If you ask your friends and family, the odds are good that a fair number of them have dental crowns in their mouths. Dental crowns are the true workhorses of most dental practices, as they both effectively protect your teeth and beautifully preserve your smile. Not to mention, dental crowns can also be used to support other dental devices, such as dentures and bridges.
Here at Hillsdale Dental Care, Drs. Magdalena Azzarelli, Roge Jacob, and the rest of the skilled team turn to dental crowns on a regular basis to perform a wide range of functions. No matter what purpose your dental crown serves, you do have one decision before you — zirconia or porcelain.
Here, we explore the many benefits of each of these types of dental crowns.
When we manufacture a dental crown, our goal is to have this cap fit in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Porcelain fulfills this objective admirably as it features the whiteness and opalescence of your natural enamel.
We’re also looking for a material that’s durable, allowing it to keep up with your chewing needs, and porcelain excels in this endeavor, as well.
Porcelain, however, isn’t as strong as your natural tooth, so crowns can wear down and require replacement. It’s impossible to say here how long your porcelain crown may last as it depends upon location, care, and wear and tear, but these types of crowns can last 10 years or more.
If you want to add a little strength to your crown, without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, zirconia-based crowns are a great choice. Referred to as, “ceramic steel,” crowns made from zirconia withstand more wear and tear than porcelain, often lasting 15 years or more.
Since the material is ceramic, we can also shade the crown so that it perfectly blends in with your existing teeth.
Zirconia crowns are more expensive than porcelain crowns, so that might be a consideration when you’re choosing which crown is best for your needs and your budget.
No matter which material you choose, the care you give your dental crown is important. Crowns are permanent fixtures, so you should provide them with the same care as you do your natural teeth, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
You should, however, pay more attention to how you use your crown and avoid things that might damage the prosthetic, such as hard candies and popcorn, and never use your teeth as tools.
If you protect your crown well, whether porcelain or zirconia, it will reward you with years of great service.
If you have more questions about which crown is right for you, contact our office in San Jose, California, to set up a consultation.
