When you get a dental crown to repair a damaged tooth, the final restoration could potentially be made out of a wide variety of materials. Each type of material offers its own benefits, so it’s important to consider your options carefully before you commit to anything. To help you get an idea of which kind of dental crown might be right for you, here’s a closer look at some of the materials used to create them.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a very popular choice for dental crowns and other types of restorations. This material is notable for its lifelike appearance. When it’s properly shaded, it can blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. As such, porcelain is a great choice for patients who want to repair their damaged teeth in a way that looks natural. Furthermore, porcelain is more resistant to staining than enamel. Thus, you can expect your restoration to continue to look its best for a long time, provided that you take good care of it.
Of course, porcelain crowns do have their drawbacks. They can be somewhat prone to chipping, so you will need to be careful when eating hard foods. On top of that, they can be harsh on opposing teeth and cause them to wear down faster.
Zirconia
Like porcelain, zirconia can be shaded to match the color of your natural teeth. As such, zirconia crowns can be another good option for patients who are worried about appearances. However, compared to porcelain, zirconia is significantly more durable. This can make it a better choice for crowns that are meant to be placed on the back teeth.
It’s worth noting that while zirconia crowns are safe for the vast majority of patients, they can cause a negative reaction in certain individuals. On top of that, zirconia crowns tend to carry a higher price tag than porcelain crowns.
EMAX
An EMAX crown is made out of lithium disilicate. While this material is not quite as strong as zirconia, it is still highly durable. On top of that, lithium disilicate mimics the way your natural teeth reflect light, which makes it a very good choice for repairing any teeth that are visible when you smile.
Like zirconia crowns, EMAX crowns tend to carry a higher price tag than porcelain restorations. Thus, you’ll need to decide whether the benefits of an EMAX crown are worth the higher cost.
So, which type of dental crown is truly right for you? The best way to answer that question is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. After they examine your smile and learn more about your situation, they can point you toward the type of restoration that’s right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Priya Chougule studied dentistry at the University of Connecticut. She has over 15 years of dental experience, and her professional memberships include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the South Carolina Dental Association. At Southlake Family Dentistry in Fort Mill, she has helped many patients restore the function and appearance of their smiles with personalized dental crowns. If you have a damaged tooth that’s in need of repair, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Chougule by visiting her website or calling (803) 548-3342.