Ceramic vs Porcelain Crowns
Dental crowns are an abundantly common and popular restoration used to protect and strengthen a natural tooth which is damaged or showing significant wear. The materials used most often for dental crowns are ceramic and porcelain. The following are a few differences.
What are Crowns and What are They Used For?
A crown is a dental restoration that covers, like a protective cap, the entire tooth visible above your gum line. A dental crown will enhance and improve the appearance of a tooth and also help strengthen and protect it. They are most often fabricated from ceramic or porcelain, and they are custom designed to match the specific color of your surrounding natural teeth. Sometimes metal or resin crowns could be used. All-metal crowns are more expensive and are not used very often. Dental crowns are used on a broken tooth, or a tooth that has just experienced a root canal, or one damaged by decay. Crowns are also often used to support a traditional dental bridge or to complete an implant restoration.
What is the Difference Between a Ceramic Crown and a Porcelain Crown?
Ceramic crowns are fabricated totally of ceramic, whereas a porcelain crown consists of a metal core, then covered with porcelain. Porcelain is more expensive than ceramic.
Porcelain crowns can be more durable and will last longer. Ceramic crowns can look more natural and will not have any metal edges, which might show at times if your gums recede. A ceramic crown is usually the preferred choice for a front tooth. Your best choice of crown material will depend on your budget and aesthetic goals.
How can You Choose the Right Crown Material?
Porcelain dental crowns are strong and durable, making them a favorable choice for a molar or a tooth which might experience more wear and tear. Porcelain, though, can sometimes make your teeth look darker or yellowish.
Ceramic crowns are created completely of ceramic to precisely match your natural teeth color. They are also more resistant to chipping or fracturing than porcelain. They may also not be as strong and are more likely to show more wear over time. They are also the choice if you have metal allergies.
The Cost of Ceramic and Porcelain Dental Crowns
Certainly, cost is a consideration when choosing your crown. Porcelain is often considered the gold standard since it provides both premium aesthetics and durability. Porcelain dental crowns may cost $1,000 to $1,500 per tooth on average.
The ceramic crown cost is more budget-friendly, usually averaging $600 to $800 per tooth. They will not be as durable as porcelain, but they still provide pleasing aesthetics and are a successful option for a tight budget.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns, with decent care, can last 15 to 30 years. Gold crowns will last exceptionally longer, but they are expensive and not used as often.
Wear and tear are natural, and they might cause your crown to weaken or even break. If you enjoy hard items such as nuts, there is an increased risk of wear because of the firmness of nuts. We all have varied diets and different dental hygiene habits, so it is difficult to specify the exact lifespan of your dental crown.