Types of Crowns Available

Because dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are used for different purposes and in different parts of the mouth, crowns are made from several different materials. The most commonly used materials for crowns are metal (gold alloy, nickel alloy, or chromium alloy), porcelain-fused-to-metal (a metal crown with a natural colored porcelain coating), all-porcelain (solid natural colored porcelain), and resin (solid ceramic/polymer composite). Each of these materials has it advantages and disadvantages. Metal crowns offer the strength needed to restore molars (the back teeth used for chewing) but the metal color is a turn-off to many patients. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer the strength of a metal crown with a more natural-look but the porcelain coating can chip. The natural look of all-porcelain and resin crowns make them good for restoring the front teeth but they are not as strong as metal crowns. Your dentist can recommend the type of crown that will best suit your needs.

How Should I Care for My Temporary Dental Crown?

A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is made in a dental laboratory. To protect your tooth while your crown is being made, your dentist will place a temporary crown on your tooth. Temporary crowns are usually made of an acrylic material that is not a strong or secure as a permanent crown. To protect your temporary crown, special precaution need to be taken. When eating, avoid foods that can damage or dislodge the temporary crown such as sticky foods that can pull off the temporary crown (caramel, gum, etc.) and hard foods that could break the temporary crown (candy, raw fruits and vegetables, etc.). If possible, avoid using the temporary crown for any chewing. When flossing, do not lift the floss as you normally would but slide the floss out from between the temporary crown and neighboring teeth: lifting the floss could pull the temporary crown off.