Most crowns are made from metal, porcelain, ceramic such as zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, or resin. Dental crowns cap a damaged tooth, and each material trades off looks, strength and wear a little differently.
At Gentle Dentistry, our dentist in Kalamazoo, MI helps you weigh those trade-offs for the tooth in question.
Here's how the common crown materials compare.
Why the Material Matters
A crown covers the whole visible part of a tooth, so it takes the full force of every bite. The right material depends on where the tooth sits, how much of it shows and how hard you chew or clench.
Crowns are one part of restorative dental care, and the material choice comes up before the tooth is shaped.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are often made from gold or other alloys. The notes they rarely chip, last a long time and need only a small amount of enamel removed.
The drawback is the color. Because they look metallic, they tend to suit back molars that stay out of sight.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These crowns put a tooth-colored porcelain layer over a metal base. They can be shaded to blend with nearby teeth and can work on front or back teeth.
Over time the porcelain layer may chip and show the metal underneath. They may also wear down the teeth they bite against.
Porcelain and Zirconia Crowns
All-ceramic crowns look the most like natural enamel. That makes them a popular pick for front teeth and for people with metal allergies.
Zirconia is one of the most common ceramics used. It is very durable and tends to be gentler on opposing teeth than some other ceramics.
Resin Crowns
Resin crowns usually cost less, but they are more fragile and break more easily. Dentists often use resin or acrylic for temporary crowns while the permanent one is made.
How Long Each Type Tends to Last
Most crowns last about five to 15 years with good care, and some last much longer. says most should last at least five years.
Habits matter as much as material. Chewing ice, grinding or skipping cleanings can shorten a crown's life, while brushing twice a day and flossing daily help it last.
How Our Dentist Helps You Choose
Dr. Busch-Abbate looks at the tooth, your bite and your goals before recommending a material. If you are curious how the visit itself goes, see what happens during the crown procedure.
A crown can also anchor a bridge over a gap, so it helps to know whether a dental bridge is part of your plan. If you clench at night, ask how night guards protect teeth and dental work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a crown without metal if I have a metal allergy?
Yes, all-ceramic crowns, including zirconia, contain no metal and are often suggested for people with metal allergies. Let your dentist know about any allergy before the crown is planned so the lab can use a metal-free material.
The Cleveland Clinic lists all-ceramic and porcelain crowns as a good choice for patients with metal allergies, and MedlinePlus says the same about ceramic crowns.
What is a temporary crown made of?
Temporary crowns are usually made from resin or acrylic, which is softer than a permanent crown. At Gentle Dentistry, a temporary crown protects your shaped tooth while the lab makes your final crown.
Because the material is less durable, it helps to chew on the other side and skip sticky foods like caramel until your permanent crown is cemented.
Does Gentle Dentistry use putty impressions for crowns?
No, our office uses a digital intraoral scanner, the 3Shape TRIOS, instead of trays of putty. The scanner takes detailed pictures of your teeth and gums, and the lab uses that digital information to make your crown.
Most patients find a scan more comfortable than a putty mold, and it gives the lab an accurate record of your bite.
Does teeth grinding change which crown is best?
It can, because grinding puts extra stress on any crown and can make it more fragile over time. Your dentist may weigh a stronger material for a heavily used back tooth if you clench or grind.
MedlinePlus notes that a night guard or bite splint may help protect a crown while you sleep, and Gentle Dentistry makes custom night guards in Kalamazoo.
Will a crown match the color of my other teeth?
Porcelain, zirconia and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be shaded to blend with your natural teeth, while metal crowns stay metallic. Before a crown is cemented, Dr. Busch-Abbate checks its size, shape and shade against the rest of your smile.
If a tooth-colored crown matters to you, mention it at your consultation so the shade can be chosen with care.
Talk With Gentle Dentistry About Your Crown
Not sure which crown material fits your tooth? Our team at Gentle Dentistry in Kalamazoo, MI can walk you through the options and answer your questions about dental crowns.
Call Gentle Dentistry today at (269) 381-3890 or request an appointment online.