Gold Crowns
Advantage: The preparation of a tooth for a gold
crown is the simplest and least complicated preparation as there is minimal tooth
structure removal with as much as possible of the healthy tooth structure remaining
untouched. While porcelain is hard by comparison, it may cause wear on opposing teeth over
the years where gold is not as likely to do so. Gold is also easier to fit to the area
where the tooth and crown meet for a better fit. Gold is also a healthier environment for
the gum tissue.
Disadvantage: The biggest disadvantage to gold
crowns is the cosmetic aspect, unless it is being used in the back of your mouth.
Porcelain Crowns
Advantage: Porcelain crowns or new reinforced resin
are considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing, as it is so easily matched in color
to the surrounding teeth.
Disadvantage: The thickness of the porcelain
required for pleasing aesthetics also requires that more tooth structure needs to be
removed. It is more difficult for your cosmetic dentist to get an ideal fit where your gum
meets the crown. Gingival inflammation appears to be more common with porcelain crowns
than gold crowns. All-porcelain crowns require a higher skill level from your dentist and
lab.
Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Advantage: Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have a
very natural appearance.
Disadvantage: They have a metal substructure and
require an opaque below the porcelain. This can make the translucency of natural teeth
difficult to replicate. Occasionally a darker line will be visible at the edge of the
crown, near to your gum when it recedes with age.
Next: Before & After
Photos
- Introduction to dental crowns section
- Dental crowns - an overview
- Who is a candidate for having teeth crowned?
- Tooth crowns - Procedure description
- Varieties of tooth crowns
- How much do dental crowns cost?
- Pros and cons of tooth crowns
- Dental crowns - Before and after photos
- Personal stories from people who have had tooth crowns
- Choosing a color for tooth crowns
- Discuss crowns with others
