Dental crowns are some of the most versatile restorations in dentistry. Not only do they strengthen and reinforce weakened, decayed, or damaged teeth, they can also enhance the overall appearance of your smile.

There are several different types of dental crowns available at our Rancho Cucamonga, CA practice. The option recommended for you will depend on several factors, including where the affected tooth is located.

Here, Dr. Mateja discusses crowns for the front teeth vs. molars and explains why some options work better than others.

Why the Bite Should be Considered When Placing a Dental Crown

Your teeth, gums, and jaw joints work together for optimal oral health. The way that your teeth fit together is one of the most important aspects of a healthy smile.

A typical bite exerts much more pressure on the back teeth compared to the front teeth. This is because the front teeth are intended for biting into and tearing off food, while the molars are designed to grind and chew food into tiny pieces.

Dr. Mateja always takes this into consideration when recommending a new dental crown. In fact, the area of the mouth is one of the single most important details when determining which type of restoration to place.

Crowns for the Front Teeth

When restoring a tooth in the smile zone, it is important to achieve natural-looking results. Therefore, most dentists steer clear of metal crowns for the front teeth.

Instead, doctors commonly recommend:

• All-ceramic: Created from several layers of medical-grade porcelain, all-ceramic crowns can be closely color-matched to the surrounding teeth for natural results.
• Zirconia: Though it is technically a metal oxide, zirconia is not referred to as a metal, due to the chemical changes that take place during its creation. Zirconia crowns are incredibly durable and can blend in with the smile.
• Resin: A more affordable option, resin crowns are also tooth-colored. However, they do not last as long compared to their ceramic and zirconia alternatives.

Crowns for the Back Teeth

Patients who require a crown in the back of the mouth will require a strong restoration.

Crowns placed on the molar teeth are typically made from:

• Metal: Though metal crowns are noticeably silver in color, they still offer the most protection and support. These restorations can withstand extreme bite forces and are incredibly long-lasting.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Want the functional benefit of a metal crown but the aesthetics of a porcelain restoration? You may be eligible for a PFM crown, which is tooth-colored with a metal base.
• All-ceramic: These restorations are equally appropriate for front and back teeth. Due to advances in technology, ceramic restorations today are much stronger than their conventional counterparts.

Schedule a Visit Today

Are you experiencing signs of decay or damage, such as sensitivity, tenderness, or discomfort when chewing? To determine which type of crown is appropriate for you, schedule a visit with Dr. Mateja. She can assess your teeth and design a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs. Contact us by calling (909) 989-5959.