A ceramic crown is a tooth crown made partially or entirely of ceramic materials. It looks like a “cap” put on the natural crown of the tooth – i.e. the part of the tooth that we can see with the naked eye. Ceramic crowns are prosthetic restorations that are not only aesthetic, but also very durable. They are mainly used to rebuild damaged teeth, for example, in the case of extensive caries. A crown can also be needed to strengthen the structure and aesthetics of a tooth after root canal treatment. In the case of a missing tooth, a crown on an implant can be used.
The main types of ceramic crowns
Ceramic crowns can be divided into several basic types:
- ceramic crowns with metal core
- fully ceramic crowns
- fully ceramic CEREC-crowns
- ceramic crowns with zirconia core
We provide a more detailed breakdown in a separate blog article about the types of dental crowns.
Ceramic crowns with metal core
Ceramic crowns with metal core are most commonly produced. These consist of a metal core cast from special dental alloys, and outer layers of porcelain. Such restorations are very aesthetic, but their special advantage is high resistance to loads. Another benefit is a lower manufacturing price in comparison with other types of crowns. This type of crowns is used primarily in difficult bite conditions, where high loads are generated when biting. These crowns are also used when the tooth on which the crown is placed is badly damaged.
Fully ceramic crowns
Fully ceramic crowns are often chosen for their aesthetic value, as they look indistinguishable from natural teeth. Although they are not as resistant to loads as ceramic crowns with metal cores, they still show high level of strength and durability. They are characterized by optimal abrasion resistance, similar to that of natural teeth. Their disadvantage is the higher production price compared to ceramic crowns with a metal core. Besides, they cannot be placed on a tooth that is badly damaged.
Fully ceramic CEREC-crowns
Fully ceramic CEREC-crowns are now becoming more and more popular. The modern CEREC system using the CAD/CAM technology enables the so-called “bio-copies” of teeth before their preparation. A “bio-copy” is a three-dimensional, digital image of the original shape of the teeth and bite, recorded with an intra-oral scanner before the treatment process commences. It allows for the manufacture of crowns exactly in the shape of one’s own teeth. The shape of the crowns can be modified on a computer screen and can be whatever the patient desires. Of course, the dentist suggests what shape would be best. The CEREC system allows to significantly shorten the process of making crowns. Fully ceramic CEREC crowns can be made during just a single visit within as little as 90 minutes! This is a big time saver for patients. Also, no unpleasant dental impressions are made, but the so-called “optical impressions” are made instead. Fully ceramic CEREC crowns are characterized by high aesthetic values and are indistinguishable from natural teeth. They are also very durable and their hardness is similar to that of one’s own teeth.
Ceramic crowns with zirconia core
These are crowns in which the core is made of an extremely hard material: zirconium oxide. The outer layers consist of very aesthetic ceramic materials. These crowns are similar in structure to ceramic crowns with metal core and are also very resistant. However, they can be used in people who are allergic to metals. They are very aesthetic, but unfortunately their disadvantage is the higher price and longer production time.
Which crown is best for me?
It is the dentist who suggests which type of crown is right for the patient. Choice is influenced by the bite conditions and the health condition of the tooth on which the crown is to be mounted. The patient’s financial capacity and the time he or she can spend on treatment are also a factor.
How long will a ceramic crown last?
A ceramic crown is a very durable prosthetic restoration, with durability similar to that of natural teeth. A ceramic crown might still be in perfect condition even after 15 or 20 years. However, there is one factor that can significantly shorten its lifetime: lack of hygiene. Many patients think that ceramic crowns do not need cleaning as they can not develop caries. However, tooth decay can spread under crowns, causing them to loosen. The excess of bacteria accumulated on uncleaned crowns can also lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. The latter disease results in the falling out of entire teeth and implants from the jaw bones, together with the crowns attached to them. You can read more about how you should clean dental crowns so that they last for many years, in a separate blog article.
