Dr. Tomazin and his Team offer you a wealth of combined experience. We take pride in our ability to communicate and deliver the highest level of dentistry to our patients.
Dental crowns can boost your smile when stained, cracked, or broken teeth affect your self-confidence. With so many crown options today, how do you know which material best suits your needs and budget? This blog explores the various dental crown types, including their pros and cons, to help you choose the best option for you.
5 Min Read:
Why Your Dental Crown Type Matters
A dental crown covers a damaged tooth to restore its strength, structure, or appearance. Beyond boosting your smile, these devices improve your ability to eat, chew, and speak comfortably. Depending on the material used and your oral hygiene habits, a crown can last 15 years or longer. Since a crown is a long-term investment in your oral health and appearance, choosing the best crown for your needs is a critical decision that should be weighed carefully.
The Most Common Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made from various materials today, and each offers a different look, durability, and cost. The most common materials used for dental crowns include:
Gold Crowns
Metal crowns are usually crafted from gold alloys. They are highly durable, rarely chip or break, and can last up to 20 years or longer. They promise an accurate fit and require less tooth reduction than other crown materials.
However, their appearance leaves much to be desired, and patients with metal allergies can suffer an adverse reaction to the alloy. At one time, they were a top choice for molars in the back of the mouth, since these teeth experience more wear and tear. Downsides like the metallic appearance, potential health risks, and high cost have made these crowns much less popular, given today’s alternatives.
Resin Crowns
Resin dental crowns are often the preferred choice for temporary crowns. They are the most affordable type of dental crown and require minimal tooth reduction to place. They are also a safer choice for people who can’t have metal crowns due to allergies or bioincompatibility.
The primary drawback of resin is that it wears down much faster than other crown materials. These devices often last just a few short years before they need to be replaced. They can mimic natural teeth, but are prone to staining, chips, and cracks that reduce their durability.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
On the surface, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns seem to offer the best of both worlds. The metal base can handle more wear and tear, while the outer porcelain layer offers an optimal aesthetic. They are typically less expensive than their all-porcelain or zirconia counterparts.
PFM crowns also offer significant drawbacks. If the gum recedes around the crown, which is common over time, the metal will appear as a gray line along the gum line. The metal also blocks natural light, leaving these crowns looking less like your natural teeth. These crowns require more tooth reduction to place, and the porcelain shell can chip or crack with use.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns have become the leading choice today because of their durability, stain resistance, and superior appearance. These crowns can be shaped and color-matched to the natural teeth, making them almost impossible to spot. The porcelain used for these crowns is also biocompatible, so patients don’t have to worry about allergies or other adverse reactions to the material.
While porcelain crowns are highly durable, they don’t withstand heavy pressure as well. Because they can be prone to chipping and cracking, they aren’t usually recommended for molars. They also require more tooth reduction to accommodate the thicker porcelain, which can leave teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are crafted from zirconium dioxide, which creates a tough ceramic exterior that withstands more extreme wear. These crowns are tooth-colored and reflect light well, making them difficult to distinguish from natural teeth. They require less reduction of the natural tooth, and the material is biocompatible. Zirconia dental crowns are an ideal option for molars, since they are tougher than porcelain and more aesthetically pleasing than metal.
While zirconia’s toughness is a plus, it can also be a disadvantage if the hard surface wears down the natural teeth that bite against it. The hard material can also be challenging for dentists to adjust in the office. While the crowns are tooth-colored, they tend to be more opaque than natural teeth. The lack of translucency makes them a less-than-ideal choice for front teeth.
Same-Day Dental Crowns
Same-day porcelain crowns offer the convenience of a permanent restoration in a single appointment. Using digital scanning and in-office milling, your custom crown is created while in your dentist’s office while you wait. This approach eliminates the need for a temporary crown, avoiding issues with cracked or loose crowns while you wait for a lab to complete your permanent crown. Because the metal-free ceramic mimics the natural color of your teeth, you’ll enjoy an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Same-day crowns are limited to all-ceramic materials, so they aren’t ideal for teeth that get significant wear. They are also not used for patients looking for that Hollywood smile, since lab-processed crowns produce the best cosmetic result. The scanning equipment is not sensitive enough to detect deep injuries or fractures, so patients with these concerns are better off with a traditional porcelain crown.
