“What are the different types of dental crowns, and which one should I choose?”
I need a crown on my molar teeth. What are the different types of dental crowns, and which one should I choose?
5 Answers
DentistDentist
There are several types of dental crowns, each with its own benefits depending on your needs. The most common types include:
1. Porcelain Crowns: These are natural-looking and blend well with your teeth, making them a great choice for visible areas like the front teeth. They are durable but may not be as strong as metal crowns.
2. Metal Crowns: Made of materials like gold or other alloys, these crowns are incredibly strong and long-lasting, making them ideal for back teeth where chewing pressure is high. However, they don’t blend with your natural teeth, so they’re usually used for less visible areas.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns give you a good balance of strength and looks. The metal underneath gives it strength, while the porcelain on top helps it blend in with your natural teeth. However, sometimes you might see the metal along the gumline.
4. Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a newer material that’s strong, durable, and more aesthetic than metal crowns. They are a great option for patients looking for something that combines strength with natural appearance. Zirconia is also resistant to wear and tear.
5. Resin Crowns: These are less durable compared to the others, but they’re a more affordable choice. They’re usually used for temporary crowns or for patients on a budget.
Recent studies, like one in the Journal of Dentistry, show that porcelain and zirconia crowns are becoming more popular because they combine a natural look with strength. Zirconia, in particular, is known for being extra durable and not wearing down your other teeth as much. The choice of crown largely depends on where it’s placed, how much wear it will endure, and your aesthetic preferences. A dentist will help you make the best choice based on your specific needs and lifestyle.
1. Porcelain Crowns: These are natural-looking and blend well with your teeth, making them a great choice for visible areas like the front teeth. They are durable but may not be as strong as metal crowns.
2. Metal Crowns: Made of materials like gold or other alloys, these crowns are incredibly strong and long-lasting, making them ideal for back teeth where chewing pressure is high. However, they don’t blend with your natural teeth, so they’re usually used for less visible areas.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns give you a good balance of strength and looks. The metal underneath gives it strength, while the porcelain on top helps it blend in with your natural teeth. However, sometimes you might see the metal along the gumline.
4. Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a newer material that’s strong, durable, and more aesthetic than metal crowns. They are a great option for patients looking for something that combines strength with natural appearance. Zirconia is also resistant to wear and tear.
5. Resin Crowns: These are less durable compared to the others, but they’re a more affordable choice. They’re usually used for temporary crowns or for patients on a budget.
Recent studies, like one in the Journal of Dentistry, show that porcelain and zirconia crowns are becoming more popular because they combine a natural look with strength. Zirconia, in particular, is known for being extra durable and not wearing down your other teeth as much. The choice of crown largely depends on where it’s placed, how much wear it will endure, and your aesthetic preferences. A dentist will help you make the best choice based on your specific needs and lifestyle.
Here’s a quick summary of the dental crown options:
1. **Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)**:
- **Pros**: Strong, natural-looking.
- **Cons**: Metal line may show at gumline.
- **Best for**: Teeth needing strength and some aesthetics.
2. **All-Ceramic**:
- **Pros**: Natural look, no metal.
- **Cons**: Not as durable as other types.
- **Best for**: Front teeth.
3. **All-Metal (Gold)**:
- **Pros**: Extremely durable, long-lasting.
- **Cons**: Not aesthetically pleasing.
- **Best for**: Molars (back teeth).
4. **Zirconia**:
- **Pros**: Strong, durable, natural-looking.
- **Cons**: Can be tough to match color perfectly.
- **Best for**: Molars and strong, aesthetic option.
5. **Resin**:
- **Pros**: Affordable, natural appearance.
- **Cons**: Less durable, stains over time.
- **Best for**: Temporary or budget-friendly options.
6. **E-max (Lithium Disilicate)**:
- **Pros**: Strong, highly aesthetic.
- **Cons**: Expensive.
- **Best for**: Front teeth, or those wanting strength and beauty.
For molars, **gold**, **zirconia**, or **PFM** are the best options for strength and durability.
1. **Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)**:
- **Pros**: Strong, natural-looking.
- **Cons**: Metal line may show at gumline.
- **Best for**: Teeth needing strength and some aesthetics.
2. **All-Ceramic**:
- **Pros**: Natural look, no metal.
- **Cons**: Not as durable as other types.
- **Best for**: Front teeth.
3. **All-Metal (Gold)**:
- **Pros**: Extremely durable, long-lasting.
- **Cons**: Not aesthetically pleasing.
- **Best for**: Molars (back teeth).
4. **Zirconia**:
- **Pros**: Strong, durable, natural-looking.
- **Cons**: Can be tough to match color perfectly.
- **Best for**: Molars and strong, aesthetic option.
5. **Resin**:
- **Pros**: Affordable, natural appearance.
- **Cons**: Less durable, stains over time.
- **Best for**: Temporary or budget-friendly options.
6. **E-max (Lithium Disilicate)**:
- **Pros**: Strong, highly aesthetic.
- **Cons**: Expensive.
- **Best for**: Front teeth, or those wanting strength and beauty.
For molars, **gold**, **zirconia**, or **PFM** are the best options for strength and durability.
There are several different types of crowns. Zirconia crowns are one of the newer materials and hold up very well. The color can come close to the color of your natural teeth. An alternative, is an all metal crown, be it gold alloy, titanium alloy, or another alloy. They all work well and are almost indestructible, however they are not esthetic. Then there is the porcelain fused to metal crown which can also be esthetic. The issue with this type of crown, like gold alloy crowns is that they can wear if you have a grinding habit.
There are several types of dental crowns, including porcelain, metal, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. The best type of crown for you depends on your needs, such as the appearance you want, the strength and durability you need, and the condition of your teeth.
Crowns are made out of metal or porcelain or both. All metal crowns are used when the patient grinds their teeth. Porcelain fused to metal and all porcelain crowns used in most other instances. Metal free crowns can be made in Zirconia for extra strength. But the chief difference in the esthetic appearance that dictates the selection. Hope that answers your question.
