The Common Types of Dental Crowns Explained

Did you know: more than 2 million dental crowns are made annually in the U.S.?

A significant number of people require dental crowns at some point in their life. But why are they used? And what are the different types of dental crowns?

If you think you might need a dental crown, read on to find out everything you need to know.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap placed on the tooth, and it can be used in a variety of circumstances. The most common uses are for covering weakened or cracked teeth, a large filling, a root canal, or simply for aesthetic purposes.

There are several different kinds of dental crowns available. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, relating to cost, durability, and appearance. The main types of dental crowns are gold, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, E-max, stainless steel, ceramic, and all-resin.

What Are the Different Costs Involved?

It’s important to be aware of the types of dental crowns and costs involved with each one. Gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns come at the cheapest end of the price scale.

Meanwhile, Porcelain and E-max crowns are the most expensive types of crowns. It is worth noting that all of the dental crowns mentioned above are safe to use, their costs simply differ due to their different materials, longevity, and appearance.

Which Tooth Crowns Have the Best Appearance?

Porcelain crowns are generally considered to have the most natural appearance. It is often impossible to tell that they are implants and not just your tooth itself. Zirconia, ceramic, and E-max crowns also provide an aesthetic appearance and look very natural.

On the other hand, gold crowns and other metal alloys can be more obvious within the mouth and have a less natural appearance.

Related: 5 Common Dental Problems That Can Happen to Anyone

Which Dental Crowns Last the Longest?

A final factor to consider when choosing which dental crown you want is knowing their durability and how long they will last. It goes without saying that all dental crowns must be properly cared for with regular brushing and oral care.

Gold and metal alloy crowns tend to have the best longevity, while porcelain is known to be the weakest type of crown. This is an especially important factor if you are prone to grinding your teeth. You may feel that porcelain-fused-to-metal allows the right combination of good appearance and long durability.

It is also worth noting that even if your crown falls out, it can be refitted by your dentist, and in this way, some dental crowns can last a lifetime!

Now You Know About the Different Types of Dental Crowns

In this article, we’ve covered the different types of dental crowns and the advantages and disadvantages of these options. When considering which type of crown to opt for, you need to think about whether cost, appearance, or durability is most important to you.

It is always important to listen to the advice of your dentist who will help you make this choice.

If you found this article helpful, make sure you check out our other health-related posts!