At some point in our life, most of us may end up needing a dental crown. If you have clicked on this blog, there is a high possibility that your dental crown time has come now. Going in for a dental procedure can be a little intimidating and confusing. Dental crowns can involve a significant financial investment, and it is imperative to make the right decision as it can affect your oral and overall health.
Therefore, it always helps if you are equipped with trustworthy information before entering your dentist’s clinic. This blog will brief you on everything there is to know about ceramic and composite resin dental crowns, so keep reading ahead.
What are dental crowns?
Before we dive deep into ceramic and composite resin crowns, let’s first address the basics of a dental crown.
A dental crown is a covering or a cap that fits over the top or visible part of the tooth. It restores a compromised tooth’s shape, size, structure and colour. Moreover, it provides adequate reinforcement to the tooth and ensures its increased life in the oral cavity.
Crowns also form a part of dental bridges and aid in the restoration of missing teeth. Usually, two teeth adjacent to the missing space are used as support and receive dental crowns, and with the help of these false teeth (also known as pontic) are suspended. The crowns and the pontic are manufactured as a single unit.
Why would I need a dental crown?
Wondering why your dentist has prescribed you a dental crown? There are several reasons you may need one, which may include:
-
When dental cavities become too extensive and destroy a significant chunk of the tooth structure.
-
Dental crowns also help restore fractures and broken teeth.
-
Serve aesthetic purposes by restoring severely misshapen, worn down or stained teeth.
-
Often indicated after large dental fillings or root canal treatments.
-
Helps hold the dental bridge in place.
-
Restores dental implants.
What are the different types of dental crowns?
Dr Viorel Talpa offers different types of dental crowns that are advised and customised according to individual patient needs.
Traditional dental crowns cover all the surfaces of your teeth and require extensive preparation. However, if your needs fit a less comprehensive and more conservative approach, Dr Talpa may advise you on 3/4th crowns and onlays.
These restorations are used when the damage is too significant to be repaired by a filling but small enough not to need a full crown.
What materials do we use for making your dental crowns and bridges?
Base Metal Alloys
Made from stainless steel, titanium, chromium, nickel, and cobalt alloys. These crowns are strong and durable but lack aesthetics. Best for back teeth.
Gold
Gold crowns were once popular for their strength and longevity but are no longer used due to poor aesthetics.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)
A combination of metal and porcelain — strong and aesthetic, but the porcelain layer may chip off over time, revealing the metal beneath.
Ceramic and Composite Resin Crowns
Owing to the disadvantages of metal crowns, a need for more aesthetic and natural-looking crowns led to the invention of all-ceramic and composite resin crowns. These are widely used today.
What are the major differences between Composite Resin Crown and Ceramic Dental Crown?
Composite Resin Crowns
Composite resin crowns are made entirely of composite resin — a blend of acrylic resin and glass. They can be colour-matched to your natural teeth.
Advantages
-
Highly aesthetic
-
Can be used as a permanent option for front teeth
-
Helps conceal stained and crooked teeth
-
Inexpensive compared to porcelain crowns
-
Gentle on opposing teeth
-
Good alternative to fillings
Disadvantages
-
Primarily a temporary measure
-
Not suitable for back teeth
-
Short lifespan (3–4 years)
-
Lacks strength and chewing resistance
-
Requires more tooth preparation
Ceramic Dental Crowns
Made entirely of ceramic or porcelain, these crowns offer the highest aesthetic value. They mimic natural tooth translucency and are highly durable.
Types of Ceramic Crowns
-
Feldspathic Porcelain Crowns – Traditional layered porcelain crowns with a natural look.
-
Zirconia Crowns – The strongest and most aesthetic crowns; can be monolithic for greater durability.
-
Aluminous Crowns (Procera, Empress, Emax) – Porous and highly translucent, offering a lifelike appearance.
Ceramic crowns can be lab-made or milled in-clinic using CAD-CAM technology.
Advantages of Ceramic Crowns
-
Excellent aesthetics
-
Lifelike, natural appearance
-
High strength and longevity (up to 20 years)
-
Biocompatible and safe
-
Requires minimal tooth preparation
-
One-time investment
Disadvantages of Ceramic Crowns
-
Expensive compared to other materials
-
Can stain over time
-
Requires proper care
Dental Crown Procedure
The process is similar for all types of crowns:
-
Tooth Preparation: Removal of decay or damage using a dental drill.
-
Impressions: Taken for both upper and lower teeth to fabricate the crown.
-
Shade Selection: Matching crown colour to your natural teeth.
-
Trial Fitting: Ensuring proper fit before final fabrication.
-
Cementation: The final crown is permanently fixed with dental cement.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us. Dr Viorel Talpa and his team of excellent dental professionals are here to assist you in your journey to a beautiful and healthy smile.
