Types of Dental Crowns

All over the world, many people have a fear of going to the dentist. Studies have found that around 45% of adults globally have dental anxiety.

But if your smile is causing you to lose your self-confidence, then you need to visit the dentist. If you have a damaged or decaying tooth, it’s better to have it looked at sooner before it becomes a worse problem.

You may want to consider dental crowns if you have bad or damaged teeth. Having one put in can be expensive, so knowing your options beforehand is wise.

If you’d like to learn more about the different types of crowns, keep reading. This article will take a closer look at a few popular options.

What Is a Dental Crown?

Before we jump into the different types of crowns available, let’s look at what a dental crown is. A dental crown is a cap applied to a damaged or decaying tooth. Before it’s implanted, it’s shaped and colored to match the original, healthy teeth surrounding it.

If you have a root canal or dental implant, your dentist may install a crown to cover the tooth. A dental crown makes an excellent option for restoring a tooth. They can be made from various materials, which we will look at in more detail below.

The Dental Crown Procedure

If you’re unsure if you need a dental crown, top family dentists & hygienists recommend discussing your dental requirements with your dentist. A dental impression will be taken on your first visit, and your tooth will be prepared for crowning.

This procedure involves the dentist removing some of your original enamel. Creating a dental crown can take several weeks, so your dentist may fit you with a temporary crown made from a cheaper material such as resin.

There are a staggering amount of types of dental crowns out there made from a variety of materials. Your dentist will be able to advise which dental crown is best for your situation and will discuss this with you. Each type has pros and cons, and the price range will vary depending on the chosen material.

All Porcelain Dental Crown

A porcelain crown is among the most popular options for correcting a smile. They’re made from porcelain and require skilled personnel to create and shape them. This process is done in a lab.

This type of dental crown can last between 10 to 15 years before needing a replacement. This lifespan significantly depends on how well you care for your teeth post-crown.

Ceramic Dental Crown

Ceramic dental crowns are much like porcelain crowns in that they’re made in a lab by skilled professionals. This type of dental crown is a perfect option when you need to crown any of your front teeth. Ceramic crowns are a trendy option.

Zirconia Crowns

Only some dentists may offer zirconia dental crowns, but they make a great option if you need the strength of a metal dental crown but still want to retain the aesthetics of a porcelain or ceramic crown. If you’re prone to allergies, this crown may be the better choice as it’s metal-free.

These types of crowns will also be a faster option, as they don’t need to be created and shaped in a lab. Instead, they can be cut and shaped at your dentist’s office. However, one disadvantage of zirconia crowns is their strength. This means they can wear down the other teeth they come into contact with when biting down.

Gold Dental Crown

Gold dental crowns are commonly seen on celebrities like Wiz Khalifa and Kesha. Aside from their bling factor, gold crowns are chosen for their durability. Caring for your gold dental crown carefully can last many years as they wear down naturally, much like the original enamel.

Of course, these dental crowns don’t look natural and can be very obvious in your smile. For this reason, these crowns are typically reserved for the back teeth, like molars or teeth that don’t show too much when you smile. However, if you’re after that bling vibe, a gold tooth may be just what you want.

Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Crown

If you need a dental crown that is stronger than porcelain but just as attractive, then porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown may be what you need. Having been around for decades, this type of crown has stood the test of time. Another benefit of these is they may cost less than their all-porcelain counterpart.

One significant disadvantage to this type of dental crown is that it may create a gray line where your tooth meets your gumline. This can occasionally be rather noticeable and are best suited to molars. They’re tougher than all-porcelain crowns, making them an excellent option for teeth grinders.

Base Metal Alloys Dental Crown

A base metal alloy dental crown is typically made of one of several systems: stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, nickel-chromium, and nickel-titanium alloys. This type of crown is made entirely of metal, so if you are allergic to certain metals, this option is best avoided.

It’s another durable type of dental crown that can withstand biting and chewing. This makes them an excellent option for back teeth like molars and premolars.

Metal dental crowns should last many years if you take good care of them. For example, they can last up to 15 years or more.

Which Dental Crowns Do You Prefer?

Thanks to dental crowns, you never need to be embarrassed about your smile again. If you have a broken, damaged, or decaying tooth, visit your dentist and inquire about your dental crown options. Your dentist may only offer a few material options, so knowing which one best suits your needs beforehand is wise.

Gold or base metal alloy dental crowns will be the best option if you need durability and strength. However, if one of the teeth is a front tooth, then a porcelain or ceramic crown will be more aesthetically pleasing.

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