Types of crowns
Crowns for the teeth can be of various kinds depending on their use and make:
Depending on the material of the crown, they are of the following types:
- Ceramic
The most realistic-looking tooth replacements are the translucent all-ceramic crowns. If your front tooth is broken or cracked, or if it is severely damaged and cannot be fixed with a veneer, an all-ceramic crown may be your best option for restoration.
Dental technology has advanced to the point where it can now offer materials like zirconia, E-max, and many more. Zirconia crowns are three times more durable than regular porcelain ones. It allows for the blending and matching of hues, translucency, and tones for a realistic appearance.
- Metal
These are the conventional crowns used by dentists for the back teeth. They are made of stainless steel and are very durable. A few reports suggest side-effects such as corrosion and leaching of metal crowns, but conclusive results are rare.
- Resin
These are crowns made of acrylic resin. They are usually fixed for an interim period, hence they are not durable. However, you can eat regular food with them.
- Combination of materials
PFM, or Porcelain Fused to Metal, crowns combine the benefits of both the standard dental materials: the durability of metal and the esthetics of porcelain. They are cost-effective and also rehabilitate your smile.
Depending on the purpose:
- Conventional crowns
These are metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramic crowns that are typically inserted following a root canal procedure, a large filling, or as part of a smile makeover. They require the usual two appointments that are spaced out over a period of a week. They are robust, enduring, and durable. You can carry on with your daily diet and habits with such a crown.
To stop any additional damage and gum infections, they require meticulous cleaning.
- Temporary crowns
These are interim crowns that are made of composite or acrylic resin and are often fixed to the tooth in-between appointments to assist in chewing and restore esthetics.
They are fixed using temporary cement for the ease of placement and removal.
- Same-day crowns.
In cases of immediate loading with dental implants and for aesthetic reasons, same-day crowns are recommended for front teeth.
They are well-liked by patients due to the comfort and ease they offer.
- Three-fourth crowns
With 3/4 crowns, only a portion of the tooth’s structure needs to be removed, and they can be placed in either the front or the back of the mouth. When a full crown is not required but most of the tooth still needs to be protected, 3/4 crowns are used.