Dentists can use a variety of materials to create dental crowns to replace any missing or damaged teeth. Both ceramic and porcelain have strong similarities to your natural teeth and look similar to each other. Knowing the differences between the two can help you choose the best choice of restoration material for your health, comfort, function, and appearance. All dental crowns safeguard and repair teeth that are fragile or damaged and improve the appearance of your smile. The choice between crown materials depends on your needs.
Ceramic crowns are made of a high-strength material that can withstand normal forces in chewing. Ceramic crowns can be placed in both the front of the mouth and the back of the mouth. Ceramic crowns do not cause excessive or unnecessary damage to adjacent teeth. Consequently, the crown is able to retain its shape while allowing the surrounding teeth to remain healthy. Ceramic crowns are a bit more opaque, and the result is an overall look more consistent with your natural teeth. The color of the ceramic material can also be adjusted to match your remaining teeth, so your crown will be able to blend in with the rest of your teeth.
Unlike ceramic, porcelain crowns are much more translucent; they allow light to pass through in much the same way as natural teeth would. If your priority is to have the most aesthetically natural and balanced result of combining your crown with the rest of your teeth, then porcelain is the best choice. If you need dental crowns to replace your front teeth, porcelain will give you the confidence to speak and smile with assurance.
The strength of ceramic is not the same as the strength of porcelain; ceramic is stronger. If you need a dental crown to replace a molar or an area where your teeth regularly experience pressure from chewing, ceramic is a better choice for an area of high bite pressure. For people who grind or clench their teeth, a ceramic crown will be able to handle more pressure.
Both ceramic and porcelain crowns do not contain metal, so they can be used by patients who have metal sensitivities or allergies. They are both compatible with other dental restorative materials.
The location in your mouth of the dental crown and the surrounding teeth will also determine which material is best for you. Because porcelain is applied in layers, the dentist may need to reduce the size of the teeth on either side of the crown in order to be able to make sure the crown is shaped properly and functions well.
Choosing a ceramic or porcelain crown is a balance between the appearance, the strength, and the requirements of the tooth. Both materials offer a long-lasting and natural-looking solution to protecting or replacing a broken or missing tooth. Be sure to talk to the dentist about which one is best for you.
If you have more questions about ceramic crowns or how they could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if ceramic crowns are the best option for you.