Dental crowns are a great way to restore and protect the health of a tooth that is no longer able to function properly and has been severely damaged by decay or erosion. Injury, gum disease and cavities can result in irreversible damage to your teeth. There are various types of crowns available for you to choose from designed to save teeth, restore a solid bite, as well as the appearance of your smile. Some offer strength and durability whereas some provide more of a natural look. Below are types of dental crowns for you to determine which one is for your tooth and situation.

Porcelain/ all-ceramic crowns

Porcelain or all-ceramic crowns can be a great option for someone who is seeking an all-natural appearance which will aid in the appearance aspect of restoration. Porcelain crowns are best for front teeth restorations that won’t be doing too much chewing or intense biting. They are manufactured to match the shape and size as well. The cost of porcelain crowns can be on the higher side as they closely resemble the color of your teeth. If cared for properly they can offer lifelong durability however if placed on molars in the back of the mouth, they are more prone to chipping and fractures.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns

PFM crowns combine both strength and aesthetics. The metal interior of the crown amalgam provides durability while the porcelain exterior gives a natural look. These crowns are flexible, strong, and aesthetically pleasing that won’t chip as easily as pure porcelain. However, if you have a gum recession then PFM might not be the best option for you because of its metal foundation. These crowns may need to be replaced often if they are placed on the back teeth. These combined crowns may often experience normal wear tear on the opposing teeth as well.

Gold crowns

Gold crowns have been used for a long time by dentists for centuries. They are extremely durable which means that chipping and cracking of the crown only happens in rare cases. They have the least reactivity of all the metals in the mouth. Another benefit of a gold crown is that they won’t wear down the opposing teeth, unlike porcelain or all-ceramic crowns. However, a gold crown can be flashy for some people who might not think that this is the best look. They are well-suited for patients who clench or grind habitually.

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia is another crown material that is an ideal base for porcelain which is both durable and aesthetic. The bonding process between zirconia and porcelain is stronger compared to porcelain and gold. Zirconia can also color match just as your natural existing teeth. They are durable and unlikely to chip or break however, it can be too strong and may end up wearing down your opposing teeth.

Composite crowns

Composite crowns are inconsiderable in terms of strength and durability unlike gold or porcelain. But for some patients who are very sensitive to metals and porcelain, composite crowns can be a very useful alternative for restoration.

Different factors to consider while choosing the best crown.

Along with the different types of dental crown, while choosing the best crown there are various factors that need to be taken into consideration such as:

Cost

The average cost of dental crown varies depending on the material used and complexity of the treatment procedure. It is wise to put resources into dental crowns that are eminently strong while paying little heed to its cost. PFM crowns can be the most affordable, and metal crowns are somewhere in the middle while porcelain and zirconia tends to be the most expensive option.

Appearance

The appearance of the crown is especially important for a natural bright smile. You might need to consult with your dentist if you are worried about your appearance, and you will look after getting a crown. This is especially crucial if the crown is required on one of your front teeth. Porcelain crowns are the most popular option and somewhat considered to be a good choice because of its natural look. A gold tooth is less likely to be your first choice and composite crowns often discolor due to brushing

Durability

Extreme chewing and grinding can break the crowns. Therefore, porcelain is least likely to be an option for molars, and metal can be the best choice for the inner top and bottom molars. Metal is immensely durable and can resist the impact of chewing. PFM crowns can be used for molars in some cases but if you clench or grind your teeth, then you may want to opt for a stronger crown.