Benefits of Porcelain and Zirconia Dental Crowns
If a tooth has sustained damage or decay too significant for a filling, a dental crown may be necessary. These custom-made restorations are designed to cover the entire tooth structure and provide additional strength and reinforcement.
In the past, crowns were made from metal. Although metal restorations are still used in some cases today, most patients prefer tooth-colored crowns that will blend in with their surrounding teeth.
At Nordhus Dentistry in Wichita, KS, we use a number of biocompatible tooth-colored materials. Today, we will discuss the benefits of porcelain and zirconia dental crowns.
Dental Crowns: A Brief Overview
No matter what material you choose for your crown, the treatment will typically be the same. Most dental crowns require two office visits.
During the first appointment, Dr. Byron J. Nordhus will take x-rays and assess the tooth to make sure a crown is an appropriate treatment option. Next, he will prepare the tooth. To do this, small amounts of enamel must be removed from the tooth structure in order to allow for a proper fit.
Once this step is completed, we will take impressions of your teeth and use them to create a model of your mouth. These models will be sent to our dental lab, where your restoration will be fabricated. In the meantime, you will wear a temporary crown.
When your final crown is ready, we will schedule you for your second appointment, at which Dr. Nordhus will remove the temporary crown and replace it with your final restoration.
Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
One of the most obvious advantages of porcelain crowns is that they are lifelike. This material is even semi-translucent and reflects light in the same way a natural tooth does. Other benefits of porcelain crowns include:
- Color customization: Porcelain can be precisely matched to your surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance.
- Durability: Dental porcelain is incredibly robust. In fact, crowns made from this material can last upwards of 15 years.
- Stain-resistance: Unlike other dental materials, porcelain is resistant to staining and discoloration.
- Safety: The use of porcelain in dental procedures is safe and effective. There are no known long-lasting side effects, other than an extremely rare allergy to the dental materials.
- Comfort: Today, crowns can be fabricated with amazing precision. Once the restoration is in place, most patients cannot even tell they are wearing a crown.
- Function: When a tooth is restored to its natural shape and size, it fits in with the bite for optimal chewing function.
- Protection: Because the crown covers the entire structure, it can weaken a compromised tooth, making it more resilient to damage.
- Low maintenance: Although dental crowns require brushing and flossing just like natural teeth, there is no specialized maintenance needed.
Benefits of Zirconia Dental Crowns
Zirconia is derived from a metal. However, it has been used in the production of ceramics for quite some time. This material has been used in dentistry for the past several years, as it offers many of the same advantages as porcelain.
Zirconia has a few additional features that make it an excellent material for dental crowns. Zirconia crowns offer:
- Impeccable strength: Zirconia is even stronger than porcelain. In fact, when compared to their porcelain counterparts, zirconia crowns offer 200 percent higher bending strength and flexibility.
- Optimal comfort: Zirconia crowns do not transmit temperature fluctuations in the same way as traditional restorations. Therefore, patients find them more comfortable.
- Smooth surface: Because zirconia has a slick and smooth surface, it deters plaque and tartar from accumulating.
Learn More about Tooth-colored Crowns
If you need a dental crown, we can help you determine which material will most effectively suit your needs. To learn more, call us at (316) 721-6730 or contact us online.