Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
The properties of different materials used in dental crowns depend on their composition. Crowns made of base metals, for example, have high melting points and exhibit shrinkage during the casting process. They also tend to be harder than noble metals and exhibit twice the elasticity. As such, they are difficult to cast and polish. The following are some of the advantages of different types of base metal crowns. These materials also provide high strength and rigidity, which are important characteristics in dental crowns.
Metal crowns are made from various materials, including gold and silver. The properties of metals make them more durable for dental use, while others are more cosmetically pleasing. For the most part, porcelain-based crowns look like natural teeth. The drawback of metal-based crowns is the fact that they are not as strong as their ceramic counterparts. Still, they are suitable for out-of-sight molars. In the long run, you can count on them for many years.
Monolithic-based crowns are made of solid zirconia. The underlying layer is tooth-colored and is layered with a transparent porcelain material. The color of monolithic crowns is similar to that of natural teeth, allowing you to customize the look. Zirconia-based crowns are more esthetic than their ceramic counterparts. A dentist can choose the color that matches the rest of the teeth with minimal invasiveness. If you need more details on monolithic-based crowns you are at the right place.
The resistance and retention of a dental crown also depend on the length of the prepared tooth. To resist removal, the length of the preparation must be greater than the height formed by the arc of the cast. A longer preparation also has a greater surface area. Moreover, it needs to be taller than the height formed by the arc of the cast. To minimize the length, a dentist can add grooves to the axial wall of the tooth to decrease the diameter of the arc.
Proper oral hygiene can extend the lifespan of dental crowns. Besides following good oral hygiene practices, you should also visit the dentist regularly to have regular check-ups and professional cleaning. Topical fluoride treatments can help prevent any further decay or damage of the crown. Crowns can be broken by heavy forces. Therefore, a protective mouthguard should be worn when tackling heavy objects. This can also reduce the risk of breakage. Visit this link for more tips on good oral hygiene practices.
Another type of dental crown is porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal crown with the aesthetics of a porcelain coating. They have been in use for over 50 years. Porcelain crowns are more expensive, but they will last much longer if you follow a good oral hygiene regimen. However, porcelain crowns may wear down more than metal crowns over the long run. For more enlightenment on the above topic, click: https://www.britannica.com/science/crown-tooth.