Types of Dental Crowns: Which Material Is Best?

Explore the different types of dental crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, and metal. Compare durability, appearance, cost, and benefits to find the best crown material.

Dental crowns are made from different materials, and each type has its own advantages. The right choice depends on the tooth being restored, bite pressure, appearance, and durability needs.

The main types of dental crowns include porcelainfusedtometal, allceramic, gold or metal, zirconia, resin, and lithium disilicate crowns.

1. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns

Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a strong metal base covered with toothcolored porcelain.

They combine durability with a more natural appearance than a fully metal crown.

When to Choose a PFM Crown

PFM crowns may be suitable for:

• Front or back teeth

• Teeth that need additional strength

• Patients who want a tooth-colored restoration

• Areas where both durability and appearance matter

Pros and Cons of PFM Crowns

Pros:

• Strong and durable

• Toothcolored exterior

• Suitable for many teeth

Cons:

• Porcelain may chip over time

• Metal may become visible near the gumline

2. All Ceramic or All Porcelain Crowns

All ceramic and all porcelain crowns contain no metal and are designed to closely match the appearance of natural teeth.

They are commonly used when aesthetics are an important concern.

When to Choose an All Ceramic Crown

These crowns may be a good option for:

• Front teeth

• Highly visible teeth

• Patients who prefer a metalfree crown

• Cosmetic dental restorations

Pros and Cons of Ceramic Crowns

Pros:

• Natural-looking appearance

• Toothcolored

• Metalfree

• Good option for visible teeth

Cons:

• Some ceramic materials may be less resistant to heavy biting forces than zirconia or metal

• Material selection is important for back teeth

3. Gold and Metal Crowns

Gold crowns are usually made from a gold-containing metal alloy rather than pure gold.

Metal crowns are known for their strength and resistance to wear and fracture.

When to Choose a Gold or Metal Crown

They may be considered for:

• Molars

• Back teeth

• Teeth exposed to strong chewing forces

• Patients who prioritize durability over appearance

Pros and Cons of Metal Crowns

Pros:

• Very strong

• Resistant to chipping

• Suitable for heavy chewing forces

• Can last for many years with proper care

Cons:

• Metallic appearance

• Less suitable for visible front teeth

4. Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is a strong ceramic material commonly used for modern tooth restorations.

Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored and can provide a good balance between strength and appearance.

When to Choose a Zirconia Crown

Zirconia may be suitable for:

• Molars and back teeth

• Teeth exposed to strong bite forces

• Patients looking for a metalfree crown

• Front teeth when suitable aesthetic zirconia is used

Pros and Cons of Zirconia Crowns

Pros:

• Very strong

• Toothcolored

• Metalfree

• Suitable for front and back teeth

Cons:

• Some zirconia types may appear less translucent than porcelain

• The right type of zirconia must be selected for the tooth being treated

5. Resin Crowns

Resin crowns are made from tooth-colored composite resin materials.

They are commonly used as temporary crowns, although they may also be used in selected permanent restorations.

When to Choose a Resin Crown

Resin crowns may be used when:

• A temporary crown is needed

• A lowercost restoration is appropriate

• The tooth is not exposed to heavy chewing pressure

Pros and Cons of Resin Crowns

Pros:

• Toothcolored

• Generally more affordable

• Useful for temporary restorations

Cons:

• Less durable than zirconia or metal

• More likely to wear or fracture

• May stain over time

6. Lithium Disilicate Crowns (e.max)

Lithium disilicate is a strong glass ceramic material often associated with e.max crowns.

It provides good strength while maintaining a natural, translucent appearance.

When to Choose a Lithium Disilicate Crown

It may be suitable for:

• Front teeth

• Visible teeth

• Selected premolars and back teeth

• Patients who want a strong, metalfree restoration

Pros and Cons of Lithium Disilicate Crowns

Pros:

• Highly natural appearance

• Good translucency

• Stronger than many traditional ceramics

• Metalfree

Cons:

• May not be ideal for every patient with very heavy bite forces

• Suitability depends on tooth position and remaining tooth structure

Types of Dental Crowns Comparison

What Is the Best Crown for Front Teeth?

For front teeth, appearance is usually one of the most important factors.

Common options include:

• Allceramic crowns

• Porcelain crowns

• Lithium disilicate crowns

• Hightranslucency zirconia crowns

These materials can be matched to the color and shape of surrounding teeth.

What Is the Best Crown for Back Teeth and Molars?

Back teeth experience stronger chewing forces, so durability becomes more important.

Common crown types for molars include:

• Zirconia crowns

• Gold or metal crowns

• porcelain fused to metal crowns

• Certain high strength ceramic crowns

Your dentist will consider your bite, tooth condition, and remaining tooth structure before recommending a material.

How Do You Choose the Right Dental Crown Material?

The best dental crown material depends on several factors:

• Location of the tooth

• Amount of remaining tooth structure

• Bite pressure

• Tooth grinding or clenching

• Cosmetic preferences

• Existing dental restorations

• Budget and treatment needs

A front tooth may benefit from a highly aesthetic ceramic crown, while a molar may require a stronger material such as zirconia or metal.

Which Type of Dental Crown Is Right for You?

Each crown material has different strengths. Porcelain and lithium disilicate are often chosen for visible teeth, while zirconia and metal are commonly used when greater durability is needed.

Your dentist can examine the tooth and recommend the most suitable crown based on its location, condition, bite forces, and appearance.

Need a Dental Crown?

If you have a damaged, cracked, or weakened tooth, a dental examination can help determine which crown material is right for you.