Dental crowns can be fabricated from several different types of materials. Each material has its advantages and is used for particular reasons. If you require crown treatment, your dentist will discuss the types of crowns available and what they are best used for. Factors to consider include strength, durability, aesthetics, extent of the treatment, and cost. Below we list the types of crowns and their favored treatment modalities so we can help you decide which type of crown is best for you.
Crown Types
Gold: Gold is the strongest crown material and is often used for back teeth. They are especially useful for people who brux. Bruxing is the chronic habit of grinding and clenching and can put undue stress on your back molars.
All-Porcelain: All porcelain crowns, also referred to as all-ceramic crowns, are a great choice when aesthetics is a major consideration. All-porcelain is often the best choice for upper front teeth. For teeth that get more wear, a different crown material may be a better choice due to the fracture risk for all-porcelain.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM): PFM crowns fall between gold crowns and all-porcelain crowns regarding performance. They are fabricated as a metal crown (the base), and porcelain is fused over the top of the metal to provide a cosmetic appearance. The metal substructure provides the strength while the overlying porcelain surface provides aesthetics. However, the drawbacks for this type of crown include a black line that appears along the gumline (the black line is the metal substructure); the porcelain surface may wear down opposing teeth; the porcelain surface can fracture.
Zirconia: Zirocnia crowns are very strong, aesthetic, and fracture and chip resistant. They can withstand bruxing and can be utilized anywhere in the mouth.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.
