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Zirconia crowns:
Do you need porcelain crowns?
If the teeth are too damaged, it is not possible to make a filling. Then we will suggest making a porcelain crown as a long-term solution.
They are necessary:
- if the tooth caries is significantly advanced and there is no possibility of the tooth filling normally;
- if most of the teeth above the gums are broken;
- when making partial dentures;
- as a crown on dental implants;
- in the absence of one or more teeth when the crown becomes part of the dental bridge;
- bite correction code;
- in the case of problems with the lower jaw joints, where the correction of the bite and “fitting” of the upper and lower teeth would give a solution to the problem;
- in worn, abraded and eroded teeth
- for aesthetic purposes, to beautify your smile by equalizing the size, shape and color of your teeth.
When you know you need a porcelain crown, you probably ask yourself first – what types of porcelain crowns are there and how much do they cost?
You will find the answers to these questions in the “Cvjetković” office. Based on the first examination, our medical team will explain the types of porcelain crowns in detail and give you a proposal for making them. Not every crown is made in all situations and a good choice is the first step that guarantees the longevity of your crowns.
Types of porcelain crowns – get acquainted with the general characteristics
- Whole metal crowns – these crowns are also the oldest, they are not used today. They were made of metal alloy, they were very strong and resistant, but they are gray and aesthetically unacceptable.
- Gold crowns – can be made as whole gold crowns (the whole tooth has a yellow gold color) or as a combination of gold and ceramics. The combination means that a gold base is made of gold, and ceramics in the color and shape of a natural tooth are baked on it. Golden crowns are strong, resistant, long-lasting and do not require much tooth removal. The disadvantage is their appearance and price.
- Porcelain fused to metal crowns have sufficient strength and resistance thanks to the metal base, but also good aesthetics thanks to ceramics that are baked on a metal base. They have certain aesthetic flaws, such as poor refraction of light and discoloration of the gums along the edge of the crown.
Special types of porcelain crowns are those with a titanium base on which ceramics are baked. Titanium is known for its good physical properties and biocompatibility and is often used in implantology.
- All ceramic crowns – this is a large group within which there are subtypes of porcelain crowns. Zircon crowns are very popular. Zircon is a relatively new material, it has adequate strength and resistance and at the same time an excellent aesthetic effect. In dentistry, several types of zircon are used to make porcelain crowns, from high translucent which provides better aesthetics and lower strength, to low translucent when physical properties are improved at the expense of aesthetics. Zircon crowns can be made as monolithic crowns, with the “cut back” technique or the usual layering.
- Lithium disilicate crowns belong to the group of all ceramic crowns. These are also newer types of porcelain crowns, known under the commercial name E – max. They are thin and graceful, and at the same time resistant and firm. They look great in the mouth and give the natural look of white teeth. Their disadvantage is the price and the fact that large span bridges can not be built with them.
Does it matter what types of porcelain crowns are used?
There is no strict division in which situations certain types of porcelain crowns can be made. But with some guidelines your crowns will last longer. Each situation in the mouth and the chosen manufacturing technology have their own specifics. This is how crowns that are done on implants are different from those on natural teeth, as well as crowns on front and side teeth. Possible harmful habits such as gnashing of teeth as well as the type of bite in the patient must also be taken into account.
Even within all ceramic crowns, we make a selection where crowns could be made of harder zircon or aesthetically more beautiful but less resistant lithium disilicate ceramics. Lithium disilicate crowns are avoided on darkly painted teeth or cast castings, and zircon crowns are preferred.
Which types of porcelain crowns should I choose?
You should know that porcelain crowns are long-lasting and will serve you for many years to come. It goes without saying that they want to be done professionally and with quality. You do not need to worry if you are not sure what types of porcelain crowns you want. Our experts will clarify all your doubts and suggest the right solution for you.