Metal Crowns vs. Porcelain Dental Crowns

Metal crowns and porcelain dental crowns by the dentist in Phoenix, AZ are two common types of dental crowns used to restore and protect damaged teeth. Each type has its own advantages and considerations. Here's a comparison between metal crowns and porcelain dental crowns:

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns, such as those made from gold alloy or other metals like cobalt-chromium or nickel-chromium, are known for their strength and durability. They are less likely to chip or fracture compared to porcelain crowns, making them suitable for restoring back teeth that undergo significant chewing forces.

In some cases, metal crowns are still used for molars that are very far back in the mouth. They take longer to wear down than porcelain crowns and very rarely break as a result of biting or chewing. There is some risk of corrosion with metal crowns, but most metal alloys used for crowns are highly corrosion-resistant.

A common alternative to all-metal crowns are crowns made by fusing porcelain to metal. With these dental crowns, a patient has the advantage of the strength of metal, but the porcelain overlay can be color-matched to teeth. With a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, the porcelain may eventually chip, exposing the metal beneath. Patients may also be able to see a dark line where the crown meets the gumline.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a good choice for patients who want a crown that is color-matched but still can withstand significant biting or chewing force. These crowns can be used for front or back teeth. Call us to learn more.

Porcelain Crowns

For patients looking for dental crowns with the most natural color matching possible, porcelain crowns may be the better option. They are made with several layers of porcelain, each with a slightly different color, and they come closer to looking like a natural tooth compared to other types of dental crowns. With porcelain crowns, patients also do not need to worry about the dark line often seen at the gumline with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Because there are fewer aesthetic concerns, porcelain crowns are commonly used for front teeth, but they can sometimes be used for back teeth as well.

Porcelain crowns are highly aesthetic and can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth. They mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel and are an excellent choice for restoring front teeth where appearance is a primary concern.

However, porcelain crowns are not as durable as metal crowns. Because they do not have the stronger layer of metal beneath the porcelain, they can be more prone to fractures over time. In more recent years, some dentists in Phoenix, AZ have begun using crowns made with layers of both porcelain and zirconia. Zirconia is an extremely durable ceramic that, like porcelain, can usually be color-matched to a patient's teeth. Porcelain-zirconia crowns are stronger than traditional porcelain crowns, and they may be ideal if excessive wear or eventual breakage is a concern. Both all-porcelain and porcelain-zirconia crowns are a potential option for patients with metal allergies.

Conclusion

For patients in need of one or more dental crowns, it is often wise to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both metal and porcelain crowns with a dentist. By taking into account the location of the affected tooth and the patient's individual preferences, the dentist in 85053 and patient can decide together on the right material to use.

Request an appointment or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at 602-547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.