Different Kinds of Crowns
- Gold Crowns
Dr. Raymond Ferri or Dr. Patrick Lawrence will place gold crowns on patients who have strong bites or for patients who typically clench or grind. Gold crowns are not as esthetically pleasing as other crowns and are usually placed on your back teeth (molars) and with these you may also need a Snow Teeth Whitening kit as well.
A gold crown is very durable and will not chip or break. The wear rate of a gold crown is that of your tooth enamel. The greatest advantage of a gold crown is that it doesn’t create excessive wear on the opposing teeth. Also, due to the thinness of a gold crown, there is minimal preparation for your tooth structure.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are crowns with a metal base that has porcelain fused to the outside of the base. PFM’s (Porcelain fused to metal) are more esthetically pleasing because it is the porcelain that is matched to your tooth color. These crowns are very strong and durable. The disadvantage is that extremely heavy biting pressures can fracture or chip the porcelain. Also, porcelain can create wear on opposing teeth. If you start to have recession of your gums, the metal collar can show, therefore, spoiling the “natural” appearance of the crown. Another disadvantage is the tooth preparation is not as minimal due to the thickness of the crown itself.
- All-Ceramic Crowns
The all-ceramic crown is the most esthetically appealing of all the crowns. It can mimic the natural appearance of your teeth and it may be easier to match your existing teeth. Ceramic crowns are also more favorably used when replacing anterior or front teeth. Due to the fact that there is no metal, it is a great option for patients who have sensitivities or allergies to metal. However, once again if you have an extremely heavy bite, this crown may not be an option for you.
When Dr. Raymond Ferri or Dr. Patrick Lawrence uses porcelain fused to metal or all ceramic crowns they will use a computerized shade matching guide. This is similar to the technology used for the paint shade matching when decorating your home. This allows the doctors better communication with the dental laboratory, resulting in a better and more natural shading of your new crown.