How to Choose a Dental Crown Material

Start With Where the Crown Will Go

Your dentist will usually look at the tooths position first. Front teeth are visible when you smile so a natural appearance matters there. Ceramic crowns are popular for this reason because they can closely match the shade of teeth.

Think About Appearance

All-ceramic crowns give you a more tooth-like appearance. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns also look natural from a distance although the metal underneath can sometimes show near the gum line.

Match the Material to Your Bite

Zirconia makes sense when strength is high on the list. Gold crowns are another option because gold is gentle on opposing teeth and has a long history of use in dentistry. Personally I’d rather have a back-tooth crown that I barely notice than obsess over having the whitest possible material there.

Don’t Ignore the Tooth Itself

Sometimes the material choice is shaped by the condition of the tooth. A damaged tooth needs a crown that can handle the job without creating unnecessary stress around the remaining tooth structure.

Your dentist also needs to consider how much healthy tooth is left and how the crown will fit with your bite. So the cheapest material isn’t automatically the option.

Consider These Practical Details

• Appearance matters most for a tooth especially if you want the crown to blend in when you smile.

• Zirconia is worth discussing for a tooth where chewing force is the bigger issue.

• Gold has a track record although most people don’t choose it for front teeth because of the colour.

• Cost varies with the material and the dental practice so ask what you’re paying for before choosing based on price

• Your dentists recommendation should fit your bite. The amount of healthy tooth remaining, which is where things get less simple.

Ask What You Actually Need

A conversation with your dentist is more useful than trying to pick a material from a chart. Ask why they’re recommending that option for your tooth. Ask how it should look. Ask how long its expected to last in your situation.

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