Metal-ceramic crowns and prostheses are a classic option for people who have lost one or more teeth, to fully or partially cover a damaged crown or to improve the appearance, shape or alignment of teeth. Porcelain dental crowns are the popular name for metal-ceramic crowns, but today there are other types of porcelain for dental crowns.
Protese metaloceramica sem gengiva para arcada completaCoroas metalocerâmicas prontas exibindo o metal estrutural e o revestimento de porcelana
Advantages of metal-ceramic prostheses
The positive points of metal-ceramic crown technology are their strength, high level of durability and appearance.With the new generations of different porcelain formulations, they look very similar to natural teeth. In their final finish, porcelain prostheses are given a special shine so that they don’t darken under the effect of black light.
How crowns are made from this material
A metal-ceramic crown consists of an internal metal structure, which is then veneered with porcelain (ceramic).
Metal-ceramic crown Metal structure ready for an implant crown and for a natural tooth
Front and inside view ofmetal+ceramic crown (metal inner layer) vs. porcelain crown with zirconia inner structure
Metal-ceramic crowns have a great ability to blend in with the natural coloring of neighboring teeth. They can be used, for example, to replace a large restoration, protect a weakened tooth, make prostheses for one or more teeth, restore a dental implant or a full prosthesis to replace all the teeth in an arch. In short, when making a prosthesis, the patient and the dentist will decide on the best option for each person.
Which material is better? The zirconia crown (left) or the metalloceramic crown (right). The strength of the pieces is similar, but there is a great advantage in the aesthetics of the crown which contains no metal inside.
If it’s a metal-ceramic prosthesis, the specialist will choose the correct color so that it matches your natural teeth. Before your permanent porcelain crown is made, you will receive a temporary dental crown. In some cases where natural teeth are reconstructed using porcelain crowns, the root canal-treated teeth will need an internal reinforcement pin called a dental core.
Fixed metal-ceramic prosthesis for 3 teeth (the central tooth is missing). Floss does not pass between the teeth in this type of prosthesis.
Metal-ceramic upper total prosthesis: 1 – Trial of the metal structure milled by computerized systems; 2 – Prosthesis with the application of porcelain crowns and artificial gingival characterized
Disadvantages of the metal-ceramic crown
The structural metal of the metal-ceramic is the main strength of the metal+porcelain prosthesis (resistance), but it is also its main disadvantage. The internal metal of the prosthesis or dental crown can make the work less aesthetic because:
A dark spot may appear on the tooth due to the translucency of the metal.
Dentures can turn gray
A metal-ceramic porcelain crown can show metal on its edge, leaving the gums dark
They are difficult to repair in the event of a fracture
They are less living than natural teeth or more modern prostheses such as dental zirconia.
Metal-ceramic prosthesis can reveal the opacity of the metal inside when exposed to light
What if I don’t want metal in my mouth?
Another option to metal ceramics can be metal-free porcelain, which is very suitable for front teeth or for people who are allergic to metals. Nowadays there are several types of metal-free crowns, including computer-made crowns, in which the molds are not made with putty but with digitized molds.
ImplArt Odontologia has its own dental laboratory within the clinic. This certainly facilitates communication between dentists and prosthodontists and reduces the time it takes to make the prosthesis. The in-house prosthetic laboratory is fully equipped with digital technologies and 3D tooth printers.If you have any questions, please contact our team or book an appointment with our specialist team. We’d be delighted to hear from you!
The Pure Ceramic zirconia implant from the Swiss company Straumann is a highly resistant and aesthetic option for replacing a natural tooth. The dental implant is made of metal-free ceramic material and has a white color, which is more similar to the roots of natural teeth. With this implant, it is possible to achieve an aesthetic and functional result that is far superior to metal implants. In addition, zirconia is a biocompatible and anti-allergic material, which minimizes the risk of rejection or complications. Therefore, the Pure Ceramic zirconia implant is a great choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, healthy smile.
Why should you do your zirconia implant in Brazil
The dental zirconia implant combined with the use of a pure 3D zirconia crown is the complete combination for metal-free oral rehabilitation. This treatment is especially suitable for people seeking excellence in aesthetic results, both when choosing dental implants and prostheses. In addition, it can be used for those patients who want to avoid the use of metals due to an allergic condition.
This option is gaining more and more ground as many patients want to eliminate the use of metal in their arches, either out of preference or even medical restrictions. There are currently several types of implant, each with its own characteristics, making it easier to choose according to the patient’s wishes. Let’s find out more about this very modern white implant option, which has allowed one version of the implant to be made of titanium.
