When the need for dental prosthetics arises, the question arises - which crowns are best to install. Modern dentistry offers various options for dental crowns. They differ in material, purpose, and manufacturing technology. Each type has its pros and cons, each is recommended for certain indications.
What types of prostheses are there, which ones are better to install?
Crowns are fixed to the visible part of the element using a special dental compound. Prosthetics with crowns allows you to simultaneously restore chewing function and the anatomy of the dentition.
Teeth crowns differ in material and, accordingly, in price. To decide which crowns are best placed in a particular clinical case, you should outline the pros and cons of each type of prosthesis
Plastic crowns
Such products are used as temporary crowns. They are lightweight, quick to manufacture and inexpensive. The structures are fixed to ground teeth or implants (while the permanent prosthesis is being prepared).
The mission of temporary crowns is to evenly distribute the chewing load on the dentition, while reducing the risk of developing bone atrophy in the jaw and further accelerating the process of getting used to the permanent prosthetic structure.
Metal-plastic crowns
The most inexpensive option for prosthetics. The crown is based on a metal alloy (cobalt, chromium, nickel). To give the prosthesis a natural appearance, the base is covered with a layer of plastic. In case of minor chips in the material, the product can be repaired directly in the patient’s mouth.
Metal-plastic structures are not strong enough - they can last a person up to 3 years. Over time, products lose color, slightly increase in size, and can cause allergies.
Metal ceramics
Metal-ceramic crowns are the true “golden mean” - the products are quite reliable and aesthetic. The surface of the prosthesis is ceramic, and the base is a metal alloy.
When making dentures from precious metals (gold, silver, palladium), you can count on a more natural appearance of the structure. In this case, the metal base will not give off a grayish tint through the coating, as is the case with conventional metals.
The relatively low price of metal-ceramic prosthetics with its acceptable functional and aesthetic indicators makes this method of tooth restoration the most popular. However, before making a choice in favor of metal ceramics, it is worth considering the risk of developing an allergy to metal, as well as the minimal likelihood of chipping the ceramic coating.
Metal crowns
This type of prosthesis is less popular these days. The product looks like a metal cap that is placed on a damaged tooth or titanium root. The strength of these crowns is enviable. A significant disadvantage of such products is their unaesthetic appearance: metal in the oral cavity is difficult to hide from prying eyes.
The denture is made in a dental laboratory. The basis is steel, titanium, as well as gold and platinum. In dentistry, there are two types of metal crowns:
- stamped. These are standard caps that are given an individual shape in the patient’s mouth. The products have thin walls, so they wear out quickly and are very rarely used in practice;
- cast. The designs are prepared on the basis of personal casts. This technique makes it possible to produce dentures that fit perfectly to hard tissue, eliminating the spread of bacteria in the space between the denture and dental tissue.
In the process of manufacturing metal crowns, spraying technology is often used. The material for these purposes is chosen at the request of the patient (gold, zirconium dioxide, plate).
Metal-free crowns
This type of crown has the highest aesthetics - it is very difficult to distinguish them from natural teeth. The following materials can be used in the production of prostheses:
- porcelain or pressed ceramics. The most attractive looking crowns. They are inferior to their analogues in strength, but are absolutely safe for the patient - they have a high biocompatibility index;
- zirconium dioxide. A durable material that is superior to alternative options in aesthetics - teeth with such crowns look like natural ones in the mouth. Other advantages of zirconium dioxide crowns include: safety, resistance to breakage, long service life;
- aluminium oxide. This material is slightly lighter than zirconia, making it most preferred when restoring anterior teeth. Products made from aluminum oxide are hypoallergenic and do not change their shade.
What types of crowns are there?
A crown is a prosthesis for a tooth. Its main goal is not only to imitate a healthy tooth, but also to preserve the one underneath, to fully perform the chewing function, biting, if the installation is planned on the front teeth, to restore aesthetics, and to return a beautiful smile. Again, this is relevant if this concerns the frontal zone.
Which crowns are best to choose? First, it’s worth considering their types. Based on materials, they are divided into:
- metal;
- metal-ceramic;
- all-ceramic;
- metal-plastic;
- zirconium.
In each of the above types of dental crowns there is also a variety.
Metal crowns.
