Tooth decay, gum inflammation, and pain are the common health issues a patient faces after dental crowning. There are a lot of factors that cause this issue to arise in the post-treatment process. Ill-fitting dental crowns are the major ones among them.
Dentists use ordinary dental crown material to make dental crowns. These models don’t fit properly in the gum tissues and cause irritations. So, it’s necessary for dentists to choose high-quality and right materials that are durable and affordable.
This article provides a detailed guide about dental crown material types, their specifications, and how to choose the best material for dental labs. So, keep reading if you are a dentist or a patient.
What Are Dental Crowns and Why Do You Need Them?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap made of different dental material. Dentists use 3D Printers along with high-quality material to make 3D models. They used this model as a crown in the patient’s mouth to replace the damaged, decayed teeth.
The basic purpose of a crown is to restore the structure and function of a patient’s mouth that was damaged with decayed teeth. It acts as a protective cover for a weakened or broken tooth.
Here are a few reasons why people use crowns:
- To protect a weak tooth from getting worse.
- To fix a tooth that has a large filling and is at risk of breaking
- To enhance the smile or the face appearance
- To hold a dental bridge in place.
Exploring Top 6 Types of Dental Crown Materials
Here are the detailed explanations of the six best dental crown materials used to make dental crowns.
1) Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
This type of crown is made of a porcelain material. This material is a hybrid solution of combining metal and porcelain. Metal provides strength to the material. Porcelain enhances the natural appearance of crowns made of this material. So, this material provides robust structural support and reduces the risk of crown decay or damage.
Benefits:
Cost-effective: This material is generally less expensive than other dental materials on the market. So, you can make a custom-sized crown without breaking the bank.
Aesthetic Appeal: The exterior surface of porcelain material provides a natural look. It blends well with the surrounding teeth and enhances the face’s beauty.
Strength and Durability: Metal provides exceptional strength and makes the crown suitable for both front and back teeth.
Drawbacks:
- Porcelain material can be abrasive over time and cause wear.
2) All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
Dentists use all-ceramic or all-porcelain material to make crowns. They don’t use the hybrid solution of these materials. These types of crowns are an excellent choice to replace the front damaged or weak teeth. Both these materials have superior aesthetic quality and reduce the risk of infection or allergy.
Benefits:
- Biocompatibility: Ceramic and porcelain materials are metal-free. It is ideal for people who have metal allergies.
- Less Wear on Opposing Teeth: Ceramic material is less abrasive compared to porcelain. It reduces the risk of wearing down opposing teeth.
- Best Aesthetics: Both these materials provide a crown that looks like natural teeth. Its excellent capability to blend with natural teeth colour enhances aesthetics.
Drawbacks:
- Crowns made of both metals are more expensive than metal base crowns.
3) Metal Crowns
Metal base crowns are entirely made of metal alloys. Gold, platinum, palladium, nickel, and chromium are used inside the metal material. This metal alloy is strong enough and resistant to wear and tear. Crown made of this material provides exceptional strength and reliability.
Benefits:
- Less Tooth Removal: The crown made of metal allows for less removal of the natural tooth as compared to other crowns during treatment.
- Longevity: Metal base crowns last for a long time. Patients don’t need to replace or adjust the crown frequently once it is integrated with bone tissue.
- Durability: Metal alloys are durable and provide strong chewing capability to patients. It’s ideal to make back molars where the biting forces are greatest.
- Drawbacks: The metallic colour of this material is highly visible, which impacts the face’s appearance or smile.
4) Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia materials are made from zirconia dioxide. This material is very durable compared to other materials like ceramic. Zirconia gained popularity due to its exceptional strength and natural appearance.
Benefits
- Strength and Durability: This material is one of the strongest and most durable materials used in dentistry. Zirconia is resistant to fracture and wear during chewing hard food items.
- Biocompatibility: Zirconia is a metal-free material and hypoallergenic. This material is suitable for patients with metal sensitivities.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The colour of this material is similar to enamel. So, the colour matches natural teeth and enhances the patient’s smile.
Drawbacks:
- The outer layer of this material chip could be damaged if the patient had a habit of grinding their teeth.
5) E-Max (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns
E-Max crowns made from lithium disilicate. This is a high-strength ceramic material that provides enough strength and durability to dental models. Dentists use this material to make crowns that enhance the patient’s chewing and speaking capability.