Image of a Zirconia Implant freshly removed from its sterile packaging during surgery
Using a zirconia implant is an option in cases of allergies or major aesthetic needs
In addition to their natural color, Straumann Pure Ceramic implants have a surface developed with ZLA technology, similar to SLA, which favors and accelerates the osseointegration process, important for the success and stabilization of the implant.
The implant has the color of a natural tooth, because it has no sparkling reflections, and is very useful in cases of thin or atrophied gums. This makes it possible to obtain a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing end result, especially for application in the anterior region (the most visible part of the arch).
Zirconia implant surgery images – photos
Image of a newly installed zirconia dental implant in the upper jaw.Image showing the immediate post-surgical appearance after the placement of a zirconia implant for the premolar tooth.
In these images of a surgery carried out in our clinic with a zirconium dental implant, the aesthetic nature of the material can be seen. After initial gum healing, bone healing begins, which takes an average of 2 months. After this time, the porcelain crown can be fitted over the implant.
The zirconia implant: Straumann Pure ceramic has been extensively tested and proven
The Straumann Pure ceramic implant was subjected to rigorous scientific research before being introduced to the market. Each implant is mechanically tested before being delivered to the dentist. This quality can only be guaranteed by a world leader in scientific research and the development of solutions for implant dentistry.
Pure Ceramic implant applied in the anterior region
Straumann has been researching and developing dental implants, surgical instruments, prosthetic components and biomaterials for oral tissue regeneration since 1974. Straumann’s products and services are available in more than 70 countries.
Image of the types of zirconia implants currently available in Brazil. We have the Straumann Pure Ceramic zirconia implant and the Neodent Zi implant available.
What is the healing time for zirconia dental implants?
The recovery period for the Straumann Pure zirconia implant can vary, depending on several factors, including the patient’s oral health and the type of procedure performed.
After implant surgery, the gums around the implant site need time to recover. This usually takes two to four weeks, but can vary according to the patient’s individual response.
In addition, the process of osseointegration, which is when the bone fuses to the implant, is a crucial part of recovery. Specifically for the Straumann Zirconia implant, osseointegration can occur between 2 and 6 months, while in the case of the ZI implant (Neodent) it can take 3 to 6 months to fully integrate.
Remember, each case is unique and recovery time can vary. It is always important for us to examine the patient in order to offer personalized advice.
Conclusion
Implant dentist Dr. Roberto Markarian, director of the ImplArt dental clinic, is a member of the ITI – International Team for Implantology, an entity linked to Straumann that brings together the world’s best specialists for the development of new products and techniques.
We are among the clinics that use the most Zirconia Dental Implants in Brazil today, so we are used to carrying out such treatments.
If you have any questions, please make an appointment or contact us. We’ll be happy to help you.
Many patients have doubts about the types of dental crowns that exist and their differences. This article has been prepared to educate you. This way, you’ll know the characteristics of all the types of dental crowns available here at the ImplArt Dental Clinic, always knowing that the most up-to-date technology in the world is here!
Did you know that there are different types of dental crowns?
They differ from the point of view of execution, whether computerized or traditional, as well as the aesthetic refinement they achieve. They can be used both on dental implants and on tooth roots. Some are made using exclusively digital molding, while others still use the old mass molding.
A good indication for people who need to rebuild their teeth and make their aesthetics uniform are porcelain dental crowns or zirconia crowns, which restore the natural appearance and make the smile complete.
Follow us in this article to learn how to differentiate between the types of crowns and choose the one that best suits what you’re looking for as a final result.
What are dental crowns for and what are their types and indications?
The purpose of a dental crown is above all torestore the shape and functionality of the tooth. In short, it is a prosthetic piece (artificial tooth) with the shape and function of a natural tooth. There are a few types of dental crowns that can be selected for your treatment.
The choice of material will depend on a conversation between the dental specialist (prosthodontist) and the patient, which mainly aims to clarify the purpose of the dental crown (aesthetics vs. strength), andthe expected durability (temporary vs. permanent).
What are the types of materials for porcelain dental crowns and what are their differences?
In the past there were other types of dental crowns that we now consider outdated, such as all-metal crowns, gold crowns, resin veneer crowns or porcelain veneer crowns with metal, as well as procera crowns, alumina crowns, inceram crowns, empress crowns, pivots and jackets.
We will therefore present the 4 most modern materials with which we currently make dental crowns in our clinic. In other words, we classify Pure Zirconia as the most modern, followed by Pure Porcelain, both made using computerized systems. In second place are the handmade crowns, called applied zirconia and metal-ceramic.