Learn More About Your Dental Crown Options in Riverside, CA, and the Inland Area
Choosing the best type of dental crown can be overwhelming, which is why you need a dentist who will take the time to understand your concerns and goals. Dr. Chad Tomazin’s expertise in dental crowns, coupled with his commitment to holistic, biocompatible dental care, ensures you receive a safe dental crown that fits you best. To learn more about dental crown types in Riverside, call our office today at (951) 686-3666 or complete our online contact form.
It’s difficult enough for an adult to hear they need a dental crown, but discovering your child needs one can be unsettling for both parent and child. Why do kids need crowns, and how does the process work for pediatric patients? This blog explains what to expect when your child needs a dental crown so that you can prepare your child and yourself for treatment.
5 Min Read:
Why Does My Child Need a Crown?
Pediatric dental crowns are often recommended for damaged or decayed teeth. Cavities are a frequent culprit, as 23 percent of all kids get cavities by their fifth birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby teeth have less enamel than adult teeth, which allows a cavity to spread quickly and cause significant decay before you might realize it’s there.
Teeth can also crack or break due to an accident or sports injury. Some children may need a dental crown to protect a tooth that is unusually soft or prone to breakage. If your child is at a higher risk for cavities, dental crowns can offer long-lasting protection against tooth decay.
Parents often ask why a dentist won’t extract a decayed baby tooth or wait for the tooth to fall out naturally. While these teeth are only temporary, they serve a critical role in maintaining alignment until the permanent teeth reach full maturity. Extracting them too early can lead to misalignment and require substantial orthodontic treatment later. Leaving a decaying tooth untreated could also cause substantial oral health issues or lead to breakage before it falls out naturally.
Benefits of Pediatric Dental Crowns
Placing a dental crown offers numerous benefits for a child:
It completely covers the visible part of the tooth for maximum protection.
It minimizes the risk of additional cavities and decay in the treated tooth.
It maintains proper spacing between teeth to preserve alignment.
It allows your child to eat and talk comfortably, without pain.
It’s durable enough to handle heavy daily chewing and biting.
It’s placed in a single dental visit, reducing stress for your child.
Dr. Chad Tomazin and his team understand the anxiety that often accompanies this procedure, both for parents and children alike. We strive to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Understanding the benefits of a dental crown can also make it easier for you and your child to move forward with the treatment.
Dental Crowns for Kids: Understand Your Options
Porcelain crowns, like the ones Dr. Tomazin uses for his same day dental crowns, are not typically recommended for pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dental crowns come in a variety of other materials, such as:
Stainless Steel Crowns
These are the most common dental crowns for children, since they are durable and covered by most major insurance providers. Also known as “silver” crowns, they do not contain mercury and are a safe option for children without metal allergies. The metal color makes them quite noticeable, so they are usually recommended for back teeth that aren’t seen but get plenty of wear and tear.
Stainless Steel Crowns With White Facings
Parents can also opt for stainless steel crowns with a pre-veneered facing that more closely matches the tooth’s natural color. These crowns look white from the front, but retain their metal appearance on the back of the tooth, where it isn’t seen. The additional plastic facing does add some bulk to these crowns, making them look slightly different from the rest of the teeth. The white veneer can also chip over time, exposing the stainless steel underneath.
Composite Dental Crowns
Composite or resin crowns are made from a mixture of plastic and glass. Since they can be color-matched to the natural tooth color, they offer a good cosmetic option for visible teeth. However, the composite material is more prone to chips and fractures than other dental crowns. They may be a reasonably priced option for baby teeth that will likely loosen and come out sooner, since they don’t last as long.
Zirconia Dental Crowns
Zirconia ceramic crowns are made from zirconium oxide, which is extremely strong and durable. The crowns are also tooth-colored, making them a good cosmetic option. They tend to cost more than other dental crowns due to their longevity, making them a better option for permanent teeth in many cases. Resin crowns are often used on back teeth in adults, as they combine cosmetic quality and strength.
The right dental crown for your child depends on the tooth’s location, expected wear and tear, and the parents’ budget. Dr. Tomazin reviews all available options to help parents choose the best dental crown for their child.
The Pediatric Tooth Crown Process
Dr. Tomazin begins the tooth crown process with local numbing to keep your child comfortable during the procedure. As a trained dental anesthesiologist, he can also offer medications to alleviate any anxiety your child might feel so they can rest comfortably throughout. You and Dr. Tomazin can talk through the options at your initial consultation to ensure your child has a stress-free, painless experience in the dentist’s chair.
