There are multiple types of dental crowns. They all tend to cover the entire portion of the tooth that lies above the gum line. However, they may be fashioned from different materials. Here are a few types of crowns and some of their common applications and benefits. 

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are usually used in pediatric dentistry, but they are also suitable for the back-teeth restorations in an adult mouth. Since the stainless steel is not the same color as tooth enamel, they are often not preferred for adult teeth that are near the front of the mouth.

There are multiple benefits of a stainless steel crown. Here are a few of them:

Price- Stainless steel crowns tend to cost less than most other crown types. This is important in children's dentistry, where the crown is often applied to primary teeth that will eventually fall out.

Easy Application- An impression of the patient's mouth is not required for the fabrication of stainless steel crown. The crown material is simply mechanically molded around the intended tooth. 

Long-lasting- Stainless steel is long-lasting and able to withstand a large amount of bite pressure without incurring damage.

Porcelain and Porcelain-over-metal Crowns

Porcelain and porcelain-over-metal crowns are commonly used during dental restorations that affect the look of a patient's smile. The crowns can be colored to match the exact tone of the patient's other teeth. In addition, the translucency of porcelain gives it the appearance of natural tooth enamel. 

Here are some of the benefits of porcelain and porcelain-over-metal crowns:

Natural Appearance- A porcelain or porcelain-over-metal crown looks like a natural tooth crown. 

Versatility- These crowns can be used for many different types of dental applications. Porcelain and porcelain-over-metal crowns are used to cover adult teeth that require deep fillings or root canals. They are also used for teeth that include deep cracks or chips. In addition, they are often used as the crown components of dental bridges, which secure the bridges in the mouth as they are bonded to underlying teeth. 

Same-day Applications- Porcelain crowns that are created using CAD/CAM technology can be made in your dentist's office using a computerized milling machine. As a result, same-day porcelain crowns can be fabricated and applied during one dental appointment. 

To learn more about dental crowns and which crown types are most suitable for your dental restorations, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area.