Laguna Niguel dental questions: What is a crown made of?

A dental crown is essentially a cap that fits over a weak or damaged tooth. It is one of the oldest techniques in restorative dentistry, and many different materials have been used throughout the years. Although many historical dental materials are no longer in use, we now have a wide variety of healthy and durable options. Crowns may be made of metal, ceramic, resin, or even a combination of layered materials.

The most popular option today is ceramic, which includes porcelain and zirconia. These materials naturally resemble tooth enamel, which has obvious cosmetic benefits. Ceramic was first used when porcelain jacket crowns were introduced in the late 1800s. However, at the time it was quite brittle. After more than a century of research and development, dental ceramic has evolved into a strong, durable, versatile, and beautiful option.

The benefits include:

• There are several different types of porcelain and other ceramic materials, so treatment can be tailored to the specific situation.
• By adjusting the manufacturing technique and additives, porcelain is created with subtle inclusions and variations in color and transparency. This is important for creating a truly natural appearance. Although teeth may seem opaque and mono-color, there are actually many variations.
• Ceramics are stronger than ever, with some even comparable to metal.
• State-of-the-art dental offices, such as our office, are equipped with CAD/CAM technology. This allows us to bypass the lengthy wait time of laboratory crowns, and create your restoration right here in our office. Our CEREC crowns are carved from solid blocks of premium dental ceramic. The design is implemented with precision accuracy, because the entire process is digital.
• Porcelain is extremely hard, and does not wear down like tooth enamel does. It is also stain resistant, so your crown is unlikely to be affected by colored foods or beverages.

Yes, great dental care can fit in your busy schedule. Just visit Dr. Nina or Alex Basti, and discover what a difference technology combined with dedication and professional excellence can make. Call our Mission Viejo office at 949-427-2096 and schedule a consultation today. We proudly serve communities throughout the area, including Laguna Niguel.