Cobalt-chromium alloy or nickel-chromium alloy is the most budget-friendly option for prosthetics. But they are used less and less. Such crowns can cause an allergic reaction, which the dentist immediately warns about before installing them. During use, the patient feels an unpleasant, metallic taste in the mouth. Another significant disadvantage is the lack of aesthetics.
Crowns made of precious metals
: gold, silver, platinum, titanium. Metal crowns are often solid. Using variations of alloys from them, they try to achieve better biocompatibility, which they have. Reliable, durable, but lacking aesthetics. If they serve as the basis for metal-ceramics, followed by the application of ceramic mass, then the issue of similarity with natural teeth becomes irrelevant. The result is a very natural prosthesis that will serve faithfully for years.
Metal-ceramic
The type of crown is by far the most popular and frequently used. Ceramic is applied layer by layer onto the metal frame. In some dental laboratories they are made using 3D modeling. The patient often makes this choice based on the average price and guaranteed quality. The method of metal-ceramic prosthetics has been used so often and for many years that the technology has been proven and is absolutely predictable.
All-ceramic
the prosthesis is made in several ways: by firing ceramics using a refractory mold, by pressing under pressure (E-max), by milling using CAD/CAM technology. Porcelain is an inert, safe material; a ceramic prosthesis is always a good match for its visual similarity to natural teeth. Has the same transparency. Metal-free crowns can be confidently placed on the front teeth.
Metal-plastic
or
plastic
crowns are placed while a permanent structure is being made or time is needed for healing after implantation.
Zirconium
(zirconium dioxide) is a good choice in all respects. The best types of crowns for teeth. Using CAD/CAM computer modeling on fully automated equipment, a crown is created from a monolithic material using a high-precision milling cutter. Aesthetic, reliable, wear-resistant, hypoallergenic.
Whether it will be installed on a tooth or crowns on implants, or whether it will be an integral part of the bridge prosthesis design simulating a missing element of the dentition, affects which crowns to choose.
During implantation, crowns are placed on an artificial tooth, with an abutment
. And the following types of dental crowns are preferred: ceramic, metal-ceramic, zirconium.
Comparative characteristics of different types of dental crowns
The table below shows the characteristics of popular types of dental crowns. This information should be taken into account when choosing crowns for the front or chewing teeth.
| Comparison parameter | Metal ceramics + gold, silver, palladium | Metal ceramics + nickel, chrome | Pressed ceramics | Zirconium | Aluminium oxide | Metal-plastic |
| Possibilities of prosthetics | ||||||
| Single restoration | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| As part of a dental bridge | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| For metal intolerance | + | — | + | + | + | — |
| For sore gums | + | — | + | + | + | — |
| For sensitive enamel layer | — | — | + | + | + | + |
| Qualitative characteristics | ||||||
| Possibility of fixing without turning | — | — | + | — | — | — |
| Probability of chipping (scale - 5 points) | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Maintaining aesthetics in % | 80 | 70 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 20 |
| Production | ||||||
| Manual technique | + | + | — | — | — | + |
| Computer modelling | — | — | + | + | + | — |
Which crowns are best for back teeth?
The lateral teeth bear the basic load, so for their reconstruction it is worth using the strongest prosthetic products. Aesthetics in this case are less important. However, not any unaesthetic material (metal) will be compatible with soft tissues - this is also worth taking into account when choosing crowns for molars.
Metal prostheses are reliable and inexpensive, they very rarely break. The disadvantages of prosthetics with metal crowns are a low level of aesthetics and a high risk of developing allergies.
You can solve the problem of material incompatibility with fabrics by choosing products made of precious metals (gold-platinum alloy) for installation. They are safe and non-toxic. However, the price of a crown will be comparable to the cost of a ceramic product.
The most preferred option for prosthetics of lateral teeth remains metal-ceramics. This choice of most patients can be called justified, because a metal-ceramic crown is an excellent ratio of price and quality. Compared to a metal structure, such a prosthesis is inferior only in strength (there is a risk of chipping the ceramic coating). Blueness of the gums, which is formed as a result of contact between metal and soft tissues, is not embarrassing, since we are talking about prosthetics in the area of chewing teeth.
