Dental crowns are ideal for repairing teeth that have sustained damage from mechanical breakage or decay and cavities. The prosthetic is aimed at restoring the strength and function of teeth as well as improving the visual impact. It also limits the progress of the damage because it is basically a cap that is placed over the natural tooth. You will find this treatment beneficial because it offers long-term restoration of dental and oral health. The crowns are fabricated indirectly using templates made from dental impressions and different restorative materials can be used. Here are short descriptions of some of the popular choices.
Gold
The success of gold dental crowns is attributed to the durability of the metal as well as the chemical stability when exposed to the conditions of the oral cavity. Alloys are used because the intrinsic strength of pure gold is quite low but the gentleness of the material is retained. A thin coat over the teeth offers sufficient dental protection and it is ideal for use on molars. The main drawback of the material is that it is not ideal for patients who are allergic or even sensitive to gold and it is not a primary choice for front teeth because it is not very aesthetically desirable. Since it is a good conductor of heat, the restoration can accelerate sensitivity to temperature.
Porcelain
The natural appearance of porcelain dental crowns makes this material one of the most popular choices especially for front teeth. It is also a poor conductor so sensitivity to temperature does not escalate after treatment. Full porcelain crowns have to be thick to provide enough resilience for proper function though the basic hardness can be damaging to the opposing teeth. Despite the apparent strength of the products, they are somewhat brittle so they are susceptible to fractures. Gold can be fused with porcelain to give the crown the desirable characteristics of both materials; the durability of gold and aesthetic value of porcelain. An alternate compound fused with porcelain for the same purpose is zirconium dioxide and it is used to create a resilient crown base. Its translucence and cheaper price makes it a more suitable material for fusion compared to gold.
Composite
If you are sensitive to metals and porcelain, dental composite is the perfect choice for you. While it is not exceptionally strong or durable, the chemical stability and gentle feel makes it a viable alternative. In addition, the synthetic resin is usually cured well before use so it is considerably strong and ideal for long-term temporary use.
For more information, contact a local prosthodontist (such as MDS Dental Specialist - Dr Boris Cherkasski)
Share23 February 2015
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
