Metal Dental Crowns Explained

What Is a Metal Dental Crown?

A metal dental crown is a cap fitted over a prepared tooth. The dentist removes a small amount of the damaged outer tooth so the crown has room to sit properly. Once it’s cemented in place, the crown becomes the new outer surface you bite with.

Gold alloys are a well-known option, although other dental metals are used too. Gold crowns are particularly interesting because they’re strong without being extremely hard on the opposing tooth. They also need less tooth removal than some other crown types, which I think is a pretty big advantage that gets overlooked.

Why Dentists Use Metal Crowns

• Excellent strength for back teeth, especially when you chew hard without thinking about it.

• Thin construction means the dentist often doesn’t need to remove as much healthy tooth structure.

• Gold alloy crowns are gentle on the opposing tooth, which is a nice detail you probably won’t notice until you compare them with harder materials.

Are Metal Crowns Comfortable?

They should be. A properly fitted crown shouldn’t feel like a foreign object sitting on your tooth forever. At first, you may notice it because your tongue keeps finding the new surface. Give it a little time.

What About the Appearance?

This is where metal crowns lose some points. The crown is visible if you smile widely, laugh, or open your mouth. A silver or gold-looking tooth isn’t exactly subtle.

How Long Do Metal Crowns Last?

A metal crown can last many years when it’s fitted properly and looked after. But the crown itself isn’t the whole story. The tooth underneath still needs regular brushing and cleaning around the crown because decay can develop at the edge.

Grinding your teeth also changes the picture. If you clench or grind regularly, tell your dentist before the crown is made. You may need extra protection at night.

Is a Metal Crown Right for You?

If a back tooth needs serious reinforcement and you don’t care much about having a tooth-coloured restoration, metal is a sensible choice. I’d take durability seriously here. A crown that simply gets out of your way and lets you chew normally has something going for it.

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