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Dental Crown Types

Dental crowns act as protective coverings for your teeth. There are several types of crowns, each designed for a specific use and with distinct characteristics. Although crowns can improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth, crowns are primariy designed to support and improve teeth that are decaying, damaged, or deformed.

  1. Facts

    • Dental crowns are used to "cap" teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, disfigured, or discolored and to protect eroding teeth from further damage or decay. Dental crowns are designed to encase the damaged tooth and restore the tooth's shape and strength.

    Duration

    • Dental crowns can last between five and 15 years, according to MedicineNet.com. A dental crown's life span depends on good oral hygiene, nutrition and use. For instance, using your teeth to open packages, grinding, chewing ice and biting fingernails are all bad habits you need to avoid to keep from damaging your teeth and wearing down crowns.

    Metal Crown

    • Metal crowns are a common choice for damaged molars that need protection and restoration. Gold is the most popular metal. Other metals used for crowns include nickel, chromium or palladium. Metal crowns usually don't crack or chip. Metal is more durable, stronger and lasts longer than the other crowns. Very little of a damaged tooth needs to be removed if you elect to use a metal crown. This type of crown is also softer on the other teeth when you chew or bite down.

    Porcelain Crown

    • Porcelain crowns function similar to natural teeth. This type of crown is often preferred for its cosmetic appearance. Porcelain crowns capture and reflect light much like natural teeth do, with gives them a more natural look. They are commonly used for the front teeth. Porcelain crowns are generally smooth and durable, but chip more often than metal crowns.

    All-Resin

    • Compared to other types of dental crowns, all-resin dental crowns are less expensive. This type of dental crown is also less durable, more likely to crack or chip and wear down faster than most types of dental crowns.

    Combination Crown

    • The combination crown consists of porcelain and metal. Gold is usually the metal of choice. Combination crowns can be used for either the front teeth or back teeth, but the porcelain portion of the crown is still more likely to chip or break than the metal portion.

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