broken teeth, crowns, temporary crownsIf you have a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth, or if there is some other issue with one or more of your teeth, you may need a crown. Depending on the situation, your financial resources, or the dentist’s recommendations, you’ll have certain choices with regard to the materials that the crown is composed of.
Each type of crown with have certain benefits, so it’s a good idea to understand the basics so that you can make the right choice for yourself or someone in your family.
Temporary Crowns
Usually these temporary crowns are made of acrylic. That’s because they don’t need to last nearly as long as permanent or long-term crowns. The acrylic crown is cemented to the tooth for a short period of time.
These are generally used until the permanent crown can be created and fitted to the tooth precisely.
Full Porcelain Ceramic Crowns
If you’re looking for the most natural appearance of those crowns, you may want to discuss full porcelain ceramic crowns with your dentist. If you have any allergies to metal, then these might be a necessity.
The downside to these types of crowns is that they are not as strong as porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM). These crowns could crack or chip, leaving you needing a new one in time.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
More commonly referred to as PFM crowns, these are porcelain that are fused to a metal base and are extremely strong. They have a relatively natural appearance and are the most affordable type of crown you’ll find.
They are most likely recommended for rear teeth because the metal can withstand some intense pressure when chewing food.
In natural or full light, though, the metal can be visible, which makes this type of crown less appealing for forward positioned teeth. For those who have allergies to certain metals, these might not be practical at all.
As you know more about crowns now, if that time comes when your dentist recommends one or more, you’ll know which one is ideal for you.