Crowns in general are tooth shaped restorations that are used for improving the general appearance of teeth. Crowns serve their purpose by completely covering the tooth surface that is visible. These crowns are made from various types of materials but we shall focus on the porcelain fused to zirconia crowns (PFZ). This crown has become one of the favorite choice for both dentists and their patients. The reason for this preference is because this type of crown combines strength, durability and aesthetics.
Porcelain fused to zirconia crowns are formed by porcelain being combined with zirconium oxide. The zirconia base has a white shade and is layered with porcelain to match final restoration. The porcelain fused with zirconia crowns are designed and milled using computer aided design or computer aided manufacturing technology. Crowns are used for restorative purposes improving the functional and aesthetic qualities. Porcelain fused to zirconia crowns unlike metal based crowns allow more light to pass through them and this makes them more suitable to be used on anterior teeth.
Zirconium is also preferred by dentists since this material does not produce any chemical reaction in the mouth (ZiO2 is biocompatible). This is an important factor since some reactions would damage the crown or cause allergic reactions in the long run. Zirconia is an element to fuse with porcelain since the bonding process between the porcelain and the zirconia is stronger than it is with other materials such as gold. PFZ crown is also less likely to fracture as compared to porcelain fused with gold.
Having too many restorations in the mouth exposes you to the risk of having a number of metal alloys with different electric potentials. Since the saliva can act as a conductor, minor electricity can run in between the metal restorations. Such condition is known as oral galvanism or electrogalvanism.
Alternivives to Zirconia Crowns
Porceilien Fused to Metal
There are other alternatives to porcelain fused zirconia crowns such as porcelain to metal crown (pfm). The PFM crowns consist of porcelain being fused to metal alloys. The advantage of this type of crown is that the underlying metal fused with the porcelain provides great strength and stability. The disadvantage associated with it is that it does not allow much light to pass through unlike the porcelain fused to zirconia crown and if some gum recessions appear the edge of the crown will look darker than the other part of the PFM crown.
All Porcelien/Ceramic
For many years, full porcelain/ceramic crowns have been considered the most lifelike and natural looking restorations available. They are extremely beautiful and the best choice for the ultimate cosmetic result. Porcelain also does not conduct heat and cold very efficiently, so sensitivity to hot and cold foods during the initial placement period is often reduced. Chipping/breaking, along with damaging adjacent teeth, made these crowns rare in the past. All that has changes due to the invent on new materials and Cerec’s prevalence in modern dental practices.
The introduction of new all Porcelain/Ceramic materials such as
Gold
Gold tooth crowns are the best choice for restoring your back teeth. Fitting a gold crown requires minimal removal of the tooth, the crown fits well and can last for a lifetime. Gold does not harm the opposing tooth like some other, tougher crowns (really important if you have bruxism/teeth grinding). Gold has two disadvantages: price and esthetics. Porcelain fused to gold crowns try to overcome the esthetic problems of gold crowns, but in terms of quality, nothing beats a full gold dental crown.
What is the CEREC One-Visit Crown Procedure?
At Lowcountry Family Dentistry, our dentist will take digital images of your tooth and mouth and upload them into the CEREC software system. Using CAD/CAM technology, a computerized image of your tooth is created to fit the exact dimensions of your newly restored tooth. This software system accounts for every detail of your mouth when creating a tooth that will look as natural as possible.
The instructions are then sent to our CEREC milling machine, which will “mill” or create the crown. The CEREC software is so accurate, there is very little need to make any adjustments once the crown is in place. We create and place the crown all in one two hour visit.
We would love to be your Beaufort Dental Office
We welcome new patients and look forward to helping you achieve the optimal oral health. To schedule an appointment in our Lady’s Island dentist office, contact us at (843) 986-0177 or feel free to use our online appointment form.
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