You would probably figure that if you were an Etruscan in the 8th to 5th century B.C, your dental care would be extremely primitive. While technology has certainly brought the dental field a very long way, there actually were forms of dental crowns being used all the way back then. The materials that have been identified from that time period include ivory and human teeth.
As time went on, gold was found to be a strong and longer lasting restorative option for decaying teeth. Still porcelain and other tooth-colored dental crowns might not be as new of an invention as you’d think. In fact, porcelain jacket crowns were fashioned out of hollowed out dentures as far back as the 1700s. Your Elk Grove Village dentist, Dr. Brent A. Engelberg, most highly recommends lithium disilicate (e.max) and zirconia (lava) crown materials for the ultimate in form and function. Read on to learn more about why the more common gold and porcelain crowns tend to have a few drawbacks.
Save the Gold and Silver for Mining
Why have metals long been some of the most popular materials in dental restorations? The simple answer is strength and longevity. With metal restorations, you don’t have to worry about chipping or cracking. You may have to deal with a metal crown falling out after a long time, but in general gold is very forgiving when it comes to the wear of opposing teeth. Unfortunately, however, metal crowns are not a good choice in esthetic terms. Unless you’re going for a major fashion statement, you probably wouldn’t want a metal restoration on any of your most visible teeth. Metal can expand and contract with temperature extremes, causing tooth damage. If you are interested in replacing a gold or silver crown with a more attractive cosmetic solution, your Elk Grove Village dentist is happy to consult with you on your options.
The Dreaded Black Line
In an effort to make gold crowns cosmetically pleasing, but still strong and functional, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have had a lot of popularity in the world of dentistry. Sure, they seem to blend the best of both worlds by combining the strength of metal with the tooth-like translucent sheen of porcelain. Unfortunately, many patients end up complaining of the appearance of a dark or black line where the metal part of the crown edge meets the gum ridge, making your crown just as obvious as metal.
Dental Crowns from Elk Grove Village Dentist
If you are in need of a dental crown, Dr. Engelberg will make sure that your restoration is functional, and of the highest quality. To schedule an appointment for a consultation, call our 60007 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
