subject: The Different Types Of Dental Crowns [print this page] Going to the dentist can be a very expensive and painful experience. There is actually a group of people who have a legitimate fear of the dentists' office. This fear is known as dentophobia. Not everyone has this fear and it is really only diagnosed to the most severe cases. Everyone, regardless of their fears or not, should go to the dentist though. Inevitably, many will have to get crowns at some point, too. It's important to know for when this time comes that there are many different types of dental crown options to choose from.
The most popular choices for dental crowns would be those made out of gold or porcelain. They both have pros and cons to their chemical makeup. Gold, for example, is a material that is very easy to mold. This is what makes it very appealing to dentists. Because it is so easy to manipulate, gold crowns can be made to fit precisely where and how they should. A precise fit is very important for jaw comfort and such. The better it fits, the less likely it will be to have problems with it in the future.
Something else to consider about gold crowns is the fact that they are very durable. The biting and chewing that happens throughout the day can wear and tear on certain crown materials. Gold, though, is incredibly durable which means they will most likely last the longest. The drawback to gold crowns, though, is the fact that they are not the easiest on the eyes. They are a bright color that is unflattering to the smile. That is why it is best to use this material on the molars that are not easily seen during normal conversation.
Those who stand in need of getting a crown for a tooth that is highly visible would do best to get a porcelain crown. Dental porcelain has a translucent look about them which is incredibly similar to the look of a natural tooth. The downside to getting a porcelain tooth is the fact that it does not withstand wear and tear from biting and chewing nearly as well as gold teeth do. It is for this reason that porcelain is best when not used on the back teeth where the pressure is the greatest.
A great solution to the controversial decision of whether or not to use porcelain or gold for a crown is to use a combination of the two. A dental lab technician might fuse porcelain to metal dental crowns which provides the durability of the metal and the cosmetic perks of the porcelain. This is yet another option to consider. Indeed, there are many options to choose from when getting a dental crown.
