Types of Dental Crowns: Which is Best for Front Teeth?

Do you have a cracked, broken, or missing front tooth? Then dental crowns might be the available best option to fix your teeth. In restorative dentistry, dental crowns are tooth shaped-caps used to restore the function and the appearance of your teeth. Dental crowns can be set on any tooth in your mouth. The following are various reasons one may require dental crowns in Detroit, MI.

• Having a tooth that is severely broken or damaged.
• If you have had dental treatment procedures such as root canal.
• Have extensive tooth decay.

Types of Dental Crowns

The different types of dental crowns near you include:

Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns

These are known to be the most natural-looking crowns and are mostly used on the front teeth. They can match your surrounding teeth’ shape, size, and color. If you have metal allergies, they are a good choice since they are toxic-free. However, they are durable as compared to other crowns. Ceramic crowns can also wear down the teeth adjacent to them more than the other crowns. Despite all this, ceramic crowns remain the most popular choice.

Metal Crowns

Common materials used for metal crowns include platinum, gold, and nickel-based alloy. They are known to be the strongest and most durable dental crowns. However, since they will not match your teeth’ natural appearance, they are normally used on the molars and premolars. They are also ideal for strengthening dental bridges.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconium is a newer material that has been gaining popularity in dental restorations. It mixes the strength of metal with porcelain crown aesthetics. As a result, zirconia crowns are stronger, more rigid, and split resistant. These attributes make them less likely to break or crack. To learn more about the benefits of zirconia crowns, visit or contact our dentist in Detroit, MI.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM)

These crowns mix the strength of metal crowns with the natural appeal of porcelain. While these crowns are durable and strong, the metal part can start showing time. In addition, porcelain fused to metal crowns can be used for front and back teeth.

The Best kind of Dental Crown for your Front Teeth?

One can choose a range of dental crown materials for their front teeth. They include metal, zirconia, ceramic, or porcelain dental crown materials. Incisors are the most visible teeth in our mouth, and at My Detroit Dentist, we want the most natural-looking crown for you. Whereas all crowns are closely coordinated to the teeth close to them, their light reflecting properties make a few crown materials an improved choice for the front teeth.

Unlike the solid zirconia crowns, layered zirconia crowns offer a superior light reflection and a very natural look. Moreover, zirconia crowns are not only natural looking but also durable.

A ceramic crown is another great choice for your front teeth. They also have the best lightweight reflecting properties. Ceramic crowns are easy to work with, crafting them into the best possible shape and color. They are known to be more pocket friendly as compared to zirconia crowns.

How Long will the Crowns on your Front Teeth Last?

Generally, dental crowns will last for 15 years or more. While some may not last for more than a few years, the location of the crown, the material used, and your oral habits will determine their longevity. For example, porcelain dental crowns will last for five to 15 years. Dental crowns made of crown and zirconia will last a lifetime, while metal crowns for more than 20 years.

Crowns are susceptible to fractures and cavities, just like your natural teeth. Consequently, it would be best to take care of them as you would with your teeth. Make the extra effort and care when flossing and brushing to avoid damaging the crowned teeth.

It is also important to look out for any warning signs of your front dental crowns failing. Warning signs will assist you in taking steps to protect the already compromised tooth, preventing further damage. For example, consider putting on a mouth guard if you are participating in sports or other physical activities. Mouth guards will protect all your front ceramic crowns from fractures.

Other ways of increasing their lifespan include:

• Avoid smoking and taking alcoholic drinks.
• Take precaution measures if you grind or clench your teeth.
• Don’t use your teeth to open sachets, crack nuts, chew or bite on pencils, pens, or ice.