When you find out you need a dental crown, it feels like a big step because you are not just covering a hole like you do with a small filling. You are choosing a custom cap that stays in your mouth for a decade or more, which means the type of dental crown material you pick will change how you eat and smile for a very long time.
If you have a cracked tooth, a root canal infection, or an old dental bridge that needs help, the right cap restores your strength and helps you feel confident again.
Every patient has different goals for their budget and their looks, so it helps to know which options will hold up best against the heavy chewing forces of your back molars.
Why Your Choice of Material Changes Everything
The material your dentist uses to make your crown is the most important factor because it dictates how long the restoration lasts and how much tooth structure stays behind.
A good dental crown material protects you from sensitivity to hot and cold foods, which is a massive relief if your enamel has worn away over the years.
You also have to think about your bite habits, because people who grind their teeth at night need something much tougher than a standard porcelain cap to avoid breaking their new investment before they even get used to it.
Going through the process of choosing a material involves looking at a few key things:
- How much of your tooth shows when you laugh or talk.
- The amount of pressure your jaw puts on your back teeth.
- Your history of metal allergies or gum sensitivity.
- The total cost and what your insurance plan is willing to cover.
Ceramic Crowns
If you need work on your front teeth, porcelain or ceramic is usually the top choice because these materials can be color-matched to blend in perfectly with your natural teeth.
They are famous for being stain-resistant and highly aesthetic, which makes them the go-to option for patients who want a seamless look that nobody will notice in photos.
However, porcelain is a bit more brittle than metal, so it might not be the best pick for a molar that has to do all the heavy lifting when you eat.
Because these are metal-free, they are a safe and healthy choice for anyone with metal allergies who wants a restoration that looks and feels like a real tooth without any gray edges showing through the gum line.
Porcelain
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, often called PFM, offer a middle ground because they combine a strong metal base with a pretty porcelain layer on the outside to give you both beauty and power.
This hybrid design allows the crown to withstand the pressure of chewing while still looking white and natural when you talk or laugh with your friends and family.
One thing to keep in mind is that the porcelain layer can wear down or chip over time, which might eventually expose a dark metal line near your gum line that looks like a small shadow.
Many people choose PFM crowns for their back teeth because they have a long track record of lasting between ten and fifteen years with the right oral hygiene habits.
Gold and Metal Alloy
Gold and metal alloy crowns are the heavy hitters of the dental world because they are almost impossible to break, even if you have a very strong bite or a habit of grinding your teeth in your sleep.
These materials require the least amount of tooth reduction, which means your dentist can leave more of your natural tooth in place while still giving you a very secure fit that will not move or leak over the years.
While gold is incredibly biocompatible and gentle on the teeth you bite against, its metallic color makes it a poor choice for any tooth that shows when you smile.
Most patients save these for their furthest back molars where strength is the only thing that matters, as a gold crown can easily last for over twenty years.
You might choose metal if:
- You want the longest-lasting material available today.
- You grind your teeth heavily at night.
- The tooth being covered is a molar in the very back of your mouth.
Zirconia
Zirconia is quickly becoming the favorite dental crown material for many people because it is a type of ceramic that is incredibly strong and fracture-resistant while still looking great.
It can be milled right in the office for same-day crowns, and it is thin enough that your dentist does not have to remove much of your original tooth structure to make it fit properly.
These crowns are built up in layers to mimic the translucency of natural enamel, so they work well for almost any tooth in your mouth from the front to the back.
Even though they might cost a bit more than other options, their ability to last up to twenty years makes them a very smart long-term investment for your health.
If you want a balance of strength and beauty, this is likely the material your dentist in Colorado will suggest during your consultation.
Simple Tips for Taking Care of Your New Crown
Even the most expensive dental crown material will fail if you do not take care of it, so you must brush twice a day and floss regularly to keep the gums healthy around the base of the restoration.
You should avoid biting down on ice, hard candies, or very acidic drinks because these can weaken the bond or cause the surface of your crown to wear down or crack under the pressure.
Visiting your dentist in Colorado twice a year for professional cleanings is the best way to make sure your restoration stays in place and does not develop any hidden decay that could ruin the tooth underneath.
If you are ready to fix your smile with a custom restoration that fits your lifestyle, the team at Suncreek Dental Group is here to help you choose the perfect dental crown material.
Give us a call at (303) 933-2522 to schedule an appointment with a trusted Littleton dentist in Colorado and get back to eating the foods you love without any pain or worry about how your smile looks to others.
Category: Restoration