Ceramic vs Porcelain Crowns
Crowns are an extremely common and popular dental restoration used to both protect or strengthen a natural tooth that is either damaged or showing wear. The materials used most often for crowns are ceramic and porcelain. The following are some differences.
What are Crowns and What are They Used For?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers, like a cap, the entire tooth above your gum line. Dental crowns can enhance and improve the visual appearance of a tooth and help strengthen and protect it. They are usually fabricated from ceramic or porcelain, and they are custom created to match the color and shade of your surrounding natural teeth. At times metal or resin crowns may be used. All-metal crowns are most often more expensive and are not commonly used. Dental crowns are placed on a broken tooth, or a tooth that has just experienced a root canal, or damaged by tooth decay. Crowns are used to support a traditional dental bridge or to finish an implant restoration.
What is the Difference Between a Ceramic Crown and a Porcelain Crown?
Ceramic crowns are fabricated completely of ceramic, where a porcelain crown has a metal core covered with porcelain. Porcelain is also more expensive than ceramic.
Porcelain crowns are more durable and can last longer. Ceramic crowns will look more natural and do not have any metal edges, which can show at times if the gums recede. A ceramic crown is often a preferred choice for a front tooth. The best choice of crown material for you will depend on both your budget and aesthetic goals.
How can You Choose the Right Crown Material?
Dental crowns made from porcelain are strong and durable, making them a solid choice for a molar or another tooth that might tend to experience more wear and tear. But porcelain can sometimes make your teeth look darker or more yellowish.
Ceramic crowns are fabricated completely of ceramic to match your natural teeth’s color. They are more resistant to chipping or fracturing than a porcelain crown. They might not be as strong and are more likely to show wear over time. They are also the best option if you have metal allergies.
The Cost of Ceramic and Porcelain Dental Crowns
A consideration when choosing your crown can be the cost. Porcelain is quite often considered the gold standard because it provides premium aesthetics and durability. Porcelain dental crowns can cost $1,000 to $1,500 per tooth on average.
The cost of ceramic crown is more budget-friendly, usually averaging $600 to $800 per tooth. They are not as durable as porcelain, but they provide pleasing aesthetics and are a terrific option for a tight budget.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns, with proper care, will last 15 to 30 years. Gold crowns will last an exceptionally long time, but they are quite expensive and not used as often.
Wear and tear is natural, and it may cause your crown to weaken and break. If you eat hard items like nuts, there is an accelerated risk of wear because of the hardness of the nuts. Everyone has varied diets and different dental hygiene practices, so it is difficult to identify the exact lifespan of your crown.