Typically, crowns are made from ceramic, as this material can be customized to perfectly match the color of your surrounding teeth. Gold is another common choice, but is often passed over because it has a tendency to stick out. Despite this drawback, however, gold crowns do have numerous benefits.
Dental crowns are Strong
Not all crowns are created equal. Different materials provide different levels of strength. While ceramic is extremely popular, it is susceptible to damage should you bite down on something too hard. Gold is the strongest material available for dental crowns.
It will not crack or chip, even under the hardest biting and chewing forces, which is what makes it extremely popular for the teeth in the very back of your mouth. It can even stand up to grinding. Because of its exceptional strength, gold has the longest lifespan of any crown material, able to last upwards of 50 years or more.
Kind to Natural Teeth
Gold used for crowns has a similar hardness to that of your natural teeth, and therefore has a similar wear rate. This means that a gold crown will not cause significant damage to the tooth opposite it. And, unlike ceramic, the material will actually start to show wear over time just like your natural teeth. Ceramic doesn't wear over time, and can cause significant damage to teeth as you age.
Biocompatible
Gold crowns are very biocompatible, meaning that they don't cause a reaction with your gum tissue. Your gums fit perfectly around the material, preventing gaps that could otherwise hide plaque and bacteria. Gold is non-reactive, and the likelihood of an allergic reaction is minimal. Its smooth surface also means that the material won't irritate the tissue and lead to inflammation.
Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring damaged teeth. While ceramic is the most popular option, there are some instances where gold is the better choice. Contact our office to learn if a gold crown is the best choice for you.