It is not recommended to place all-ceramic structures on teeth, since they are not very durable - there is a high risk of chipping and breaking. An alternative to classic ceramics can only be E-max glass ceramics - a durable analogue at a higher price.
Products made from zirconium dioxide are the strongest and most durable, which is why they are often recommended for use in dental restoration. However, in this case, it is preferable to use exclusively monolithic zirconium crowns (the veneer may break off).
Which crowns are best placed in the smile area?
When fixing crowns on the front teeth, much attention is paid to the aesthetics of the result. The main task of the prosthesis is to be strong enough and not stand out against the background of natural teeth. When restoring the upper and lower dentition, identical design options are used.
Today, metal crowns are not placed on the front teeth. This statement is true both for products made of ordinary metals and precious ones.
Metal-ceramics is a good-priced, but aesthetically controversial, prosthetic option. The metal base of the structure is visible through the ceramics; over time, a bluish rim forms at the site of contact of the gums with the metal. To eliminate the second drawback, dentists offer to install metal-ceramic crowns with shoulder mass on the front teeth. However, this type of prosthetics is more expensive.
Prostheses made of medical porcelain or pressed ceramics are the best option for prosthetics of the frontal area. The crowns look good and are able to withstand the load placed on this area. The price of the products is quite affordable.
Constructions made of zirconium dioxide (aluminum oxide) should be installed if the color of the teeth in the smile area is significantly changed. In this case, a zirconium frame and porcelain lining will be the best option. The cost of such prosthetics is comparable to the price of ceramic crowns.
Tooth crowns: which ones are better in price?
The cost of crowns consists of materials, technologies and equipment used, as well as the qualifications of the doctor and the level of the clinic where the treatment is performed.
Types of crowns for teeth and which ones are better in terms of cost
| Type of crown | Price |
| Metal crown | 3,000 rubles |
| Metal-ceramic crown | 7,000 rubles. Metal-ceramics with shoulder mass - on average from 12,000 to 14,000 rubles, but may cost more (depending on the alloy and manufacturing technology) |
| Gold or platinum crown | 15,000 rubles. The upper threshold can reach 40,000 - 50,000 rubles |
| Ceramic crown | 15,000 rubles for standard crowns. Using Empress technology - on average 20,000 - 23,000 rubles |
| Zirconium dioxide crowns | 25,000 rubles |
You can view all prices for dental crowns here.
Service life of dental crowns made of different materials
The most short-lived are temporary crowns on teeth (plastic). In second place in terms of durability are products made of metal-plastic. The longest service life of structures is 5 years. However, patient reviews “speak” of premature darkening and deformation of the crowns.
Metal-ceramic dentures, which are successfully fixed to both the front and chewing teeth, usually last about 10 years. Artificial teeth made of ceramics remain the same in appearance and functionality for 10-15 years.
Metal crowns made of metal alloys last a long time and last at least 15 years.
Expensive materials - zirconium dioxide and aluminum oxide - last up to 20 years. The long service life justifies their high cost.
The service life of prosthetic structures is determined not only by the quality of their manufacture, but also by the care they are provided after installation.
Stages of prosthetics
Crown installation includes clinical and laboratory stages.
Clinical
- Preparation
- the doctor assesses the condition of the tooth and the oral cavity as a whole, and prescribes an x-ray examination. The mouth is sanitized (plaque and tartar are removed) and teeth and gums are treated (as indicated). - Root strengthening
is not necessary for every patient, only in case of severe destruction of the crown part of the tooth. The dentist strengthens the root by installing a special stump inlay made from the patient’s impression, taking into account the anatomy of the unit being restored. The lower part of the tab strengthens the root, the upper part serves as a support for the artificial crown. - Enamel preparation
– a crown is a special “cap” that is placed on a damaged tooth. In order for the prosthesis to hold securely, the dental tissues are given the desired shape - processed, ground with special tools. If necessary, the pulp is first removed, the root canals are expanded and filled, and then ground down. - Taking an impression
– an impression is taken from the patient’s teeth using an impression tray with a plastic mass or a digital scanner, the data is transferred to a dental laboratory for the manufacture of a prosthesis.
