The Different Types of Dental Crowns: Which One Is Right For You?

If your dentist mentioned getting a crown, you probably have a ton of questions. What kinds are there? How much will it cost? What's the process like?

Getting the lowdown on the different types of dental crowns can help you make an informed decision when picking the right restoration for your tooth.

Different Types of Dental Crowns

Crowns, also called caps, are custom-made covers placed on top of a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, appearance, and strength. This type of cosmetic dentistry protects cracked or decayed teeth from further damage. There are several materials used as the base, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, porcelain fused to metal, and zirconia.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain or ceramic crowns have a natural, see-through look that seamlessly blends with surrounding teeth. While not the best for heavy biting, ceramic types of dental crowns work great for front teeth people see when you smile and talk. This material may chip or crack over time, however.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are super durable and long-lasting. Gold is often the go-to for back teeth that take a lot of chewing force. With proper care, a quality gold crown can easily last 30+ years without needing replacement! But gold is metallic, which may show at your gum line if used on front teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a great combination of both durability and aesthetics. As the name indicates, this crown fuses a porcelain exterior to an inner metal framework, often made from gold or platinum.

The metal core provides exceptional strength and reinforcement, while the outer porcelain mimics the appearance of natural teeth. This versatile crown solution fits front teeth or back teeth well. However, the porcelain may become prone to cracking or chipping over an extended period.

Zirconia Crowns

In recent years, zirconia crowns have soared in popularity thanks to their unmatched durability and strength. They have a porcelain-like appearance but resist fractures and impact even better.

This makes zirconia exceptionally functional for back teeth that endure high chewing stress.Zirconia crowns can also be colored to match natural teeth flawlessly while avoiding a metallic gold crown or dark gumline. The only con is the higher cost.

Types of Dental Crowns and Cost

When considering the costs of different types of dental crowns, prices can vary substantially depending on which type of dental crown material gets used:

• Porcelain crowns range from $800-$3,000
• Gold crowns cost around $800-$1,400
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal run $875-$1,400
• Zirconia crowns range between $800 on the low end to as much as $2,500

Types of Dental Crowns: FAQs

How long do dental crowns last?

With proper care, dental crowns typically last 5-15 years before needing a replacement. Porcelain crowns are on the shorter end, while gold crowns can go 30+ years.

Do dental crowns look natural?

Porcelain and zirconia dental crowns closely match the color of your surrounding teeth and have a natural transparency. Porcelain-fused-to-metal also blends well, while gold crowns have a metallic appearance.

Does getting a crown hurt?

Getting a dental crown usually requires some removal of your natural tooth during the fitting process .Your dentist will numb the area so you generally don't feel anything, but some sensitivity or discomfort may happen afterward as you adjust.

Final Thoughts

With various dental crown types available, your experienced dentist can match the right material and crown for your unique situation. This gives you an attractive, natural-looking restoration built to last.

Looking for a dentist in Cary, NC? Browse our different dental services today!