Dental crowns are effective at protecting a weakened tooth. Whether due to injury or decay, if a tooth's enamel is in danger of breaking apart or the soft tissue is vulnerable to infection, a crown that covers the entire tooth can help hold it together and seal it off. There are several types of materials used for this dental solution.

What Are Crowns Made Of?

1. Ceramic

Also called tooth-colored or porcelain, the ceramic version is the most attractive option. It is typically recommended for front teeth because they are visible and require a discrete appearance. Ceramic dental prosthetics can be milled using computer-aided design software based on a digital scan of your tooth.

2. Metal

Silver dental amalgam and gold alloys are softer and more flexible than ceramic. This makes them ideal for your molars. They'll withstand the wear and tear of chewing and avoid creating unnecessary damage on the tooth opposite them. Since the back teeth aren't very visible, the color of the metal doesn't matter.

3. Porcelain Fused to Metal

This type of crown has an outer ceramic layer and an inner metal one, making it more durable than a pure ceramic crown and more attractive than a metal one. It can be used on the front teeth if a ceramic crown isn't a viable option, or on a molar, if you are concerned about the color.

If you need a dental crown, contact Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS, and her team in Kaneohe, HI. Their treatment philosophy focuses on preventing dental problems and intervening as early as possible to minimize the amount of restorative dental work needed. To achieve this, they use modern tools and techniques to provide the most up-to-date standard of care. Call (808) 235-2121 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their treatments online.