Tooth Crowns
Under NHS regulations at the current time in England (2016) dentists are allowed to
prescribe any type of crown. Metal based crowns on molar teeth are functionally satisfactory and don't suffer porcelain fracture problems, but even at the back of the mouth their appearance can be noticeably non-tooth colour. Porcelain bonded to
metal based crowns, such as those provided for front teeth are sometimes provided for molar teeth, but there may not be enough room at the back of the mouth to make these a good idea.
The main advantages of metal only crowns when compared to porcelain bonded crowns are that:
- Often needs less drilling of the tooth to be crowned.
- No possibility of porcelain fracturing.
- Can have better retention where the height of tooth is restricted.
The main advantages of porcelain bonded crowns when compared to metal only crowns are that:
- Appearance is more like natural teeth.
- Teeth can be built up more easily when they are very broken down.
There are other types of crown that are available privately
such as full gold crowns (yellow gold), or high strength porcelains and ceramic
crowns such as Emax crowns. These can have more desirable properties compared
to the crowns described above, but can be considerably more expensive. Prices vary
from £250-500 or even more.
M.N.Preston B.D.S.
Toothcare Limited
90A High Street
Canvey Island
Essex SS8 7SQ.
Tel 01268 683739
www.toothcare.ltd.uk
Email: info@toothcare.ltd.uk
Family Dental Practice