What are Dental Crowns Made of?

What are Dental Crowns Made of?

Dental crowns are restorative treatments designed to help protect or replace teeth that have had issues. They are often used to preserve teeth or improve their appearance, so there could be a number of reasons a dental crown may be recommended. For example, if you have a weakened tooth, a dental crown can serve as a protective cap that restores functionality whilst also reducing further damage to the original tooth. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials – but how do you know what the best material for a crown is?

Our guide to what dental crowns are made of should help you decide which crown material to go for.

READ MORE: How to Know if a Dental Crown is Right for You

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is an excellent option for restorative work where teeth have decayed or become damaged. Offering structural support and enhancing smiles, dental crowns are now one of the most commonly opted-for cosmetic dental procedures out there.

A dental crown is made up of a cover that goes over the original tooth. The process of getting a dental crown includes the following steps:

1. Preparation of the tooth involves having part of the outer layers of the tooth in order to ensure the crown will fit over the space snugly – and without sticking out or being uncomfortable.
   
2. Structural rebuilding of the tooth will then take place if it is required. Although crowns are designed to cover your tooth, they do need a sound structural base to adhere to. This means that if the underlying tooth is severely damaged or weakened, some structural work may need to be done to restore it. This may involve having a filling or composite bonding used to rebuild the shape of the tooth.
   
3. Taking impressions of the tooth means your dentist can have a custom crown cap made that perfectly fits your individual tooth.
   
4. Creating your crown will take place in the specialised dental lab, where your impressions will have been sent. The final crown will be tested against the impressions of the tooth, so you are guaranteed an ideal fit. This rigorous testing all takes place before your final appointment.
   
5. Cementing the crown will happen during your final appointment. When the crown has been delivered to them from the lab, your dentist will be in touch to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, you may already have a pre-booked appointment if delivery times are planned in advance. During this appointment, the crown will be cemented into place over the tooth using a strong dental adhesive.

What are Dental Crowns Made of?

Dental crowns can be made from a range of different materials, each with their own advantages. You have a few options when choosing what to use for your crown’s material. We will also discuss a couple of the pros and cons to each crown material.

Porcelain

Porcelain is one of the most realistic, natural materials that mimics the enamel that makes up our outer layers of teeth. This is because porcelain is naturally semi-translucent and has a pearly sheen, reflecting light just like our real teeth do.

Porcelain crowns have been used since the 1900s, though they did not really advance until new technologies allowed us to experiment with more long-lasting forms of the material. The type of porcelain crowns used in the 1900s would be very different from those we use today, as porcelain fused to metal (also known as PFM) crowns enabled a much more durable, lasting fit that looked natural. Porcelain crowns usually last up to 15 years with high quality care, though they can last longer. Porcelain crowns may cost up to £1000.

Zirconia

Zirconia is a commonly used dental crown material due to its impressive strength and longevity. Zirconia is made from a metal oxide that shares many of the same features with ceramics – similar to our natural teeth. It is a highly biocompatible material, with strength that compares to that of metal. Zirconia crowns can also be made using CAD/CAM technology, enabling the creation of exceptionally strong, highly bespoke fitting crowns.

Zirconia crowns will last longer if you take better care of them and attend regular check ups; they can last between 10 to 20 years, or even longer, with excellent care. Zirconia was only recently introduced to the world of dentistry, in the 1990s. As we ushered in the 2000s, it became much more commonly used – particularly for crowns. It is now one of the most popular crown materials due to its durability and natural-looking appeal. Zirconia crowns may cost up to £1000.

Gold Alloys

Gold alloys have been the popular choice for dental crowns for years, due to their durability and strength combined with resistance to pressure. This has made them especially useful for those teeth that require more resistance, such as molars. Gold alloys were frequently used in the past as they can last up to 20 years (or even longer).

Although they are strong, gold alloy crowns are not natural looking. In the past they were popular as they were the most durable option, but now we have other – more modern – alternatives. Around the 90s, gold alloy crowns rose in popularity due to rap culture and the options’ association with status. Gold alloys are still widely used for crowns and can be the best option in some cases, especially with back teeth. Gold alloy crowns are the most expensive option – the price will depend on the amount of gold used, however.

Quality Dental Crowns at Ringway Dental

At our luxurious private cosmetic dental surgery in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, we have been offering dental crowns for decades. Our dental crown costs begin at £750.00, though the prices will vary depending on which type of material you choose. To help spread the cost of crown treatments, we offer 0% interest financing options for those who are eligible.

If you are interested in a dental crown procedure, the best thing to do is get in touch. Our dedicated cosmetic dental experts are well placed to help you make the best possible decision for your smile. You can call our reception team on 0161 437 2029 to book an appointment, or book online using the button in the top right corner of the page.

Related Posts