Nowadays, there are many great materials out there for repairing damaged teeth with dental crowns or replacing missing teeth with bridges. Naturally, the top dental material pick may vary from one person to the next. Still, in a general sense, it should be noted that a certain category of materials has long dominated the dental world and, accordingly, remains the predominant choice for achieving virtually all dental restorations. Let’s explore some of the most common restorative materials:
Ceramics and Porcelains
The choices of many dental patients today are ceramic (porcelain) crowns and bridges. These options are not only popular but also very much in use in today’s modern dentistry. Furthermore, they protect and strengthen damaged teeth and provide one of the most natural appearances in dental restoration; when done right, it’s often hard for even a person with a trained eye to tell the difference between a natural tooth and a well-placed ceramic one.
Of all ceramic crowns and bridges, lithium disilicate and zirconium dioxide CAD/CAM–milled restorations are at the top due to their exceptional strength and hardness.
Composite Resin
Dental crowns made from composite resin consist of glass and plastic particles. Closely related to ceramics in composition, these cementable materials offer an affordable, metal-free solution. They are less hard and durable than ceramics but are good choices for long-lasting dental restorations.
Besides their lower appearance in hardness and strength compared to ceramics, these types of crowns, when done well, furnish a tooth structure that can perform its basic functions. They are very cost-effective and can be done in one visit.
Base Metal Alloys
Dental crowns made of metal alloys have been a part of dentistry for many years because they are incredibly strong and durable. They are made from a mixture of metals, including gold, chromium, and nickel. As a result, they are both tough and resistant to breakage, making them an excellent choice for repairing teeth that take a lot of biting and grinding.
We will discuss other types of crowns later. But first, let’s handle this golden boy. The first thing you need to understand is that gold alloys are not pure gold.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
PFM crowns are made from a metal alloy for strength, which is then coated with a ceramic material to give it the look of a natural tooth. The metal shell inside the PFM crown provides the crown with the necessary strength, as it is anchored securely to the tooth. The metal used in PFM crowns is either a gold alloy or one of several white-metal alloys that all have an appearance similar to that of a natural tooth. Of all the restorations that can be made to replace a missing tooth, PFM crowns are the most common.
Material Selection Factors
To choose the best material for a restorative dental procedure, the team at Precision Dentistry of Olympia weighs several crucial elements. namely:
- Which teeth require restoration (can be seen)
- The forces applied when you bite and any tooth-grinding habits
- The cost of the materials and the amount you are willing to spend
- If you have any allergies or intolerances
- How long do you want the restoration to last
After thoroughly assessing your distinct situation and what you want to achieve, we can suggest the ideal choice of materials. We aim to give you a durable, functional, and visually appealing outcome that you will feel good about sharing with the world.
