According to the CDC, 20% of American adults have at least one untreated cavity, which can lead to weakening of the teeth. Not only that, but they can also become discolored or cracked, which isn’t pleasant.
While you can get cavities filled, that isn’t always possible. When they become too big to be filled, one solution that dentists use is dental crowns. These are caps that cover damaged, decayed, or unattractive teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance.
What are dental crowns made of, and why does it matter? Read on to find out more about this subject.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
When it comes to the materials of dental crowns, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below, we’ll compare their durability, aesthetics, and costs.
Porcelain (Ceramic)
Porcelain crowns are made entirely from high-quality dental ceramic. There isn’t any metal in them, and as a result, they’re the most natural-looking dental crowns available. This is because they closely replicate the following of natural teeth:
- Color
- Translucency
- Luster
Porcelain crowns are biocompatible, so they’re less likely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation. And if your gums recede, there isn’t a visible line near the gum since it isn’t metal.
The drawback is that porcelain crowns aren’t as durable as metal ones; they last about 10-15 years with proper care. They can chip or fracture under heavy pressure, making them not ideal for heavy grinders or back molars unless reinforced.
Otherwise, these crowns are best for highly visible teeth and those who want a natural and seamless smile.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
PFM crowns combine a strong metal substructure (such as a base or noble metal) with a tooth-colored porcelain coating. That way, you get a good blend of strength and aesthetics.
As you may have guessed, this makes the crowns very durable; it’s reliable for back teeth. It’s also cost-effective compared to full ceramic or zirconia crowns, as well as more aesthetically pleasing than pure metal crowns.
However, over time, gums can recede, and this can expose the darker base. PFM crowns also have less lifelike translucency compared to all-porcelain crowns, and they still have the risk of the porcelain chipping.
If you’re on a budget, then these crowns can be good for your front teeth. Otherwise, they’re optimal for the back teeth, where strength is crucial, but you’re still concerned about the level of aesthetics. Expect these crowns to last 10-20 years.
All-Metal (Gold, Palladium, or Base Metal Alloys)
All-metal crowns are made from metal alloys, such as:
- Gold
- Platinum
- Palladium
- Nickel
- Chromium
These are the best dental crown materials if you’re after strength and longevity. They’re also great since there’s minimal tooth removal required, which means you can preserve more of your natural teeth. And because these crowns are made entirely of metal, they’re highly resistant to wear; they don’t easily chip or break.
The trade-off for their durability in terms of ceramic vs. metal crowns is that the latter are very visibly metallic, which can give an unattractive appearance. For this reason, they’re rarely used for front teeth. Instead, they’re best for people with heavy bite forces or bruxism, or the molars and non-visible teeth.
Do note that some people may potentially have metal allergies to the crowns, especially with nickel-based alloys.
If you take proper care of your all-metal crowns, then they can potentially last 20-30 years, or even longer.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconia dioxide, which is a strong and durable type of ceramic. There are two choices: monolithic (solid) or layered (with porcelain). People usually choose the latter for enhanced aesthetics.
The dental crown benefits here are that they combine a variety of advantages of the prior dental crown types listed, such as:
- Very high strength
- Good aesthetics
- Biocompatibility
- More resistant to chipping than porcelain
All these factors make zirconia crowns suitable for both front and back teeth. They’ll typically last 15-20 years.
However, these crowns are more expensive compared to PFM or composite crowns. In addition, they’re more opaque than E-max and porcelain crowns, and if you don’t have them polished properly, they can cause wear on the opposing teeth.
E-Max (Lithium Disilicate)
E-max dental crowns are made from lithium disilicate, which is a type of glass-ceramic material. It’s known for its combination of beauty and durability, which makes it highly aesthetic. The translucency is just perfect for a natural look.
Plus, E-max is stronger than regular porcelain. It’s versatile for various teeth, and there’s no metal line, so if you experience gum recession, it won’t affect your appearance. You can expect them to last 10-15 years on average.
The downside is that E-max isn’t as durable as zirconia, especially on the molars. In addition, there’s a higher price tag for these crowns.
Composite Resin
Composite resin crowns are made from a dental composite material that’s the same used in dental fillings. They’re usually placed directly in the mouth or fabricated in a lab for temporary use.
These crowns are very affordable, and they’re quickly fabricated too. They’re also minimally invasive, meaning that there’s less tooth removal needed.
The biggest disadvantage of composite resin crowns is that they’re the least durable. They’re prone to staining, wear, and chipping, and typically only last 3-7 years.
Because of this, they’re best for temporary crowns while waiting for permanent ones. They should also only have very limited long-term use in low-stress areas in the mouth.
Get the Right Type of Dental Crowns
Now you know the answer to the question, “What are dental crowns made of?” The materials include porcelain, PFM, all-metal, zirconia, E-max, and composite resin.
Each material has its distinct pros and cons, making certain ones ideal for one patient while not very optimal for another. The important thing is to go over your needs with your dentist. That way, you can figure out the best solution together.
If you need quality dental care, then contact us today. The practice of Matthew Anderson, DMD, MSD caters our appointments to accommodate those with chronic conditions or anxiety.