What are crowns and veneers made from?

What are crowns and veneers made from?

03/06/2020

Crowns and veneers in Burnham can be costly, which is why choosing the best type for you is important. Some crowns and veneers in Burnham are long lasting, whereas others are just temporary. Some are more natural-looking whereas some more comfortable – but which will benefit you the most? To find out more about crowns and veneers in Burnham, contact us at a time that is convenient for you and let our experts at The Dental Surgery Burnham identify your perfect match.

What types of crowns are available?

Crowns can be made of stainless steel which are prefabricated and are a temporary measure on permanent teeth. These are used to protect a filling or a tooth while a permanent cover is made from a different material. This type of crown tends to be used for children, because it can be slotted over a primary tooth and protects it from decay. Similarly, this is a useful method for children, because they do not require intense maintenance or regular visits for the dentist, so are therefore more cost-effective.

Alloys are used for metal crowns that have a high content of platinum, gold or base-metal alloys. They are equipped to handle chewing and biting, and usually take much longer to wear down. Similarly, they are incredibly strong and rarely break or chip. Unlike metal crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal covers can be colour matched to mirror your adjacent teeth. Whilst they do look more natural, this kind of crown is susceptible to chipping and breaking, and can also wear down opposing teeth. As well as this, the metal beneath the surface can sometimes show, especially at the gumline, and so they are therefore used more for the back teeth.

All-resin crowns are one of the cheaper options, but tend to wear down and fracture quicker than the other options. All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns create a more natural colour match for existing teeth. They can be used for teeth at the front and back of your mouth and are ideal for people with metal allergies. Finally, all crowns can be temporary or permanent. Temporary ones tend to be made in-house whereas permanent models are made in a laboratory.

What types of veneers are there?

Porcelain is the primary material used to make veneers. However, they can also be made using resin composite materials. Porcelain is a more popular choice because it can withstand wear better than its resin counterpart and tends to appear more natural-looking as well. Porcelain veneers, also known as traditional veneers, consist of a thin shell that is moulded to fit the shape of your tooth. This material provides strength and resilience, mimicking the purpose of natural tooth enamel.

Composite veneers, also known as bonded veneers, fulfil the same purpose as their porcelain counterparts, but are known to be less invasive and quicker to fit. As well as this, porcelain veneers are irreversible whereas composite ones are not. This could prove to be an advantage if you grow unsure of the look or suitability for you. Composite veneers usually provide the same level of strength and protection as porcelain caps, but can be more prone to chipping and breaking. Because of this, they require a higher level of maintenance and may not last as long as traditional veneers.