Types of dental crowns available in Mission Viejo

Dental crowns are among the most common and versatile treatments in dentistry. A crown is shaped exactly like a natural tooth on the outside, and it has a hollow core. It fits over a tooth like a thimble fits over your thumb. Crowns are used to repair broken, cracked, decayed, or misshapen teeth. They are also used to protect brittle or weak teeth from potential damage.

Dental crown materials

Several different types of materials may be used for crowns. These include:

• Gold – At one time, this was considered the best solution, but it has fallen out of favor due to cosmetic concerns and high cost.
• Resin – This material is very similar to what is used for cosmetic fillings and dental bonding. Although resin is very effective for that type of restoration, it lacks strength and durability for larger restorations. Therefore, resin crowns are typically used only for temporaries.
• Base metal – Some dentists offer this option as a lower cost alternative to gold. However, base metal crowns have the same cosmetic issues, as gold, and some people may be allergic to them.
• Ceramic – This has become the standard of quality in modern dental offices. Although older ceramic materials were rather brittle, today’s high performance porcelain or zirconia restorations can rival metal in strength, and rival natural teeth in appearance.

Fabrication techniques

Modern technology has improved more than just the functionality of ceramic materials. It has also transformed how we experience dentistry. Dental crowns traditionally took several weeks and multiple appointments, because they were fabricated in a laboratory and shipped to the dentist. Although many offices still use this method, there is now a faster, simpler, more convenient option.

Drs. Basti use CEREC CAD/CAM technology, which enables single-visit dental crowns. The entire process is completed here in our office. Digital impressions, specially designed software, and the CEREC milling machine give us the tools to provide you with the ultimate convenience, without sacrificing quality or appearance. For more information or appointment requests, please contact our Mission Viejo office at 949-427-2096.