If you are considering a dental crown for your tooth, it’s important to note that you can receive various types of dental crowns. Here are six (6) types of dental crowns to consider.

Stainless steel dental crowns are manufactured crowns that are used on permanent teeth as a temporary solution. This type of crown is generally used to protect the tooth or fill, while a permanent crown is being made using a different material.

A stainless steel crown is most commonly used for children’s teeth to prevent further decay. When a child’s primary tooth comes out, the stainless steel crown will come out with it. Dentists generally use stainless steel crowns for children because it doesn’t require multiple dental visits to put in place. It’s also a cost-effective solution.

Pros

• Affordable
• Can be placed in one day

Cons

• They can be noticeable
• It doesn’t last as long as other metals

A metal dental crown contains alloys that have high contents of gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys. This type of dental crown is an excellent option for those concerned about whether their dental crown will wear down quickly.

Metal crowns are a durable crown option. These crowns can withstand the forces from biting and chewing and generally last longer than other dental crowns.

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting
• Can withstand biting pressures well
• Not as invasive since less tooth structure is removed when compared to other crown options

Cons

• It can be more evident due to its metallic shade
• Crown tends to darken as time goes on, which can make it appear like a decayed tooth
• Not suitable for patients allergic to metal

This type of dental crown is for individuals that want their crown to colour match their adjacent teeth. But keep in mind, the porcelain portion of this type of crown can chip or break off. However, porcelain-fused-to-metal is one of the most natural-looking crowns.

Pros

• One of the most natural-looking types of crowns
• An excellent option for patients allergic to metal
• It can last 15 years when well maintained

Cons

• Shorter lifespan than metal crowns
• More expensive than other types of crowns

This dental crown is an excellent option for those who need an inexpensive dental crown as they are less expensive than other crown types. It’s important to note that resin dental crowns tend to wear down over time and are more prone to fractures than porcelain dental crowns.

Pros

• Inexpensive dental crown option
• It doesn’t take long to install

Cons

• Can wear down faster than ceramic or porcelain crowns
• All-resin works best in the front of the mouth rather than other areas since the resinous material can break down faster

Like porcelain-fused-to-metal, this type of dental crown gives one of the best natural tooth colours. Ceramic dental crowns are stronger than all-porcelain crowns. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

With that said, ceramic crowns are an excellent option for those who are allergic to metal. It’s important to note that the strength of ceramic crowns can wear the teeth opposite them down faster than usual. But these crowns are still more gentle than all-resin and all-metal crowns.

Pros

• Ideal for those with a metal allergy
• Durable and reliable restoration option
• Natural appearance

Cons

• It can take longer to fabricate due to its complex nature
• Ceramic restoration will need to be thicker than other crown options to prevent them from breaking
• More of the tooth structure may need to be removed to accommodate the crown

Out of all dental crown options, all-porcelain offers the most natural-looking tooth colour. Interestingly enough, all-porcelain has a unique combination of being both strong and weak.

On the one hand, porcelain is harder than tooth enamel, damaging the opposing natural teeth. This is especially something to consider for patients who have a habit of clenching and grinding their teeth. At the same time, porcelain can fracture easily when it is too thin or flexed due to clenching and grinding.

Pros

• Produces the most lifelike cosmetic results
• Reduces temperature sensitivity since it doesn’t conduct heat or cold well
• An excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities

Cons

• Fractures more easily when compared to other crown materials
• More tooth structure will need to be removed
• Can damage opposing teeth