Non-Metal Crowns

Through the everyday act of eating and drinking, teeth are a part of the body that are constantly in use. As a result, over time, we are prone to suffer from tooth decay. One of the most common issues with your teeth is getting a cavity. Cavities occur when there is permanent damage to the enamel of the teeth due to the presence of decay. Along with cavities, damage to the teeth can also occur with overuse, cracking, or breaking of a tooth. Luckily, dental crowns have come to the rescue for people who need to improve their dental health. Dental crowns help to protect a tooth that is weak and needs some covering. Crowns are also beneficial to cover a tooth that has been treated for a root canal, to cover a dental implant, or helping to support a dental bridge.

Why Were Crowns Made from Metal?

In the past, dental crowns have been made from metal material such as gold, nickel, chromium, palladium, or a combination of different metals–such as alloy. These metal materials can include multiple colors of gold, silver, tin, gallium, and copper. The use of metal to protect teeth is an ancient practice that started as early as 200 AD.

Due to its strength and durability, some dentists continue to use metal crowns in modern dentistry. Metal is a very strong material that is not likely to break if it encounters a solid object or is constantly grinding and chewing food particularly in the back of the mouth, which is where the most common place where people require dental crowns. Crowns made of metal have historically been easy to fit over a tooth.

As the years have passed, the field of dentistry has developed other alternatives to metal crowns that are both durable and cosmetically pleasing. One of the biggest disadvantages of metal crowns is the metal color in a mouth full of white teeth. Some dental crowns use porcelain fused to metal crowns–better known as PFM crowns. The interior of the crown is metal, with a layer of porcelain on top that will look more natural to the color of teeth.

The Advantages of Non-Metal Crowns

Non-metal dental crowns have become more popular in recent years because they have many different benefits, while also taking a more holistic approach to dental procedures. Some of the more common materials used for dental crowns that are not metal are porcelain and ceramic crowns. These materials are beneficial because they are very strong and they are also visually appealing, with a natural look that is similar to the look of teeth. The natural look of these crowns will not be noticeable when you smile.

Some non-metal dental crowns options and their benefits, according to the Hemet Medical Center, include:

Fully Resin: Resin is a material that dentists use for fillings and dental crowns. The material is basically plastic and small glass particles. Resin is a cheaper material but is likely to break down because it lacks the strength of other available materials.
Fully Ceramic: Ceramic has the natural color of teeth and is beneficial to use because it is hypoallergenic.
Fully Porcelain: 100% porcelain dental crowns have similar benefits of ceramic crowns.
Pressed Ceramic: These crowns have ceramics on their inside and are capped with a porcelain cover-up. The internal ceramics give the strength that the tooth needs, with extra support and a natural appearance on the outside.

Non-metal dental crowns can provide the strength and support needed for healthy teeth while also offering superior cosmetic appeal. To learn more about holistic dentistry and better ways to have a healthier smile, get in touch with Pure Holistic Dental today. We offer non-metal crown material options like zirconia.

What are the differences between Inlays, Onlays, and Full Crowns?

Dental inlays, onlays, and crowns are all restorative treatments designed to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Each option serves a distinct purpose based on the extent of the tooth damage.

1. Inlay: An inlay is a conservative restorative option used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or damage that doesn’t extend to the cusps (points) of the tooth. Typically crafted from materials like porcelain or composite resin, an inlay is custom-made to fit into the prepared cavity and is bonded securely to the tooth. Inlays provide strength and durability while preserving more natural tooth structure compared to larger restorations.

2. Onlay: Similar to an inlay, an onlay is used when the damage or decay is more extensive, involving one or more of the cusps. Onlays cover a larger portion of the tooth’s surface, offering a more extensive restoration than inlays. They are also custom-made to fit the specific shape of the prepared tooth, providing a strong and durable solution for moderate to large cavities.

3. Crown: A dental crown, often referred to as a cap, is the most comprehensive restorative option among the three. It is utilized when a tooth has significant damage, extensive decay, or has undergone root canal therapy. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, providing maximum protection and support. They are commonly used to restore the function and aesthetics of severely compromised teeth. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.

In summary, the main differences lie in the extent of tooth coverage:

Inlay: Covers only the inside of the tooth, within the cusps.
Onlay: Covers one or more cusps and may extend over the biting surface of the tooth.
Crown: Covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline.

The choice between an inlay, onlay, or crown depends on the severity of the tooth damage, and a dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on individual cases.