Once the area is numb, Dr. Tomazin isolates the tooth with a rubber dam to keep the area clean and dry. He removes all decay and files down the enamel so the crown fits securely over the tooth. A crown is selected based on size and shape, filled with dental cement, and pressed onto the tooth. Your child will be instructed to bite down on the crown once it’s in place to ensure it’s secure and comfortable.
Learn More About Pediatric Dental Crowns in Riverside, CA, and the Inland Area
A pediatric dental crown may not be a parent’s first choice, but in circumstances where there is considerable decay or damage, it may be the best option for your child. To learn more about pediatric dental crowns in Riverside, call our office today at (951) 686-3666 or complete our online contact form.
When you hide your smile because you are self-conscious about cracks, chips, or stains, cosmetic dental procedures can change your appearance and your confidence. It can be confusing to know which treatment will work best for you, with words like caps and crowns buzzing around your dentist’s office. This blog will help you understand exactly what a crown is and whether there is a difference between a ceramic tooth cap and a dental crown.
Dental crowns and caps are often used interchangeably to refer to the same covering placed over a damaged tooth. Dentists typically refer to them as “crowns,” while patients often come in requesting “caps.” The tooth-shaped covering is customized to match the precise shape and color of the patient’s natural teeth, creating a seamless repair that is virtually indistinguishable from them.
Some dentists may refer to an onlay or an inlay as a “tooth cap,” which covers a smaller portion of the tooth. These devices may treat small cracks or decay, and typically require less time and expense to apply. However, this type of cap is less common than the standard dental crown, and most doctors use the two terms interchangeably to refer to a traditional tooth crown.
Benefits of Dental Crowns or Caps
Dental caps and crowns offer multiple benefits for patients looking to brighten their smiles, including:
Restoration of severely damaged teeth
Protection for weakened teeth
Reduction in tooth sensitivity
Creates a consistent, beautiful smile
Provides long-lasting improvements
Once your crowns are in place, they should provide the same level of function as your natural teeth, in addition to your enhanced appearance. With various options for dental crowns available today, patients can find a solution that meets their oral health needs, aesthetic goals, and budget.
Materials for Dental Cap vs. Crown
Caps and crowns for teeth come in different materials, such as:
Porcelain
Ceramic
Composite resin
Metal
Porcelain crowns offer superior cosmetic results and optimal durability, which is why Dr. Tomazin offers those in his practice. He does not use any metal in the fabrication of his crowns to ensure the best aesthetic result and protect his patients’ health.
Cap vs. Dental Crown Cost
Patients considering cosmetic dentistry often want to know how much dental caps or crowns cost. Some dentists will offer temporary dental caps that cost less than traditional crowns and require less time in the dentist’s chair. However, these products are inferior to porcelain crowns in appearance and durability.
The cost of a dental crown varies based on where you receive treatment, your dentist’s experience, and the number of teeth you need treated. Dr. Tomazin will customize your treatment plan and provide a complete cost estimate for your procedure at your initial consultation.
Porcelain Caps vs. Veneers
Patients may also confuse dental caps with porcelain veneers. While “cap” typically refers to a dental crown, veneers are a completely different treatment. These coverings are applied only to the front surfaces of the teeth to hide imperfections such as stains, gaps, and chips. Like crowns, dental veneers blend beautifully with the shape and color of your natural teeth, making them unnoticeable to others. Veneers can also last as long as crowns—up to 15 years for some patients.
The right treatment for you depends on factors such as the number of teeth requiring treatment and the extent of the damage. Dr. Tomazin will determine the best course of treatment for you after a full assessment at your initial consultation.
One-Day Crowns Offer Convenience and Cosmetic Improvement
Patients who determine that dental crowns or caps are the right choice for them also have options in the crown type. Patients who want crowns primarily for functional reasons, or who don’t have time for multiple visits, can consider one-day crowns or CEREC® restorations. This advanced process uses a special camera to take digital impressions of your teeth. While your teeth are prepared for the crown, Dr. Tomazin designs your restoration using the digital impressions in 15 to 20 minutes.