Types of dental crown and their technical differences. All these types of dental crowns are available at our dental clinic and laboratory. * The technical name refers to the type of porcelain used in the dental crown. ** The strength of porcelain crowns is measured according to the ISO technical standard for flexural strength, measured in MPa. Estimate of aesthetics and durability express the opinion of the author of this article. In the case of MC and ZC crowns, the strength of the structure is high, around 1000 MPa, but problems occur because the thin layer of more fragile porcelain stands out.
Classification of different types of crown based on manufacturing technique:
Below you’ll find different types of dental crowns, classified according to the material they’re made from and how they’re made.
These new composite materials have lower strength than traditional porcelain crowns. However, they look good and can be used in some cases as long-term provisionals or even as permanent crowns.
Dental crowns made by 3D printing of composite materials, resins with a quantity of porcelain reinforcement in the composition. Our in-house dental laboratory is capable of producing such work with great speed and quality.
The porcelain crown remains the best material and can be made using different techniques
Please note that the term porcelain crown is a generic term but can have subtypes. The correct selection of the crown material has a major impact on the final result, how it is made and even on the budget
Learn more about the types of dental crowns and choose the best one for you
Dental materials differ in the way they are prepared clinically and in the laboratory, as well as in their aesthetic results and degrees of resistance.
The appearance of some types of dental crowns. The construction methods in the clinic and in the dental laboratory are different. MC = metal ceramic (fabricated by hand), ZC = zirconia and ceramic (fabricated by hand), P = pure porcelain (fabricated by computerized methods), ZP = pure translucent zirconia (fabricated by computerized methods).
Porcelain + metal dental crown (metal ceramic is porcelain applied by hand to metal) – MC
Porcelain applied over metal (metal-ceramic) is an old technique for making dental crowns, and it’s also the one that ends up having the lowest final value for the patient and the lowest manufacturing cost for the dentist (see photos of the MC crown). Even though they are not as aesthetic as porcelain crowns without metal, metal-ceramic crowns are still used to restore teeth in the back of the mouth.
All metal-ceramic crowns have a structural underlying metal layer and then the porcelain/ceramic on top of it. The metal structure is thin, strong and fits perfectly on the prepared teeth. A layer of porcelain is applied over the metal structure (called a coping). The porcelain layer is 1.5 mm to 2 mm thick, depending on the area of your tooth.
The porcelain layer is resistant, withstands chewing forces very well and resembles natural teeth. However, metal-free porcelain crowns are the most widely used today, as they easily match the color of adjacent teeth better than metal-ceramic crowns. Metal-ceramic crowns are more opaque and not as natural-looking as today’s best dental crowns.
In some cases, porcelain on metal wears, chips, cracks or breaks over time, exposing the metal and making the work unsightly and non-functional. In addition, in cases of gum recession, dark lines may appear near the gums or parts of the metal.
Because of these limitations, metal-ceramic crowns are more suitable for back teeth and should not be used on front teeth. Other disadvantages of metal-ceramic crowns include the possibility of causing allergies and gum irritation.
A zirconia crown with porcelain applied is similar to a metal-ceramic crown in the way it is made. A crown with a zirconia structure also has 2 layers, but instead of metal, we have dental zirconia, a very resistant white material. You can see the two layers of material in the dental crown in the photo below.
Zirconia + porcelain dental crown cut in half. Note the structural layer of white zirconia, and the yellowish part is the porcelain that gives the tooth its aesthetics and final color.
Zirconia is considered to be an artificial diamond and is as resistant as a metal. In fact, dental zirconia has properties similar to metals, with the advantage of being white and therefore more aesthetic. The composition of zirconia crowns + applied porcelain does not include metal, improving the aesthetic results.
The zirconia dental crown with porcelain is also suitable for replacing a large restoration when the tooth structure has deteriorated.
Type of Dental Crown
Materials
Indications
Main Features
Emax Computerized Porcelain Crown
Lithium disilicate
Anterior and Posterior Teeth
Superior aesthetics, similar to the natural color of the teeth – Fast preparation
Porcelain crown with metal base (Metaloceramic)
Porcelain, Metal
Posterior Teeth
Functional and sturdy but poor aesthetics – Slow to produce
Zirconia crown with ceramic application
Ceramic, Zirconia
Anterior and Posterior Teeth
High resistance, aesthetics and biocompatibility – Slow production
Translucent 3D Pure Zirconia Crown
Zirconia
Anterior and Posterior Teeth
High resistance, aesthetics and biocompatibility – Rapid production
Resin crown
Acrylic resin
Anterior Teeth
More economical alternative, but less resistant than other materials.
