Ceramic vs Porcelain Crowns
Crowns are one of the most common dental procedures performed every year on millions of people. Crowns are a type of dental restoration that is meant to rebuild and strengthen a natural tooth. Crowns are used when the natural tooth is damaged or is showing signs of wear. The most common types of crowns are ceramic and porcelain. If you need a crown and are wondering which type is right for you, read on to learn more about them.
What are crowns?
Crowns are a type of dental restoration that covers the entire, visible surface of the tooth. Crowns are installed on a tooth when it is damaged or showing signs of wear. The crown effectively serves to protect the tooth and strengthen it by providing a solid barrier over the tooth that can absorb the daily use of the teeth for things like eating and speaking. Crowns are most often made from porcelain or ceramic. They are matched to a person’s natural tooth color to minimize visibility.
Porcelain vs Ceramic Crowns
Both types of crowns are intended to serve the same purpose. They cover the exposed area of a tooth and provide support and protection. Functionally, therefore, ceramic and porcelain crowns are the same. There are several differences that are worth noting however when choosing the right crown for you.
- Material: As the names suggest, the material used for the crowns are different. Ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic, whereas porcelain crowns are made from a metal core that is covered in porcelain.
- Strength: The metal core in a porcelain crown gives it more strength than a ceramic crown. The porcelain, therefore, are typically more durable than ceramic crowns. This means they will last longer.
- Appearance: Ceramic crowns tend to be more natural looking in color. They are made to match your natural teeth color and will blend in more easily. Porcelain on the other hand can sometimes cause teeth to look darker or more yellow.
- Damage: Ceramic crowns are less likely to chip than porcelain crowns because they are made entire of ceramic.
- Cost: Porcelain crowns tend to cost more than ceramic crowns. The typical cost of a porcelain crown is between $1,000-$1,500. Ceramic crowns on the other hand tend to cost between $600-$800.
- Location in the Mouth: Ceramic crowns tend to be a better choice for front teeth because they are made to match your natural tooth color and are therefore less visible. Porcelain crowns tend to be a better choice for molars because they are more durable and can handle the day-to-day wear from eating and speaking.
Which one is right for me?
When considering which type of crown is right for you, you should consider all these factors and how they affect your unique circumstances. If you need a crown, you should speak to your dentist. They will be able to guide you through the process and make recommendations for which type of crown will work best for you given your context and needs.