What Materials Are Used in Dental Veneers, Crowns, or Implants?

September 24, 2024

Dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, and implants have become increasingly popular as patients seek practical solutions for enhancing their smiles and replacing missing or damaged teeth.

Each of these treatments requires specific materials selected for their aesthetic properties, durability, and biocompatibility. So, what materials are used in dental veneers, crowns, and implants? Here’s what you need to know before getting your next restoration.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells made to cover the front surface of teeth, providing a natural-looking appearance and addressing issues such as discoloration, chips, or misshapen teeth.

The most common materials used for dental veneers are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain most closely mimics natural teeth with its translucency and durability. Dentists choose this material because it resists staining and provides an aesthetically superior result.

Composite resin veneers are less expensive, and although they can certainly provide a natural look, they’re generally considered less stain-resistant and durable than porcelain [1].

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are often recommended for teeth that are decayed, fractured, or have undergone root canal treatment.

There are several materials dentists use to fabricate dental crowns, including:

Porcelain fused to metal. This material combines metal strength with the natural appearance of porcelain. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are durable and can withstand significant chewing forces while providing a natural look.
Porcelain or ceramic. All ceramic or porcelain crowns are ideal for front teeth due to their excellent aesthetics. These crowns do not have a metal base, allowing for a more natural appearance, and also have a long lifespan [2].
Metal alloys. Gold, platinum, or base metal alloys are extremely durable and can withstand heavy biting forces, making them suitable for back teeth. However, their aesthetic appeal may be lower compared to porcelain options.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are tooth replacement options that involve surgically placing a post into the jawbone, which acts as a root for the artificial tooth.

The actual dental implant itself is either made from titanium or zirconia, a type of ceramic. Titanium is the most commonly used material for dental implant posts, known for its strength, biocompatibility (the ability to integrate with bone), and resistance to corrosion.

However, zirconia also shows similar success rates as titanium and offers a metal-free option for patients [3]. This material is highly biocompatible and can provide an aesthetic advantage, particularly for front teeth.

Ask Your Dentist About Your Dental Restoration Options

The choice of materials used in dental veneers, crowns, and implants plays a crucial role in meeting both functional and aesthetic goals when restoring your smile. Ask your dentist to help you understand the options available and select the best materials that align with your needs, ultimately leading to a healthy, beautiful smile.