Installation of lithium disilicate or zirconium oxide crowns requires minimal grinding of the enamel. At the RUTT clinic, a dental microscope is used for preparation, which makes it possible to remove the enamel layer in fractions of a millimeter.
Laboratory
Based on the impressions, a dental crown is created in the laboratory. The manufacturing process depends on the type of prosthetic structure.
- For metal restorations, a wax or plaster model is first created from a cast, a frame is cast from the selected alloy, ground, and polished. Metal-ceramic structures are made in the same way, with the difference that the metal frame is covered with a thin layer of ceramics matched to the color of the enamel, and then the finished structure is ground and polished.
- Zirconium crowns for chewing teeth are made using CAD\CAM computer technology, which eliminates even the slightest errors or inaccuracies. The virtual impression is processed by a computer program (CAD), which models the image of the prosthesis and transfers it to a milling machine (CAM). Robotic equipment automatically produces a frame from a single block of material. Next, it is subjected to heat treatment (agglomeration) to achieve maximum strength. The finished product is sanded to give a natural shine.
At the manufacturing stage, the prosthesis is tried on the patient, its compliance with all parameters is checked, and if necessary, adjustments are made. A crown created using the CAD\CAM technique for the lower chewing teeth does not require fitting, since manufacturing errors are reduced to zero. High precision restoration ensures perfect fit and correct occlusion.
Temporary prosthetics
During the creation of the crown, the prepared unit is covered with a temporary plastic structure. Temporary crowns for the back teeth partially restore chewing function, protect dental tissues from bacteria and other influences.
Crown installation
The finished prosthetic structure is fixed to the tooth with dental cement, ensuring tightness and reliable fastening. Implant crowns for chewing teeth are fixed with cement or screws.
When choosing a material for metal or metal-ceramic dentures, you need to take into account the composition of the structures already existing in the mouth. Dissimilar metals will provoke a galvanic effect - the appearance of microcurrents, which is fraught with serious problems (metallic taste in the mouth, risk of leukoplakia). The exception is restorations made of precious alloys.
How to properly care for dental crowns
Following simple recommendations for caring for dentures will help extend the “life” of dental crowns. Regardless of the material of manufacture, dentists advise patients to provide the structures with the following care:
- brush your teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste twice a day (morning and evening). Clean not only teeth, but also cheeks and tongue from plaque;
- use a paste of medium (soft) abrasiveness. Large particles in pastes harm not only the enamel of natural teeth, but also the surface of dentures;
- Clean spaces between teeth using dental floss. As an alternative, you can use a irrigator or a special brush;
- when wearing a bridge, it is good to clean the intermediate crown;
- rinse your mouth with mouthwash or running water after each meal;
- limit the consumption of foods with dyes - coffee, black tea, chocolate, red wine, etc.;
- do not overload dentures - do not eat too hard foods, get rid of bad habits (do not open lids with your teeth, do not chew a pencil, etc.);
- Avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause chipping of the ceramic layer.
For preventive purposes, the patient is recommended to visit the dentist every six months; at the same interval, the patient is recommended to undergo professional cleaning of the oral cavity.
Reviews from doctors and patients
Dentists consider dentures with crowns to be an excellent way to restore significantly damaged elements. Doctors note a significant advantage of this solution - it is an opportunity to prevent the destruction of a “dead” tooth or even preserve a “living” unit (if it is partially destroyed). This method cannot be called universal only because it has a number of contraindications, one of which is root damage.
Patients, for the most part, speak positively about prostheses of this type. They note the rapid restoration of functionality and aesthetics of the series, ease of use and durability of the prostheses.
How to choose a clinic for crown prosthetics
Only experienced specialists in a dental clinic that has proven itself to be the best will help you choose which crowns to install. This can be seen from reviews and recommendations from friends. If the clinic has its own dental laboratory, then this only increases loyalty to it. The dialogue between the dentist and the dental technician takes place directly on the spot, in the same language. This increases the likelihood of high-quality execution of the prosthesis.
If you are wondering how to choose a clinic for crown prosthetics, pay attention to:
- licenses of the clinic and doctors;
- wide range of services;
- modern equipment;
- cleanliness and sterility;
- reviews.
Take advantage of a free consultation. This way you can evaluate the approach to patients, the plan for dental prosthetics and your personal feelings.
