06
Apr
Metal-free crowns that look like real teeth (naturally!)
Our patients want dental crowns to look and feel like real teeth. When searching for a dentist near me in South Holland, know that Pleasant Dental® uses the right materials to repair damaged teeth with crowns.
Why does the material matter so much?
Dentists have used dozens of materials through the years to make crowns. Some materials can be better shade-matched than others, so the crown color looks natural and blends with the rest of your smile. Some materials are also stronger than others. Most of the time, our dentists in Dolton, Illinois recommend porcelain and zirconia for crowns.
What is the difference between porcelain and zirconia?
While porcelain and zirconia are both ceramic materials, porcelain is primarily composed of minerals such as quartz that mimic the translucency and appearance of natural enamel. In fact, there is no better “mimic.” Zirconia crowns are primarily made from a high-performance zirconium dioxide. This material is sometimes called “ceramic steel,” which sums up how strong it is! It’s known to be super-durable, long-lasting, and chip-resistant.
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So, when would you recommend porcelain for crowns?
Porcelain may be used with crowns to treat the front teeth or other situations where a natural appearance is a key consideration. In these cases, we start with a strong base. The zirconia serves as that foundation. The porcelain is then “bonded” or secured to the zirconia base. This approach to crowns combines the best of both worlds; you get a pretty incredible aesthetic result that can withstand wear and tear with no problem. While modern dental porcelain is quite strong, it can be fragile under heavy impact or during heavy chewing. So, we like to use it in combination with the ceramic steel.
Does zirconia also look natural?
You bet! Like porcelain, zirconia can be shade-matched to blend in with the rest of the teeth. Modern zirconia is also translucent, allowing light to pass through it like a natural tooth. This is an important feature because it prevents the opaque or flat look associated with some dental work. Of course, for the most likely result.
In certain situations, we may also recommend the layering technique, in which we use zirconia as a substructure and then cover it with porcelain. This approach adds depth and imitates color-related subtleties of natural tooth enamel. By using zirconia, sometimes with porcelain, your crown also wears incredibly well. You don’t notice dark discoloration at the spot where your gums and crown touch. This is a common complication of traditional crowns that use metal as the base rather than porcelain. Over time, the dark metal starts to peek through. It can look like a very obvious gray or dark line at your gumline. Take good care of your teeth and maintain checkups at Pleasant Dental®, and no one will ever have to know that you had “work done” on your teeth!
Call (708) 576-1900 to schedule your appointment. Our Dolton, IL office is a quick three-mile drive from South Holland.
Dean Dietrich, DMD
Dr. Dean Dietrich has been practicing dentistry since 1986, when he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine. He had completed his undergraduate studies in business marketing and management at Michigan State University from 1978 to 1982.He opened Pleasant Dental in 2003 to provide excellent dental care and value for his patients. He is especially skilled and experienced with root canals, implants, and handling dental anxiety.
Dr. Dietrich is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Indian Dental Association. He is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan and has orthodontic certification from the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Multiple agencies have recognized him annually as one of America’s Top Dentists.
