(Concern) Which type of crown is good?

I had a crown placed a long time ago and I think I need to redo it, so I looked into crowns.

These days, I hear that instead of the commonly known gold, many are also using ceramics.

Is ceramic really better than gold??

 

 

 

 

Crown treatment is a prosthetic procedure that covers the entire tooth to protect it when the tooth is decayed, cracked, or broken. During this process, the damaged part of the tooth is removed, and to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible, precise diagnosis and careful planning are necessary.

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Gold crowns, commonly called "gold teeth," are also made from other materials such as PFM, all-ceramic, and zirconia depending on the gold content. Gold has high strength and excellent biocompatibility but has the disadvantage of poor aesthetics, while ceramics have a color similar to natural teeth but are more prone to fracture. Zirconia, which has recently been widely used to compensate for the disadvantages of these two materials, is being applied not only to molars but also to front teeth.

 

 

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What are crowns and inlays?

Both crowns and inlays are prosthetic restorations made by shaping the tooth after removing decay. However, the difference lies in the materials used. Inlays are made from materials such as gold or ceramics, while crowns are made solely from metal materials like gold. Therefore, in terms of strength and durability, gold crowns are considered to be much superior.

✔ Gold Crown

Due to the inherent properties of gold, it has high thermal conductivity, making it less sensitive to temperature stimuli and highly durable. Additionally, it does not corrode, resulting in fewer allergic reactions and no toxicity, which allows for safer use. However, because of its gold color, it is highly visible and has lower aesthetic appeal.

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✔ Zirconia

Zirconia is an artificial prosthesis made from synthetic diamond material, highly biocompatible with the human body, and capable of freely expressing color, boasting excellent aesthetics. It also has high strength, reducing the risk of breaking, and low wear, allowing for long-term use. However, due to the nature of ceramic material, it can break or deform upon impact, so caution is necessary.

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✔ PFM / All-Ceramic

PFM is a crown with a porcelain exterior and a metal interior. Because the inside is metal, over time the gum margin may appear dark, and there is a concern about internal discoloration.

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On the other hand, all-ceramic restorations are made entirely of ceramic material, offering excellent transparency and good light transmittance, making them look natural. However, they can easily break under strong impact, so caution is needed.

 

 

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In cases where crown treatment is necessary, PFG or resin inlays are sufficient if the cavity is not extensive or if biting force is weak. However, if the cavity is large or biting force is strong, gold crowns or zirconia crowns may be required. Especially if root canal treatment has already been performed, it is advisable to use a more durable material.

 

 

Today, we learned about four representative crown materials. The results can vary depending on which material you choose, but more expensive does not always mean better. Please consider your oral condition and eating habits to select the most suitable material.