What are dental crowns made of?
28 September 2023
Dental crowns, often referred to as “caps,” are custom-designed coverings placed over damaged or weakened teeth. They serve as a protective barrier, restoring the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a large filling, or a dental implant, dental crowns can be a suitable solution to enhance both your oral health and smile. They can be crafted from different materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice of material depends on various factors, including the location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations.
The Purpose of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are used for various dental issues, including:
- Restoring Damaged Teeth: Teeth that have extensive decay or damage due to trauma can be saved with the help of dental crowns.
- Supporting Large Fillings: Teeth with large fillings may become weak over time. Crowns provide reinforcement and prevent further damage.
- Covering Dental Implants: Crowns are often placed over dental implants to replace missing teeth.
- Improving Aesthetics: Crowns can enhance the appearance of discoloured, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth.
Common Materials Used
Dental crowns can be crafted from different materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice of material depends on various factors, including the location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations. Here are the most common materials used for dental crowns:
1. Metal Crowns
Advantages:
- Exceptional durability, suitable for molars.
- Minimal removal of tooth structure.
- Resistant to wear and tear.
Disadvantages:
- Highly visible due to their metallic color.
- Not recommended for front teeth.
2. Porcelain Crowns
Advantages:
- Natural appearance and translucency, making them ideal for front teeth.
- Allergies or sensitivities to metal are not a concern.
Disadvantages:
- Less durable than metal crowns, may chip or fracture.
- More tooth structure needs to be removed for placement.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Advantages:
- Combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.
- Suitable for both front and back teeth.
Disadvantages:
- A metal line may become visible at the gum line over time.
- Slightly more tooth removal compared to all-ceramic crowns.
4. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
Advantages:
- Excellent aesthetics, closely resembling natural teeth.
- Biocompatible, suitable for individuals with metal allergies.
- Minimal tooth structure removal.
Disadvantages:
- Less durable than metal crowns, making them less suitable for molars.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each crown material is essential for making an informed decision. Here’s a quick summary:
- Metal Crowns: Exceptionally durable but highly visible.
- Porcelain Crowns: Natural appearance but may be less durable.
- PFM Crowns: A balance of strength and aesthetics, with some visibility of metal.
- All-Ceramic Crowns: Excellent aesthetics but may be less durable for molars.
Choosing the Right Material
The choice of material for your dental crown should align with your specific dental needs and aesthetic preferences. If you book an appointment with us, our dentist will consider factors such as the tooth’s location, your budget, and any potential allergies or sensitivities when recommending the most suitable material.
Caring for Dental Crowns
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of your dental crowns. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential. Avoiding habits like teeth grinding or using your teeth as tools can also help prevent damage to your crowns.
Why Choose DS Dental Studio for Crowns?
At DS Dental Studio, we understand that every patient’s needs are unique. That’s why we provide personalised treatment plans that consider your specific oral health condition and goals. During your consultation, our experienced dental team will evaluate your case, discuss your options, and provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost associated with your dental crown treatment.
We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care, and we work with our patients to explore affordable financing options and payment plans, ensuring that you receive the best treatment without compromising your budget.
We are committed to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile while addressing any financial concerns you may have. Your oral health is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
What Our Patients Say
Multilingual
In addition to English, at the practice we can speak to you in:
✅ Arabic
✅ Mandarin
✅ Spanish
✅ Portuguese
✅ Ukrainian
✅ Romanian
✅ Urdu
✅ Punjabi
Our Location
We are conveniently located at 📍Unit 201a, Westfield, Ariel Way, London W12 7GA📍Reaching us for dental crowns is straightforward. You’ll find us along Wood Lane, on the outside aspect of Westfield London at Street Level. We are halfway between Shepherds Bush Market and Wood Lane tube stations.
By Underground
DS Dental Studio is minutes away from four tube stations:
- Wood Lane (Hammersmith & City Line and Circle Line)
- Shepherds Bush Market (Hammersmith & City Line and Circle Line)
- White City (Central Line)
- Shepherds Bush (Central Line)
By Rail
Shepherds Bush Station is a short walk from DS Dental Studio. Served by London Overground, and Southern with convenient connections at Clapham Junction for journeys from further afield.
By Car
Easy parking availability at Westfield London Car Park, on Ariel Way. We are easily signposted from the A40, and if you are using a Sat Nav, use the postcode W12 7SL. Free parking is available for blue badge holders in the middle level car park.
Book A Consultation Now
Simply fill in the following form to book a consultation for Dental Crowns now. Your dream smile awaits.