Patients seeking crowns primarily for cosmetic purposes will likely achieve superior results with the traditional process. The procedure begins by preparing the teeth and taking impressions to send to the lab for a customized crown design. The color of the crown is also tailored to the precise shade of your natural teeth. You receive a temporary crown at this visit to protect teeth until your permanent crown is ready. When that occurs, you will return to the office to have your new crowns placed on your teeth.
Caring for Your Tooth Crown or Cap
Your dental crown or cap provides long-lasting protection and enhancement, as long as you take proper care of your crowns. We recommend brushing your teeth and crowns twice a day, and flossing once daily to keep them clean and free from harmful bacteria. See your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and check-ups. Good oral health is important for protecting your crowns. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about steps you can take, such as wearing a nightguard, to protect your crowns from damage.
Learn More About Dental Crowns in Riverside, CA and the Inland Empire
Whether you call them dental caps or crowns, they are an excellent way to protect your teeth, enhance your smile, and boost your confidence. Dr. Chad Tomazin has extensive experience with dental crowns and performs all procedures using biocompatible, holistic dental care to preserve his patients’ health and well-being. To learn more about dental crowns in Riverside, call our office today at (951) 686-3666 or complete our online contact form.
Tooth discoloration can happen even if you are meticulous about your dental hygiene. When your teeth become yellow or stained, it can make you look older than you feel and self-conscious about your smile. Teeth whitening is an obvious solution, but how do you know which treatment is right for you? This blog covers the various options to help you choose the best teeth-whitening treatment to brighten your smile.
Whether you choose professional teeth whitening or an at-home teeth whitening kit, the basic process is the same. Most provide a whitening solution containing a chemical such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients penetrate the outer tooth enamel, breaking down stains beneath the surface and bleaching the natural teeth to a lighter shade of white.
Teeth whitening is usually a gradual process that requires repeated treatments to achieve your desired outcome. Professional whitening in your dentist’s office can produce faster improvements, with noticeable results after just one visit. However, there are pros and cons to any teeth whitening procedure, so weigh all your options to find the treatment that fits best with your lifestyle, teeth sensitivity, and budget.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Options
Your teeth whitening solution could be as close as your nearest pharmacy. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products include whitening toothpastes, rinses, and strips.
Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes contain peroxide-based gels and other abrasive ingredients that lighten tooth color over time. These products can penetrate the enamel surface to improve the teeth from within. However, they may cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel thinning if used too often.
Teeth Whitening Rinses
Oral mouthwashes can also contain a peroxide solution to break down surface stains on the teeth. They require daily use to see results, which usually take at least a few weeks to become noticeable. They offer the added benefit of loosening food particles before brushing and freshening breath, but rarely produce a substantial improvement when used alone.
Teeth Whitening Strips
These flexible strips are coated with a thin layer of a peroxide solution or similar whitening agent. The strips are applied to the teeth daily for five to 30 minutes, and usually take a week or two before you see results. The strips are convenient and easy to use at home, but they can also cause uneven bleaching, tooth sensitivity, and gum irritation.
Dentist-Prescribed Home Whitening Treatments
Another option is to start your whitening journey in the dentist’s chair and then continue your treatments in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Your dentist can prescribe whitening trays, bleaching gels, or a home-use system that uses heat and LED light.
Custom Whitening Trays
Your dentist uses a mold of your teeth to create custom trays that fit your mouth perfectly. The uniform fit of the trays ensures an even application of the whitening solution, which produces a more consistent whitening process. Patients use the trays for one to three hours daily for up to two weeks. However, the gels can cause sensitivity or gum irritation due to the high concentration of the bleaching agent.
Prescription Bleaching Gels
These products contain a higher percentage of the bleaching agent for faster, more noticeable results. The gel is applied to the teeth with a brush similar to varnish, or it can be used in custom-fitted trays. The solution can be up to 10 times stronger than over-the-counter bleaching agents, which can lead to burning or enamel damage for some users.
Teeth Whitening System
The GLO Science So Brilliant™ Teeth Whitening System first applies a thin layer of whitening agent to the teeth. Next, an illuminating mouthpiece is inserted into the mouth, delivering gentle heat and LED light to accelerate the whitening process. The technology is also designed to reduce tooth sensitivity, which is often associated with other whitening methods.
