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 metal-free porcelain crown provides aesthetics combined with strength and durability
What is a porcelain crown?
A porcelain crown is an artificial tooth – a dental prosthesis – that resembles in form and function a natural tooth that has been damaged. Porcelain crowns can also be grouped together to make fixed bridges or fixed porcelain prostheses. Here at the ImplArt Dental Clinic in Brazil, we make metal-free crowns using completely computerized systems. We therefore offer our patients the most modern systems and the most advanced results.
What is dental porcelain?
Porcelain is a material that resembles glass and is used to reconstruct teeth. It has a natural color and high resistance. It is also called dental ceramic.
Types and materials of porcelain crowns
In short, there are different types of materials used to make porcelain crowns: the older materials use metal and the more modern ones are metal-free. Porcelain crowns with metal internal structures are called metal-ceramic and crowns with a white structure such as zirconia are called metal-free.
There are also crowns that do not use internal structures and are made using computerized methods. In addition, covering a destroyed natural tooth with a ceramic crown is essential for oral health, as it will restore the patient’s chewing ability and even allow them to eat hard foods.
The advantage of the metal-free porcelain crown is that it is more aesthetic, since pure porcelain is a white material. As a result, the structure is not visible inside the crown even in brightly lit environments. The new generations of porcelain crowns are made using cad/cam methods according to computerized designs and don’t even require layers of internal reinforcement like metal and zirconia. They are made from a single (monolithic) material. These are digital, metal-free porcelain crowns whose main advantages are aesthetics and speed of production.
Another innovative material for making a new porcelain crown is translucent zirconia, a material that is up to 10 x stronger than ordinary porcelain crowns. For this reason, they are highly recommended for the oral rehabilitation of back teeth and in patients with bruxism. Oral rehabilitation with crowns can be carried out on implants, on roots with root canal treatment and on natural teeth without root canal treatment.
Fitting dental crowns requires preparation (tooth wear) so that the crown fits correctly. The main digital technique we use is Cerec 3D, an intraoral molding system with scanners and robotic tooth production.
Before a permanent prosthesis is made, we will make a temporary prosthesis so that you don’t lose your tooth. After the rehabilitation treatment, you will be able to lead a normal life, eat hard food and clean your teeth every day with a toothbrush and dental floss. The ImplArt Clinic specializes in dental prostheses and can offer you a porcelain crown with state-of-the-art technology.
Porcelain crown: advantages and indications
Porcelain crowns are fixed dental prostheses that mimic the shape and appearance of natural teeth. When a tooth is badly damaged, it may be necessary to have root canal treatment and a porcelain crown. By Dr. Roberto Markarian, graduated dentist and specialist in dental prostheses and dental implants in São Paulo, Brazil.
What is dental porcelain?
Choosing the ideal dental prosthesis can lead to confusion when faced with a number of options. Fixed dental prostheses must meet both functional and aesthetic needs. These are the main objectives that determine the choice of the ideal material. Before choosing the material, it is first necessary to understand the differences between the types of porcelain dental crowns. The main one is the reinforcement technique, which is the part required for masticatory efforts. Understand the differences better:
Metal-ceramic crown
The porcelain dental crown is built on a metal structure. It is durable and aesthetic, and can be used on both anterior and posterior teeth. However, in some cases, it may not achieve the best aesthetic result on anterior teeth, because the dark metal inside the prosthesis can leave the crown looking darkened when subjected to intense lighting.
Porcelain crown with metal-free zirconia
This is a porcelain crown mounted on a white zirconia structure, which is therefore metal-free. It is highly durable and has excellent aesthetic results, as the white zirconia of the internal structure leaves the crown with a natural appearance very similar to the natural tooth. The porcelain crown with zirconia can also be fixed on dental implants and is completely computer-engineered and made on a 3D tooth printer. It is also an indication for people with metal allergies.
Pure porcelain crown
It has excellent aesthetic results and great resistance. The material used is lithium disilicate or feldspathic ceramic. Because this ceramic is very translucent, it is not normally suitable for use on darkened teeth or on metal posts.
Porcelain crown for natural teeth with excellent anatomy and aesthetics
How much does a porcelain crown cost?
Treatment prices can only be given after a face-to-face dental consultation. This is because the patient needs to be thoroughly assessed so that our team can understand their functional and aesthetic needs. Only then can we recommend the most appropriate treatment. In many cases, our team will offer a number of treatment options and respective outcome expectations, and the patient is free to choose.
Porcelain crowns can be made quickly in our clinic using our Day Clinic method for porcelain crowns. At the end of the porcelain crown treatment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by flossing daily and brushing regularly.
If you are far away, it is possible to have an online consultation, also known as a teleconsultation. This preliminary consultation takes place with our clinical director, Dr. Roberto Markarian, who will be able to make a preliminary assessment of your case and make recommendations for your treatment. This also applies to those who need dental implants, as we can plan your dental implant surgery remotely.
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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