About the dental crowns.

Dentists are unanimous to consider that, in the specific area of dental crowns and fixed
prostheses, the metal-ceramic products are the most popular.
Many years of research in the leading laboratories of the world have created the high
reliability of dental crowns and fixed prostheses of metal-ceramic with very rare failure.
Despite the unquestionable quality of dental products, there are some limitations which
must be considered. After years of use, some stains could appear on the dental crown,
which are becoming more and more visible. The primary cause of that is the habit of
eating acidic foods and drinks.
So, over time, the esthetics of teeth begins to suffer because of the color differences. If
the gingival tissue has problems, the dental crown acquires a metallic, chalky appearance,
which is for sure not ideal.
Regarding the composition of dental crowns, it is good to know that not every kind of
ceramic material can be used because of the danger of developing cracks in the metal
framework.
It is obvious that the metal-ceramic dental crowns are now by far the most popular, but
we must not forget that there are other dental crowns, all-ceramic, which seek to conquer
the market.
To make an informed choice, you have below some types of ceramic crowns with a few
features:
1. The all-ceramic products
It is a variety of material, which is applicable mainly for dental crowns and fixed
prostheses for a short period. Lava and Cercon are the best known brands of dental
crowns and prostheses. Despite the short duration of life, they have an acceptable
appearance and an average hardness.
Even if this dental crown has good references, after a period of use of more than 10 years,
we must not forget that the manufacturing process requires to be further improved and the
price reduced if possible.
In addition to all-ceramic dental crowns, there are zirconium ceramic products, which,
thanks to their increased hardness, are more suitable for fixed prostheses. Therefore, after
successive improvements, the future of all-ceramic dental crowns is assured for long
time, even to the detriment of metal-ceramic dental crowns.
2. The products of lithium disilicate.

The lithium disilicate has gained a reputation as the most commonly used material in
dental clinics for simple dental crowns, fillings and teeth implants.
The reasons for its reputation are, from esthetic point of view, an almost natural color,
and secondly their averages hardness and reliability. It can be used with amalgams and
requires regular procedure without complications.
This dental material has also some disadvantages such as a greater attention needed
during the restoration process that requires a very individualized procedure for each
person.
This product, beyond the good look, has demonstrated reliability for long time, for
fillings or implants, a significant break being almost impossible.
That is why dentists have started using it more and more for a longer period.
3. Products based on leucite glass-ceramics
This product has many similarities with the lithium disilicate, especially regarding the use
of dental crowns not complicated. The best known brand of this material, among many
other brands, is IPS Empress.
Teeth made of this material have an attractive appearance and would be very difficult for
someone to differentiate them from the natural teeth.
As disadvantage, note that the fixing is done directly on the dental crown and the strength
will be poor compared at least with all-porcelain dental crowns.
Although the dental crowns made by glass-ceramics based on leucite have a long period
of use, they have a low success rate compared to other materials, but due to the
acceptable reliability, their use will certainly continue.
4. The all-porcelain products.
The all-porcelain crowns are the most esthetic, with an incomparable naturalness and are
used particularly for simple dental crowns, but for a short time.
This material, which brand BruxZir has been noticed recently, is relatively new on the
market and waiting for additional studies to draw definitive conclusions and to motivate a
long-term use.
5.The products in metal alloy (gold)
A dental crown of metal alloy is used especially for the first molars of the maxilla and is
very resistant to masticator forces. Gold which is a bit strident and not esthetic (the main
disadvantage of this type of dental crown) is therefore mainly used for fillings and
implants of posterior teeth.

The advantage which is widely recognized is their durability due to the remarkable
resistance of the metal that allows the use for a long period of time.