Types of dental crown

Dentists can use dental crowns made from metal, gold, porcelain or ceramic. The type of crown suitable for each individual patient will be determined by the location in the mouth the dental crown will be placed, the functionality needed from the tooth and the aesthetic results desired.The procedure for all types of crown is the same to attach dental crowns to strengthen natural teeth or to provide a replacement tooth with dental implants. 

Metal crowns

Metal crowns are commonly used to cap teeth at the back of the mouth where the reconstruction will not be visible. Metal dental crowns are strong replicas and replace or cap teeth that need to have chewing functionality. This type of dental crown is extremely durable and is likely to last for a long time without being damaged.

Gold crowns

The main advantage of a gold crown is that the strength of the crown is similar to that of tooth enamel. This means that gold crowns will not put additional pressure on adjacent teeth when biting or chewing. As with metal dental crowns, gold crowns are used to replace molar teeth that are not visible when patients smile.

Ceramic dental crowns

Dental crowns made from all-ceramic material provide patients the most natural looking aesthetic result. All-ceramic crowns can be made from porcelain, dental ceramic or dental resin and can be matched to blend in with the color of natural teeth. Ceramic crowns are not as durable as metal or gold crowns and so are not recommended for use on back molars.

Porcelain dental crowns

Porcelain dental crowns are  the most commonly applied dental crown. Dental technicians construct this type of crown by making an inner shell of metal. This inner crown is then covered with a porcelain veneer to create an opaque finish that matches natural teeth. Porcelain dental crowns are recommended by dentists for front and back teeth as the metal gives the crown strength and durability while the porcelain covering disguises the crown once placed over the natural tooth.

Which type of dental crown should I choose?

Dental crowns provide different functionalities. If dentists recommend crowns to protect damaged teeth from further decay or cracks, porcelain dental crowns may be the best option as the porcelain can be placed only on the part of the tooth that is visible, while the metal will protect the whole outer surface of the tooth.

Dental crowns to replace missing molars in the back of the mouth should be replaced with metal or gold alloys as the cosmetic appearance of the crowns is not as important and the alloy metal provide more protection to teeth and are less likely to break.

All-ceramic dental crowns are the favoured type of crown for patients wanting a cosmetically enhanced result from dental crown procedures. Especially recommended when replacing front teeth with dental implants, all-ceramic  crowns blend into natural teeth and the colouring will not alter over time. The benefits of the different types of dental crowns will be explained by your dentist. 

Related guides

• Types of dental crown
• Benefits of dental crowns
• Dental Crown Procedure

Other guides

• Dental Hygiene
• Gum disease
• Childrens' Dentistry
• Common Dental Problems
• Teeth whitening
• Reconstructive dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Implants
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Veneers
• Dental Treatment in Mexico

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