Types of Dental Crowns

Crowns are also essential for dental implant treatment, as they provide the full restoration that sits on top of the implant and abutment. They might also be used for bridge restorations, when double crowns sit adjacent to a prosthetic tooth and fix to the teeth surrounding a gap.

If you require dental crown treatment, you might be curious about the types of crowns available to you. The choice of crown material will commonly depend on the placement, as we often need to balance the need for strength with visual aesthetics. Read on to learn more about the most popular types of dental crowns available.

Types of dental crowns

Dental materials are advancing all the time, so what is available today might be very different to the materials you might have seen 10 or 20 years ago. The rise of private dentistry also means that there are more dental crown options available than might be possible with NHS care. The most popular types of dental crowns today include:

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia crowns are made of zirconium dioxide, a highly durable and biocompatible material that offers both strength and a beautiful aesthetic finish. This material is suitable for all teeth, including the front teeth and rear molars. It’s also suitable for patients with bruxism and anyone with a strong bite. The finish looks very natural, and since the crown is made from all one material, it looks very similar to a natural tooth.

E.max crowns

Another popular option would be E.max, which is a glass ceramic material that offers excellent light reflecting properties. It perfectly mimics the look of natural tooth enamel, which is why it is such a popular choice for front tooth restorations. 

Porcelain crowns

Another popular choice is porcelain or ceramic crowns, which are commonly used for the front teeth. While porcelain offers a finish that looks very similar to natural tooth enamel, it is more prone to chips and cracks, which means it cannot be used for rear teeth. Wearers will also need to be careful how they use their teeth, as things like chewing ice could cause cracks.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns

For greater strength, porcelain can be placed onto a metal base, allowing you to enjoy the strength of metal with some of the aesthetic beauty of porcelain. However, it’s worth noting that porcelain fused to metal crowns will often have a slightly darker hue and the metal may be visible along the gum line. So while they might be effective for rear molars, you might hesitate about placing one of these in a more visible spot.

Metal alloy crowns

For a crown solution that will resist chips and cracks, metal is the obvious choice. Popular metals for crowns include gold, nickel, chromium, and palladium. Gold is the most expensive option, while alloy metals will be cheaper. These are popular choices for teeth that are not visible when you smile, as they won’t offer a natural finish. However, they are incredibly durable and won’t need to be replaced or repaired.

The right dental crown choice for you

First consider if the tooth will be visible when you smile, and then decide if an aesthetic restoration is important to you. You should also consider the lifespan of the crown and if you have the budget to replace or repair it after 10 to 15 years.

If you are exploring your options with NHS restorations, then you’ll have a limited choice of materials as the treatment is heavily subsidised. With private treatment, you’ll have a wider range of materials, including the most advanced options like zirconia.