Why would you need a crown on your tooth?

If you have a cracked or broken front tooth, a dental crown – a type of restoration used to cover or cap a tooth – might be the best option to restore your tooth.

But what’s the best dental crown for front teeth? What about for back teeth? Is there a best dental crown material for teeth in general?

These are questions a lot of people have, and we’re here to answer them. 

If you want to learn more about the best crown material for your unique needs, keep reading. In this article, we’ll explore topics, like:

  • Which tooth crown is best?
  • What’s the strongest dental crown?
  • Why do you need a crown on a tooth in the first place?

Join us as we take a closer look at dental crowns, diving deep into the different materials used to make them and how a trusted dentist can use them to restore teeth.

Dental Crowns Explained: Why Would You Need A Crown On Your Tooth?

First thing’s first: Why do you need a crown on a tooth?

Your dentist might recommend a dental crown for several reasons:

  1. A tooth has been severely damaged, and a filling or other restoration isn’t enough to repair it.
  2. To protect a weak tooth from breaking.
  3. To cover a dental implant or improve molar strength.
  4. To make a tooth look more natural following extensive dental work.
  5. As part of the process of root canal therapy.
  6. If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism) and wear down or break a tooth

Crowns are strong, durable, and long-lasting, so depending on the severity of the damage and your unique situation, a dental crown could be your best option to restore your tooth.

Best Crown Material: What Is the Strongest Material for a Dental Crown?

Now that you know why you might need a dental crown, let’s talk about:

  • The different types of materials used to make them
  • What material makes the strongest dental crown
  • Which tooth crown is best.

Dental crowns are made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, metal alloys, resin, and pressed ceramic. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks:

  • Porcelain fused to metal (PFM): PFM crowns are popular because the porcelain cap looks like a natural tooth while the metal base is sturdy and strong.
  • Gold (metal alloys): Gold and metal allows are durable materials that don’t corrode. They’re not as aesthetically pleasing as other materials, but they’re strong and are a great option for molars or back teeth.
  • Zirconia: Zirconia is one of the best crown materials because it:
    • Is strong and not likely to fracture
    • Requires less natural tooth structure to be removed
    • Can be matched to your natural tooth structure
  • E-Max: Lastly, E-max crowns are similar to Zirconia. They’re just as strong but are slightly more aesthetically pleasing. However, they have one big downfall: more tooth structure needs to be removed before E-Max crowns can be placed.

These are the four most common materials, and your dentist will be able to help you understand which is best for you and why.

How Are Dental Crowns Placed?

Placing a dental crown usually involves two appointments and includes the following steps:

  1. Your dentist prepares the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it so that the dental crown will fit properly.
  2. The dentist then places a temporary dental crown on the tooth to protect it while the permanent dental crown is made.
  3. A lab technician creates a permanent dental crown using the appropriate material for your tooth.
  4. Once ready, your dentist fits and bonds the permanent dental crown to the tooth.
  5. The dentist polishes your tooth and checks the fit and bite.

The process of placing a dental crown usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, from start to finish, but depends on the type of material used.

What Is the Strongest Material for a Dental Crown?

This is a common question, but there’s no definitive answer! 

The strongest dental crown and best crown material depend on the individual and the specific situation. Your dentist will recommend the best type of tooth crown, based on your needs and preferences. 

In most cases, gold or metal alloys are the strongest dental crown materials because they’re durable and long-lasting, and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Gold is a popular choice for dental crowns because of its strength and durability, but some people might prefer a more aesthetically pleasing option. If that’s you, Zirconia is a popular choice because it’s durable and be matched to your natural tooth color.

What Is the Best Dental Crown for Front Teeth? 

Front teeth are the most visible and are often the ones people want to make look as natural as possible.

Zirconia and E-Max crowns are often the most common choice for front teeth. They can be made to look like your natural teeth and they won’t chip as easily as other materials.

Give Your Smile a Boost with Northside Dental Co.

Learning about the best dental crown for front teeth is just the first step in your journey to a perfect smile. Knowing the answers to these key questions will also help you make the most informed decision for your smile:

  • Why would you need a crown on your tooth?
  • What is the strongest material for a dental crown?
  • Which tooth crown is best?

However, even if you have an idea about what crown you’d like, it’s always best to listen to (and often heed) your dentist’s professional recommendation.

If you’re looking for a dentist who can provide you with high-quality dental crowns, look no further than Northside Dental Co.

We’re a team of experienced and qualified dentists who can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We offer a wide range of dental services, from routine checkups to more complex procedures like dental crowns. Our team provides you with the best possible care at every interaction, and we’ll work with you to find the best crown material for you.

Book an appointment online today or give us a call at 804-767-3410 to learn more about our dental services. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have and to help you get started on your journey!