Dental crowns can increase your self-esteem and enhance your quality of life. It is evident how transformative crowns and bridges can be, as more than 15 million Americans use them to replace lost teeth. Knowing your options will help you make the right choice for your dental health, whether you’re replacing a damaged tooth or improving your smile.

What are the types of dental Crowns?

1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: The Reliable classic

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a flexible option for both front and back teeth because they provide the perfect balance of strength and beauty. In order to maintain the durability required to endure regular chewing and biting forces, they are made to look natural. 

Advantages of PFM:

• PFM crowns are an affordable choice that provide durable performance without going over budget.
• They blend seamlessly with the color of surrounding  teeth and are suitable for many clinical situations such as bridges and implants restorations.

Disadvantages:

• There is metal exposure risk, due to gum recession, forming a visible grey line near the gum line and also some patients are allergic to metals.
• They also have aesthetic limitations, and may lack the translucency of all ceramic crowns, especially in visible areas.

2. All-Porcelain Crowns: The Ultimate in Aesthetic Excellence

The remarkable capacity of all-porcelain crowns to replicate the inherent beauty of natural teeth is well known. They guarantee a realistic appearance that blends in perfectly with your smile since they reflect light exactly like natural enamel. 

Advantages of porcelain crowns:

• These crowns have remarkable color matching capabilities. All-porcelain crowns offer unparalleled aesthetics.
• With proper care, all-porcelain crowns are durable and can last for many years. They are highly resistant to staining and maintains crowns appearance overtime.

Disadvantages of porcelain crowns:

• They are more prone to chipping and cracking especially in the back teeth where more force and pressure is applied in chewing.
• They are expensive as compared to PFM or other metal crowns because of the material used and lab work required.

Zirconia Crowns: The Modern Marvel of Dentistry

Zirconia crowns offer the remarkable strength of metal and the inherent beauty of porcelain, combining the greatest qualities of both materials. 

Advantages of zirconia crowns:

• They are a great option for people who grind their teeth or have significant chewing forces because of their amazing durability.
• Zirconia crowns are soft on opposing teeth despite their sturdiness, which lowers the possibility of wear or injury over time.
• They also require less tooth reduction, preserving the natural tooth structure.

Disadvantages of zirconia crowns:

• Zirconia crowns are harder to adjust and reshape once they are placed.
• They are comparatively expensive and requires advanced technology.
• Zirconia is a hard material which can cause wear and tear on adjacent natural teeth.

4. Gold Crowns: The Time-Tested Champion of Durability

Gold crowns are known for their unparalleled durability and dependability, making them a dependable option in dentistry for many years.

Advantages of gold crowns:

• These crowns are the most durable alternative available; with the right maintenance, giving patients a lifetime of self-assured smiles. They are a great option for enduring strong chewing and biting pressures, particularly on molars that are subjected to the most strain.
• Gold crowns have a remarkable longevity and are incredibly soft on neighboring teeth, reducing wear and tear and maintaining the integrity of surrounding structures.
• They are perfect for out-of-sight molars where strength and functionality are the main concerns because of their discrete appearance.

Disadvantages of gold crowns:

• They tend to be more expensive as compared to other crowns and also not very much aesthetically pleasing especially for more visible teeth.
• Their placement generally requires the removal of more removal of natural teeth.

5. E.max Crowns: The Aesthetic Revolution in Dental Restorations

The ultra-natural appearance of E.max crowns makes them nearly identical to natural teeth, marking a significant advancement in dental science. 

Advantages of E-max crowns:

• They are a great option for increasing the appearance of front teeth where aesthetics are crucial because of their translucent nature, which replicates the way light interacts with natural enamel.
• These crowns are more stronger than conventional porcelain alternatives since they are made of lithium disilicate, a material that is renowned for its resilience. This ensures that they can withstand regular wear and tear while still looking perfect.

Disadvantages of E-max crowns:

• Despite being stronger than conventional porcelain, Emax crowns are nevertheless susceptible to chipping or breaking when subjected to extreme force, particularly in the back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.
• Because any flaws in the crown’s fit could cause discomfort, failure, or the need for correction, Emax crowns require a high degree of precision in the tooth preparation process.

Choosing The Right Type Of Dental Crown According To Your Situation

Aesthetically Appealing Dental Crown

Looking for an Aesthetically Appealing Dental Crown? Your best options are:

• E.max for front teeth
• All-porcelain for visible areas
• Zirconia for a strength-beauty balance

Most Durable Dental Crown 

Need something that lasts? Consider:

• Zirconia for maximum strength
• Gold for proven longevity
• PFM for reliable performance

Most Economical Type of Dental Crown

Smart choices that are economical:

• PFM crowns
• Traditional porcelain options
• Strategic material placement

Best Dental Crown for Molar Teeth

Back teeth need special attention:

• Zirconia for maximum strength
• Gold for ultimate longevity
• PFM for balanced performance

When deciding on a dental crown, several factors come into play, including the location of the tooth, your lifestyle habits, budget, aesthetic goals, and professional recommendations. Our expert team of dental partners are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you choose the perfect crown to meet your unique needs.