In-Office Whitening Treatments
You can also schedule a whitening treatment in your dentist’s office, where you will be monitored closely by your dentist to prevent uncomfortable side effects and ensure superior results. Your dentist may provide bleaching or dentist-supervised treatments using the GLO Science So Brilliant™ Teeth Whitening System in their dental office for faster improvement.
In-Office Bleaching
Bleaching uses the same prescription-strength whitening gels used in home treatments, but applies them in the office using special tools and protective equipment. When your dentist administers this treatment, there is a lower risk of damage to your teeth and gums. However, you may still experience some temporary soreness or sensitive teeth after your procedure.
In-Office Whitening
Your dentist administers the GLO Science So Brilliant™ Teeth Whitening System in three consecutive eight-minute sessions. Because your dentist fully supervises the process, they can accelerate the treatment to produce noticeable results in a single session. However, you have the benefit of seeing your dentist demonstrate how to use the system while you are in the office, ensuring a more effective process.
Choosing the Best Teeth Whitening Method
With so many options to choose from, how do you know which teeth whitening treatment is best for you? While professional treatments in your dentist’s office are usually the safest and most effective, they can also be the most expensive. Talk to your dentist about your options to determine which treatment will work best for your teeth, based on current dental issues, tooth sensitivity, and your budget.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening in Riverside, CA and the Inland Empire
If you are ready for a brighter, more brilliant smile, Dr. Chad Tomazin and his team can help. We offer a variety of teeth whitening options to help our patients achieve their cosmetic goals safely and effectively. To learn more about teeth whitening in Riverside, CA, call our office today at (951) 686-3666 or complete our online contact form.
If you’ve been thinking about ways to upgrade your smile, veneers are probably on your list of cosmetic dental procedures to consider. Veneers are one of the most popular ways to correct chips, discoloration, gaps, and uneven teeth, all without lengthy orthodontic treatment or extensive dental work. Just like any procedure you’re researching, you’ve likely discovered that there are two main options for veneer materials: porcelain and composite resin. While both types of veneers can dramatically enhance your smile, they differ in several areas. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between porcelain and composite resin veneers (including cost, durability, and appearance), so you can make an informed choice with a smile.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-crafted ceramic shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are created in a dental laboratory and engineered to mimic the translucency and light-reflecting properties of your natural enamel. Porcelain veneers are known for being durable, stain-resistant, and providing long-lasting aesthetic results.
Composite Resin Veneers at a Glance
Composite resin veneers are sculpted directly onto your teeth using a tooth-colored bonding material (the same material used in composite fillings). This resin is shaped and polished by your dentist during a single appointment. Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers and can quickly address minor cosmetic concerns such as chips, discoloration, and small gaps.
More porous material that can stain over time with coffee or tobacco use.
Often completed in a single dental appointment so that you can enjoy immediate results.
Less durable than porcelain veneers, typically lasting five to seven years.
Requires minimal enamel removal, making the procedure more conservative than porcelain veneers.
May require more frequent touch-ups or earlier replacement.
Easier and more affordable to repair if chipped or damaged.
Do not reflect light as naturally as porcelain veneers.
Ideal for subtle cosmetic improvements or smile enhancements.
May not provide the same long-term aesthetic results when included in extensive smile makeovers.
How Do I Determine Which Veneer Type Is Right for Me?
Deciding between porcelain and composite veneers depends on several factors, including your individual goals, budget, and long-term expectations. If you want veneers that combine optimal durability, stain resistance, and the most natural-looking results, porcelain veneers may be the better investment. If you prefer a lower upfront cost, more conservative enamel removal, or a quicker solution, composite veneers might be the correct choice.
When you come in for an appointment with Dr. Tomazin, he will first evaluate your oral health to ensure you’re a good candidate for veneers. He will then assess your bite alignment and talk with you about your lifestyle habits and aesthetic goals before making a recommendation. A personalized consultation with Dr. Tomazin ensures your veneer choice aligns with both your vision for your perfect smile and your practical needs.
Schedule Your Dental Veneer Consultation in Riverside and the Inland Empire
Are you ready to discover what veneers can do to boost your confidence in your smile? Then it’s time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chad Tomazin to discuss your veneer options. To make an appointment, call our office today at (951) 686-3666 or complete our online contact form.
Dr. Tomazin and his Team offer you a wealth of combined experience. We take pride in our ability to communicate and deliver the highest level of dentistry.
