How to pick out the best kind of crown for your tooth？

#1 - There is no single "best" type of crown.

No one type of dental crown offers the best solution for all applications. So before you make a final decision, quiz your dentist about all of the different types of crowns. Especially if up to this point they've only mentioned placing one kind.

Hopefully they'll outline the same general issues our page does. If not, quiz them some more. Because if you're after superior aesthetics, or great strength, or the right combination of the two, it really does matter which is placed.

#2 - Gold crown. They make an excellent choice for back teeth.

If cosmetic appearance is not a factor, nothing can beat a gold crown, period.

They provide excellent service. - All-metal crowns are the strongest, most durable type of dental cap. Because they are solid metal, there is nothing to chip off. Likewise, they don't crack or break.

They're very biocompatible. - While exceptionally durable, gold crowns won't wear down opposing teeth (like porcelain-surfaced crowns can).

The only disadvantage of a gold cap is its color. But if it won't show (like when placed on teeth way in the back) this isn't a drawback.

#3 - The great advantage of all-porcelain crowns.

No Dark Line

Unlike porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM), all-porcelain crowns don’t have a problem of a dark line as they all made of white porcelain that perfectly imitates your natural tooth enamel.

Cosmetic Beauty

All-porcelain crowns are translucent and smooth, matching the size, color and shade of your original teeth. All-porcelain crowns are a perfect choice for the front teeth restoration.

Non-allergic

All-porcelain crowns are made of biocompatible material, so there is no risk of allergic reactions and gum irritation.

Possible to Perform In One Visit

Unlike other traditional techniques which require minimum two dental visits and some turn-around time between the procedures, all-porcelain crowns can be done in one appointment. After the tooth is prepared for the procedure, it takes 20-30 minutes to place a crown and cement it.

#4 - Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a middle ground between all-metal and all-ceramic caps.

The construction of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM's) is one where an overlying surface of porcelain is fused onto an underlying thimble of metal.

A porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crown.

A porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crown.

This makeup allows PFM's to offer many of the benefits of both all-metal and all-ceramic crowns.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are very strong. - While not as strong as all-metal crowns, dentist's routinely place PFM caps on back teeth.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can produce pleasing aesthetics. - While not as translucent, the cosmetic appearance of PFM's can often approach, and possibly equal, those of all-porcelain caps.

PFM's do have some disadvantages.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns do have some shortcomings that may come into play in some situations:

If the tooth's gum line recedes, the crown's underlying metal edge may show and spoil the tooth's appearance. (An important concern with front teeth.)

Unless proper protocol is followed when the bite of a PFM crown is adjusted, its porcelain surface may wear opposing teeth.

It's possible for portions of the crown's porcelain covering to fracture off.

#5 - Make sure to compare costs.

You can expect a PFM or all-metal crown to cost around 10 to 20% less than an all-ceramic. (Cost estimates for different types of dental caps.)

a) If dental insurance is involved ...

b) If you're paying for your crown out-of-pocket and its cost is a bit of an expense ...

Ask if you can arrange to pay half of your crown's cost now and half later, possibly even stretching the second half over a couple of payments. This arrangement can provide a way where your dentist can cover their immediate costs, yet help to accommodate your financial needs too.

#6 - Make sure you understand why your dentist has recommended a crown.

Dental crowns serve many important functions. But if your tooth does not require one then other types of dental restorations make a better choice.

a) There are other ways to rebuild teeth.

Your dentist might be able to place a dental filling as opposed to a crown.

And although one is often placed after root canal treatment, not all teeth receiving this procedure require one.

If a tooth truly needs a crown, there are no good alternatives. But there are some alternative approaches to having one placed.

b) There are other ways to improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth.

If it's just a change in appearance that's needed, porcelain veneers may provide a less invasive way to accomplish the same cosmetic end result. In some situations, just placing tooth bonding may suffice.

c) In some situations, a second opinion can be a good idea.

If your new dentist suggests several crowns (while your previous dentist never did), or if your current dentist seems to solve every problem by placing one, a second opinion may be in order.

It's expected that dentists' opinions will vary. However, over-diagnosing the need for crowns can be hard on your pocketbook and bad for your teeth. When in doubt, consider seeking a second opinion.