Metal crown
Metal (Precious Metal Alloy)
Posterior Teeth
Good resistance, especially in areas of high masticatory load. poor aesthetics.
Temporary crown
Acrylic or Temporary Resin
Provisional phase before Permanent
Temporary use during treatment or until the permanent crown is made.
This table provides an overview of the different types of dental crowns, including the materials used, clinical indications and the main characteristics associated with each type. Remember that the choices between these types of crowns may vary depending on the specific needs of each patient
CAD-CAM pure porcelain dental crown (Emax – lithium disilicate) – P
Pure porcelain crowns – the EMAX system – are made using the CAD-CAM (Computer Assisted Design) technique for the computerized production of special porcelain crowns and restorations. They are therefore highly translucent and resistant. Their long-lasting and highly aesthetic results enable excellent results to be achieved quickly. These are the main properties of an Emax crown, which make them one of the best options for restoring front teeth.
Dental crowns of different types seen from the inside, which is usually hidden. Aesthetics differ between crown types, as does the method used to make them. MC = metal ceramic, ZC Zirconia and ceramic, P = emax pure porcelain, ZP = translucent pure zirconia
Emax all-ceramic dental prostheses and crowns are rapidly gaining popularity in aesthetic dentistry due to their excellent aesthetics, durability and strength. The Emax system is mainly suitable for the fabrication of crowns and dental contact lenses in the anterior region. After preparing the final tooth shape, a digital mold of your teeth will be made with an intraoral camera.
This mold is then transmitted via the internet to the computer in our dental laboratory, which controls the design and milling procedure. The color of the dental crown needs to be chosen in advance to resemble natural teeth. With the design approved, a milling machine cuts the monolithic block of lithium disilicate to produce the required shape of the prosthesis, already with the right color.
As the crown is made from a single block of material and has a single layer, we can call it a monolithic crown. The dentist then tests the fit of the crown to the tooth, makes any necessary adjustments and fixes it to the tooth with a special adhesive.
Crowns made from cubic zirconia are becoming increasingly common and offer a number of advantages. They are made using CADCAM computerized methods, from the digital mould to manufacturing.
The power of pure zirconia
First andforemost, one of the greatest advantages of pure zirconia for dental crowns is its strength and durability. Imagine how much force your back teeth exert on the food you chew. Your crowns need to be made of a strong material , so translucent pure zirconia can be a good option for crowns at the back of the mouth. In addition, they show little wear, which can be interesting for patients with bruxism, as it doesn’t allow for the destruction of the tooth that bruxism often causes.
Super realistic multilayer translucent dental zirconia
Durability of dental cubic zirconia
Dental zirconia-based crowns have performed just as well over 5 years as metal-based crowns, according to a scientific study. Those made of zirconia, called monolithic zirconia crowns, are especially durable.
Zirconia is the choice of many dentists because of its biocompatibility, which means that the body is less likely to provoke a reaction or immune response such as inflammation. Zirconia is such a biocompatible material that there are white zirconia dental implants. There is a current today of more natural biological dentistry, which advocates the use of more biocompatible and metal-free materials, and the pure zirconia dental crown fits the bill perfectly. It is therefore important for you to know that there is currently the possibility of carrying out a ceramic dental implant treatment, without metal, and combining it with a Pure Zirconia or Pure Porcelain dental crown, thus obtaining a metal-free treatment!
Types of dental crowns: discover the 5 main modelsTypes of dental crowns: discover the 5 main modelsTypes of dental crowns: discover the 5 main modelsTypes of dental crowns: discover the 5 main modelsTypes of dental crowns: discover the 5 main models
Discover our complete structure – in the Avenida Paulista area/ Downtown São Paulo-Brazil
Here at the ImplArt Dental Clinic, all prostheses, crowns and restorations are made in our own prosthetics laboratory using computerized systems.With computerized dental crowns, which can be used in any area of the mouth, the appearance, shape and alignment of the teeth are improved, as well as their strength, which also benefits.
If you have any questions, please contact us, visit our photo gallery or book an appointment with our team📲WhatsApp(11) 3262-4750. We’d be delighted to hear from you!
Dr. Roberto Markarian is one of the leading specialists in dental implants and computerized prostheses in Brazil, with more than 10,000 implants performed. In addition to his vast clinical experience, he is a renowned researcher, contributing to dentistry with publications in international scientific journals. At the ImplArt Clinic, Dr. Roberto applies high technology to all his treatments, offering patients innovative solutions and superior quality.
Types of dental crowns: discover the 5 main models
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