When it comes to treating cavities, there are three main When it comes to treating cavities, patients typically choose between resin fillings, inlays, and crowns.
Of these, crowns are often the preferred option, especially when the damage is extensive. Choosing the right crown can feel overwhelming at first, with so many dental crown materials available today.
Understanding the different types of dental crown including zirconia, gold, and porcelain helps make the decision easier. If you’re wondering about the best crown material for your case or comparing options like zirconia crown vs gold crown, it’s important to consider both strength and appearance.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a helpful crown material comparison to guide you toward the most suitable choice for your smile.
What is a crown?
A crown is a type of restoration where the tooth is shaved down and then covered with an artificial cap that protects and strengthens it.
When do you need a crown?
If a cavity is too large or the tooth is severely fractured, a crown is usually the best option.
But sometimes, even if the cavity isn’t that big or the tooth isn’t badly broken, a crown may still be recommended. That’s because crowns can prevent further cracking or decay.
Let me give you an example.
If a tooth has a visible crack and we place an inlay instead of a crown, the crack could worsen over time. Eventually, the tooth might split and need to be removed entirely.
Also, if an inlay has to be placed horizontally, or if a patient has strong bite force, there’s a higher risk of the tooth breaking. In these cases, a crown is often the safer choice.
Crowns can absorb pressure and protect the tooth from further damage.
Who benefits most from crowns?
Some people are just more prone to cavities, especially those with dry mouth.
In these cases, resin or inlay treatments might only last a few months before new decay appears.
For patients like this, even if the cavity is small, a crown is usually a more reliable long-term solution.
types of dental crown : Materials used for crowns
The most common materials are zirconia, gold, and porcelain.
Zirconia is currently the most popular choice.
Zirconia crown Pros and Cons
Zirconia is tooth-colored, so it looks natural. It’s also very strong and has low wear meaning it’s gentle on both the crown and the opposing tooth.
That said zirconia can sometimes crack under pressure.
Gold doesn’t crack at all but zirconia might in rare cases. Also, more of the tooth has to be shaved down to place a zirconia crown compared to gold.
Gold crown Pros and Cons
Gold crowns require less tooth reduction and they don’t crack, which is a huge plus.
However, they do wear down over time, which can create holes. And because they’re not tooth-colored, many people don’t like how they look.
That’s why gold crowns are less commonly chosen these days.
Porcelain crown Pros and Cons
Porcelain used to be common but its usage has declined since zirconia came into the picture.
Porcelain looks great and mimics tooth color well, but it’s more fragile than zirconia and wears down more easily. It can also wear down the opposing tooth.
Another downside is that it’s often fused to metal and over time the dark metal underneath can start to show through.
Still, in cases where zirconia can’t be used such as for certain implants porcelain(PFM) crowns are sometimes chosen.
Best crown material : crown material comparison
Both zirconia and gold crowns have a similar lifespan.
Zirconia might crack, and gold might wear down, so in the end, it evens out.
Since zirconia is more aesthetic and now more affordable, it’s become the go-to choice for many patients.
When zirconia might not be suitable
Even though zirconia crowns are strong and look great, they’re not always the best fit. There are a few situations where other materials might work better:
- Limited space between teeth
Zirconia needs a certain thickness to maintain strength. If the bite space is too tight, a zirconia crown might end up too thin and risk breaking. Gold, which stays strong even when thin, may be better. - When preserving tooth structure is key
Zirconia requires more of the tooth to be shaved down. If the tooth is already weak or has had a root canal, too much removal could cause problems. In such cases, gold might be safer. - Strong bite or grinding habits
For people who grind their teeth or clench their jaws, zirconia may be at higher risk of cracking. Gold is more forgiving—it flexes slightly under pressure, reducing the chance of breakage. - Back molars that aren’t visible
For deep back teeth where looks don’t matter as much, gold is often a more practical and cost-effective option. - Implant crowns with system limitations
Some implant systems require specific crown materials. In these cases, zirconia may not be compatible, and porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal may be used instead.
Final thought
Just like life itself, teeth are much harder to restore once they’re lost than to protect in the first place.
Regular dental checkups can make all the difference.
Thanks for reading.
