Four Reasons To Opt For A Ceramic Dental Crown

A dental crown is a covering that goes over your tooth, offering it protection from further decay and deterioration. If you have a large cavity or a filling that failed or you have had a root canal, your dentist may recommend having a crown put in place. In such a situation, you have a choice to make: should you go for a ceramic or metal crown? Here are a few reasons why ceramic is almost always the better choice.

1. Ceramic is colored to match your teeth.

Clearly, your teeth are not metal-colored, so a metal crown will look out of place. Even if you are not vain, you may notice people glancing or even staring at your mouth when you have a metallic tooth, and this can be bothersome. Even if the tooth is in the back of your mouth, people might see it and find it distracting when you are talking or eating. Ceramic is colored to match your teeth. Your dentist will customize the color to match your exact tooth color, since tooth color does vary somewhat between individuals. Even for back teeth, this makes for a more natural appearance.

2. Ceramic lasts longer than metal.

Ceramic is a harder substance than the metal amalgam used to make dental crowns. As such, a ceramic crown may last longer. This makes up for the increased cost of a ceramic crown. You might pay $300 more for a ceramic crown now, but it may save you from a $1200 crown replacement in five years. Plus, you won't have to go through the hassle of having a tooth replaced.

3. Ceramic crowns won't react with your fillings.

Do you have other metal fillings in your mouth? If you do have metal fillings and you get a metal crown, you may experience a sort of pain at first as the two metals in your mouth touch. This discomfort is called galvanic shock. By getting a ceramic crown, you eliminate the possibility of having to deal with galvanic shock.

4. Ceramic crowns are less temperature-sensitive.

With a metal crown, you may have trouble transitioning from hot to cold foods. The metal will conduct heat very well, so you may really feel it when you eat ice or sip a hot drink. Ceramic is less conductive, so you will be able to eat cold and hot drinks more comfortably.

To learn more about the benefits of ceramic crowns, speak with your dentist. 


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