Metal Crowns vs. Porcelain Dental Crowns

 

Introduction
There are many alternatives available for patients who require dental crowns. Metal and porcelain crowns are two of the most popular options (often with a porcelain overlay fused to the metal). One of these crown designs can be the best choice for a patient, depending on their situation.

Metal crowns
The advantage of metal crowns is their incredibly high strength. They can be created from different metal alloys or stainless steel. They aren't used as frequently as they once were, though, because the color of a patient's natural teeth cannot be matched.
For molars that are located very far back in the mouth, metal crowns are nevertheless more often used. They are less prone to breaking due to biting or chewing than porcelain crowns and take longer to wear down. The majority of metal alloys used for crowns are highly corrosion-resistant.
Crowns produced by fusing porcelain with metal are a popular substitute for all-metal crowns. With these dental crowns, a patient benefits from the strength of metal while matching the color of the porcelain overlay to their teeth. An eventual chip in the porcelain of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown could reveal the metal underneath. Patients could also see a dark line where the crown meets the gum line.
Patients who desire a color-matched crown that can withstand strong biting or chewing power can consider porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. You can use these crowns on your front or back teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns may be a better choice for those seeking dental crowns that match their natural teeth as closely as possible in terms of color. They resemble a natural tooth more closely than other dental crowns because they comprise numerous layers of porcelain, each with a slightly distinct hue. Patients with porcelain crowns also do not have to be concerned about the black line frequently visible at the gumline with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Porcelain crowns are frequently utilized for front teeth since there are fewer aesthetic considerations; however, they can be used for back teeth also.
Porcelain crowns are less enduring than metal crowns, nevertheless. They may be more prone to fractures over time because they lack the more complex layer of metal behind the porcelain. Some dentists have started utilizing crowns consisting of layers of zirconia and porcelain more recently. Zirconia, an incredibly resilient ceramic, can typically be colored to match a patient's teeth, just like porcelain. Since porcelain-zirconia crowns are more durable than conventional porcelain crowns, they can be the best option if you're worried about wear and eventual breaking. Patients may choose between porcelain-zirconia and all-porcelain crowns.
Conclusion
It is frequently advisable for individuals who require one or more dental crowns to speak with a dentist about the advantages and disadvantages of metal and porcelain crowns. The dentist and patient can jointly choose the best material to employ by taking into account the position of the damaged tooth and the patient's personal preferences.