.
The dentist then sends the impression to a lab to create your ceramic tooth crown. At AZ Dentist, we work with master ceramists to make your ceramic crown. These craftsmen have been working at their trade for 20 years, so we know they are the best at what they do. The difference in this approach is a ceramic tooth crown that is customized to the shape and color of your natural teeth. For front teeth, we may even send you to meet our ceramists in person for the best results!
Once your permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown. Using a thin layer of dental cement, the permanent crown is affixed. Your dentist will then check the fit and function of the crown, making adjustments as needed.
It is important to note that for the first few days your bite may feel a little off. This is a normal adjustment period as you get used to the crown. You should not experience any pain from the crown itself. Talk to your dentist if you feel any discomfort after the first day or two.
How much does a ceramic crown cost?
The cost of a ceramic crown can vary wildly depending on the dentist, their location, and the amenities they offer. This also does not factor in the cost of any other work that needs to be done (e.g., cavity treatment or root canal). Most insurance companies will pay a portion of the treatment cost. Many dentists will also offer payment plans to ease the cost.
AZ Dentist is your Phoenix area cosmetic dentist, specializing in ceramic crowns. Give us a call today for your most beautiful smile.