There are many types of Ceramic Crowns depending on if you have gold under them or not. All porcelain ceramic crowns make the most beautiful restorations and they are my favorite for the front teeth. Then came along lots of other types of other ceramic crowns-I have tried them all-procera, zirconium, lithium disilicate crowns and emax. Currently we use all porcelain or e-max type crowns. Some offices offer one sitting cerec crowns as well. There are ceramic crowns with gold and/or metal under them. They are the work horses of the profession but they can leave dark margins at the gum line. You need to know your options and the best choice for you and the location of the crown. Talk to your dentist and discuss your needs.
All-ceramic crowns (or "porcelain" crowns) will provide you with the most natural-looking esthetics, but one should know that there are several types of porcelain available to clinicians today, each type having advantages and/or disadvantages. The following must be considered prior to the placement of a generic "ceramic" crown: Where will the crown be placed (in front of the mouth or in the back)? Will the ceramic crown be adhered or cemented onto natural tooth structure, a post, or an implant? Is parafunction present (grinding, clenching, etc.)? Are any habits present (nail-biting, gum-chewing, etc.)? Today's ceramics are exceedingly strong and can be placed in the front of the mouth or in the back of the mouth. If you're concerned about longevity, be sure to ask your dentist what type of ceramic he/she is placing. MORE IMPORTANTLY, make sure that your dentist is up-to-date with adhesive bonding, which is the process used to adhere ceramic crowns to tooth structure.
