Which Dental Crowns are the Best?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is used to repair a tooth that is severely decayed, damaged, or broken, or to cover a dental implant or root canal. Dental crowns can be made of a few different materials, and the best kind depends on your personal preferences.

Types of Dental Crowns

Metal

Metal crowns are the strongest type of crown. They can be made thinner, which means your dentist can save more of your natural tooth structure. They stand out from your natural teeth due to their metal color, but the upside is they can last decades with proper care.

Gold

Gold crowns are usually about 60% gold and 40% a mix of other alloys. They are strong and durable like metal crowns but gentler on opposing teeth, making them a good option for those who grind or clench their teeth. Being gold in color, they won’t blend in with your other teeth, but they can potentially last several decades.

Porcelain and Ceramic

Porcelain and ceramic crowns blend in with your smile because they are custom-made to match the shade of your other teeth. They are slightly less strong compared to metal and gold crowns, but still strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Ceramic crowns are a bit stronger than porcelain crowns. Still, teeth-clenching or grinding, chewing hard candies, ice, or using your teeth to open packaging can damage a porcelain or ceramic crown. A damaged porcelain crown can sometimes be repaired without needing a full replacement, but a ceramic crown cannot. Both ceramic and porcelain can last about 15 years or more with proper care.

Zirconia

Made from a naturally white metal called zirconium oxide, zirconia crowns are made to match the shade of your natural teeth. Zirconia crowns are made from metal, making them stronger than ceramic, porcelain, and gold. They are also biocompatible like titanium, so allergic reactions are rare.

If you are wondering what type of crown is best for you, call or stop by Ridge View Dental to schedule an appointment today!