The Best Crown for You?
The following provides an overview of crowns available today:
Porcelain Fused to Metal: Strong crown with proven durability. Most toothcolored restorations are still done with this material.
Zirconia: New studies show zirconia crowns are as good as porcelain fused to metal crowns, with superior aesthetics.
Alumina: Same aesthetics as zirconia crowns, but according to recent studies, alumina is not as strong as its zirconia counterpart.
Full Porcelain: Most beautiful of all crowns. The compromise is in the strength, which is not rated for posterior teeth. Great for veneers.
Full Porcelain CAD/CAM: More of a technique than a material. Milled in the dentist’s office, this procedure provides fast-service aesthetics. They are operator specific, so results can vary. These restorations are strong and durable and can be used for posterior teeth.
Technique has a tremendous amount to do with how a crown looks and functions, in the short-term and long-term. Selecting
the right material and using an appropriate technique will provide a crown that is not easily seen once placed permanently, as
well as a durable restoration to last many years.
There are many brands and variations available for crowns, as well as other materials that are occasionally used. This
information gives you a good starting point in talking to your dentist when making a material selection.
- Mark D. McOmie, D.M.D.
