A ceramic dental crown is a crown that is made entirely out of a ceramic material such as porcelain. Porcelain is a type of ceramic that contains a type of clay called kaolin. It is white and very hard, making it a good choice for use in a crown. The difference between an all-ceramic (porcelain) crown and a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown is that in the case of a PFM crown, the part of the crown that actually goes over your tooth is made of metal. The porcelain layer is attached to the metal and makes the crown look like a regular tooth.
In comparison, the all-porcelain or all-ceramic crown does not have the layer of metal as part of the crown. The porcelain itself is what goes onto your tooth. This type of crown can look especially nice because there is no line of dark or silvery metal between your natural tooth and the crown. The porcelain or ceramic looks like a natural tooth. A disadvantage of the ceramic crown, though, is that it may not be as strong as a PFM crown and may be more likely to chip or break. Talk with your dentist about which type of crown material could work well for your specific situation
Dr Marsha Elaine Mouton is a graduate of the University of Texas Health and Science at the Houston Facility. She has been servicing the community since 1986. After graduation she continued on with her education at the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Boston with extensive studies in endodontic treatment and surgery. Her approach to the treatment of her patients includes the holistic alternatives as she feels the consideration of her patients has to be a combination of the whole person, mind, body and spirit in her quest to offer them the optimum dental health and well being.