If you are considering a cosmetic dentistry treatment like porcelain veneers or a restoration like a dental crown, you probably don’t have the expertise to know what materials you should request for your restoration. But what about dentists who have researched these materials extensively and use them regularly in their practice–what would they choose?
We don’t have to guess, now that the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has, for the first time, asked its members which materials they would use in their mouths. The results highlight some of the great material options we now have in cosmetic dentistry.
Dentist’s Choice of Materials
Dentists were asked to choose from a list of materials all the ones that they would tolerate having in their mouth. They weren’t asked to choose a single material they would pick,so the percentages add up to over 100%. Even though they didn’t pick a single material, the results are pretty clear:
Lithium disilicate 84%
Zirconia 58%
Hybrid ceramic resin 22%
Metal ceramic 18%
With only two materials receiving a vote of confidence from over 50% of dentists, these are the straightforward materials of choice.
But what are these materials? Are they good for all situations? We’ll explain them briefly so you can understand why dentists would choose these materials.
Lithium Disilicate
Lithium disilicate was the clear winner because it’s an evenly balanced material. It’s an amazingly strong ceramic, capable of standing up to most forces your mouth will produce. It’s resistant to chips, fractures, and cracks.
But part of what makes lithium disilicate popular is that it’s also a very attractive material. It has the same kind of translucence as natural tooth material, making it very hard to distinguish from your natural teeth.
Zirconia
Zirconia isn’t as pretty as lithium disilicate. It has a nice white color and can be dyed slightly to match your other teeth. But it does have the drawback of being relatively opaque. It looks good, generally, but not fully natural.
What zirconia does have is unparalleled strength. Those few situations where lithium disilicate simply can’t stand up to the pressure–that’s when you need zirconia. It stands up to the worst punishments without chipping or cracking.
Both of these materials are great choices. If you would like to learn more about what material is right for your dental crown, please call (201) 343-4044 for an appointment with Dr. Marlen Martirossian at River Edge Dental, New Jersey’s center for general & cosmetic dentistry.
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