You make dozens, if not hundreds, of choices every day. What will I eat for breakfast? What’s the first thing I should do at work? Which show should I watch? While these are perfectly routine, a new one you probably haven’t encountered is, “What material should I choose for my dental crown?” There’s a surprising amount of variety, and selecting the right one for you can be a tad overwhelming. But with this quick guide, you can decide with confidence.
Gold Crowns
Gold has been used in dentistry for thousands of years, and with good reason! It’s extremely durable and strong, making it ideal for restoring back teeth that have to stand up to chewing.
However, gold crowns stick out, which can make some patients feel self-conscious. The other potential issue is metal allergies, which can take this option off the table immediately.
All Porcelain Crowns
This material has become extremely popular because all porcelain crowns have excellent aesthetics, blending in with natural teeth while looking perfectly lifelike. This makes them ideal for front teeth.
But they are not as sturdy as gold crowns, which can cause them to wear down faster or potentially fracture more easily. Thankfully, proper care can allow them to last for decades.
Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Also referred to as PFM, these consist of a porcelain restoration applied in layers on top of a metal base. It offers the best of both worlds when it comes to aesthetics and strength while costing notably less than metal-free crowns.
The drawbacks are that the underlying metal makes the porcelain slightly more opaque than natural teeth, meaning they don’t quite blend in like porcelain crowns. A dark line can appear near the gums as well if the soft tissues recede.
Zirconia Crowns
With zirconia, you get the natural look of porcelain crowns with the strength of metal ones, but with even better aesthetics compared to PFM. They are gentle on the gums and require less enamel to be removed for placement, leading to a more durable restoration overall.
In fact, zirconia crowns are so strong that they can actually wear down the natural teeth they bite against, which can be a big issue for those who unconsciously grind or clench. They are also one of the more expensive options and may not be covered by dental insurance.
EMAX Crowns
EMAX is a relatively new material in dentistry, consisting of lithium disilicate. This is an all-ceramic crown that offers the most natural-looking and strongest option available today. They are hearty enough for back teeth and beautiful enough for front teeth.
Because of this, they can be quite costly, but many patients say the quality is worth the expense.
The Big Decision
Fortunately, you don’t have to make this choice on your own—your dentist in El Reno can be tremendously helpful. Considering your needs, goals, and budget, they can guide you toward the material that checks all the right boxes.
The truth is that you can’t go wrong when working with a professional, and you’re making a wise choice by repairing any damaged teeth regardless of the type of crown you end up getting!
About the Author
When cavities, chips, or cracks arise, Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons are here to help and offer you options. The husband-and-wife team shares a commitment to excellence, and these University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry graduates have served El Reno with distinction for years.
Have a tooth that needs to be looked at? Call (405) 262-6737 or click here, and we’ll take care of the rest.