Benefits:
- Minimal Tooth Preparation: Crowns made of this material need little preparation of the mouth. So, the dentist saves their time and focuses on other patients.
- Strength: A crown made of this material has exceptional strength. This crown is suitable for front and back teeth.
- Translucency: This material has the capability to blend naturally with the original teeth colour. This colour-matching feature of this material enhances the patient’s smile.
Drawbacks:
- This material is quite expensive compared to ceramic material.
6) Dental Composite Crowns
Composite is a resin-based material that is widely used in dental labs. This material is flexible and resistant against decay. Crowns made of this material are exceptionally durable and the best way to replace front and back teeth.
Benefits:
- Cost-effective: The crown made of this material is affordable compared to other materials like zirconia and porcelain.
- Resistance to Decay: This material is flexible and resistant to tooth decay. So, the dentist and patient both get peace of mind that the crown won’t be degraded or replaced frequently.
- Durability: The crown made of this material is durable and lasts for years. It also enhances your chewing and speaking ability after the treatment is complete.
Drawback:
- The outer surface made of this material won’t blend naturally with natural teeth.
Top 3 Dental Crown Material Suppliers
Here are three suppliers of crown material for teeth that are well-known in the market.
1. Aidite
Aidite is a well-known dental material supplier in the market. The brand mainly focuses on quality and accuracy. Their dental materials and appliances are efficient. The company’s products are trusted by dental professionals worldwide.
Aidite zirconia materials is durable and enhances aesthetic appeal. This material is best to make high-quality crowns, veneers, and bridges. Their range of materials is designed to meet the dentist’s requirements. Furthermore, the products are cost-effective and perfect for dental restorations.
2. Ivoclar Vivadent
Ivoclar Vivadent is another great supplier of dental material and equipment. The brand is known for its innovation and precision. Their materials are biocompatible and used to make different dental models like veneers, bridges, and crowns.
Furthermore, the brand materials are focused on precision and quality. Their tools or equipment are equipped with cutting-edge technology. Dentists use their material to make anterior and posterior restorations.
3. 3M ESPE
3M ESPE is one of the largest and most trusted names in the dental industry. This brand’s products are also known for their strength and ease of use. Their materials are strong enough to wear. The company ensures the dental professionals make dental models that last for a long time. Their commitment to innovation and quality makes them the top choice among health experts. Their team provides exceptional customer support.
How to choose the Best Dental Crown Material for your Dental labs?
Dentists need to consider a few factors before choosing the permanent crown material. The right enhances your patient satisfaction and increases the success rate of your treatment.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Strength and Durability: Always choose the material that is durable and strong. Zirconia and metal alloys are ideal due to their exceptional strength and ability to withstand chewing forces.
- Blend Naturally with Original Teeth: The patient wants to enhance their smile appearance. So, choose the material that colours like natural teeth and enhances the facial appearance.
- Cost: Material costs matter for every dentist. Choose the material that is cost-effective and balances quality. Don’t choose the material from a cheap brand.
Ultimately, the best material depends on the patient’s needs, the crown locations, and the patient’s budget. So, consider all these factors while making an informal decision.
FAQs
What is the best material for a dental crown?
Lab technicians use different types of material to make crowns. However, the expert dentist uses zirconia to make durable crowns that withstand the chewing force of teeth. They are also gentle on your opposing teeth and protect the teeth from wear.
Which crown is stronger?
A crown made of metal is most robust and lasts for a long time. Metal crowns are made of different metal alloys like gold, platinum, and nickel. The patient won’t need to replace the crown due to durability and reliability.
Which crown is more expensive?
Gold and all-porcelain crowns are generally the most expensive dental crowns, while porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are less expensive. The average cost of gold crowns is between $300 and $2,500. The cost of a porcelain crown is $800 to $3,000.
Conclusion
To summarise, the dental crown material quality is essential to achieve flawless results. It’s important for dentists to explore the various types of products available in the market and their brand reputations. Some brands claim to provide quality, but the dental model of this material won’t last for years.
Aidite provides high-quality and cost-effective Dental Materials that are durable and reliable. Their material is strong enough to make dental appliances and restorations. Furthermore, Aidite materials are biocompatible and won’t risk allergy or sensitivity. So, choose wisely.