What Is the Best Material for Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are often used to restore the shape and function of damaged teeth. They can prevent the need for extractions, improve chewing power, and provide a range of other benefits. But did you know that crowns can be made of various materials? Each option comes with its own pros and cons. This blog post provides a comparison of some popular crown materials.

Gold

Gold alloys have been used in dentistry for many years. Gold is very durable and has less reactivity than other metals that are used in dentistry. Plus, it is relatively soft, so it is gentle on opposing teeth. The biggest drawback to gold is its obvious color. Most patients would not want it on a front tooth, so it is most often used for molars.

Porcelain Fused to Gold

In some cases, a layer of tooth-colored porcelain is placed over a gold crown. This combines the durability of gold with the natural color of porcelain. However, the underlying gold can create an opaque quality in the crown, so it may not look quite as beautiful as natural teeth.

Other Metals

There are a number of metals that can be used to create crowns, including stainless steel, palladium, titanium, silver, nickel, and chromium. They are often used in alloys to make them as strong as possible. As you can imagine, these options are very durable, but they are not aesthetically pleasing. They may also irritate patients who have metal allergies or sensitivities.

100% Porcelain

Porcelain crowns can be shade-matched to blend in flawlessly with the surrounding dentition, making them the most aesthetically pleasing option. They are a great choice for teeth located toward the front of the mouth. With proper care, they can last for many years. However, they are not perfect. They are more likely to fracture than metal crowns, especially when exposed to perpetual teeth grinding and clenching. They also need to be thicker than metal crowns, so they require more modification of the underlying dental structure.

Composite Resin

Composite resin is most often used for dental fillings rather than crowns. Although they can look pleasant, composite resin crowns tend to be much less durable than other options, so dentists rarely provide them.

The Best Crown for You

The best crown material for you depends on which tooth is being treated and other considerations. Your dentist will carefully consider all the relevant details before recommending a treatment plan. Hopefully, your new crown will last for many years!

Meet the Practice

At Dental Health & Wellness Boston, our team is pleased to provide top-quality crowns made of cast gold, porcelain fused to gold, and 100% porcelain. We design treatment plans based on each patient’s individual needs and preferences. To learn more about us and how we may be able to help you enjoy a healthy and strong smile, contact our office at 617-742-1220.