Before choosing the material for a replacement dental crown Aurora general and cosmetic dentists will need to consider the role the crown plays in occlusal function. A replacement material choice will be made based on mitigating factors such as the patient’s specific personal needs, the type and amount of stress on the tooth/teeth being treated, and how much room is available.
While there are three common materials employed in the manufacture of crowns, or "caps", the most frequently used is porcelain. One type of porcelain is pure porcelain or ceramic crowns; the other is porcelain merged with metal. Porcelain crowns merged with gold or other dental-safe metals, alloys, or amalgams result in strongest and longer lasting crowns.
The key to successful application of any kind of crown is the preparation of the tooth to which the crown will be attached. This is a potential trouble spot, as porcelain crowns fused with metal need a significantly larger space to be attached in a stable and secure manner.
A second concern where the porcelain to metal crowns are concerned, is the gradual appearance of the underlying metal within the inner core of the crown as the gum recedes with age. Aurora dentists usually solve this problem by fitting a porcelain collar around the base of the crown to cover up the exposed metal as the gum retracts.
Zirconia and aluminous materials, which are ceramic materials, are frequently used to make all porcelain crowns. While they are easier to fit, because they do no have the inner metallic core, they are not nearly as durable as the porcelain-on-metal crowns. Most patients prefer to have an all-porcelain tooth because they look almost real. Crowns that are applied for purely aesthetic purposes are usually the all-porcelain variety, wherever such an application is possible.
Patients have to visit their Aurora dentist twice to complete crown placement. In the first visit the dentist prepares the affected and surrounding teeth, if necessary, and fit a temporary crown to the compromised tooth. The second visit is needed to place the permanent crown(s) with a dental cement or adhesive, and for the patient to test the new crown(s) for comfort and aesthetic appeal.
People with partial dentures may also need crowns applied to the teeth that will be used to secure their partial dentures.
Implant placement is a common alternative crown placement since implants provide a stronger and more natural bite for the patient than dentures or partials.