So, your dentist has suggested to you that you have a tooth that needs a dental crown. They have explained the reasons why the crown should be placed and you understand them. Now a decision must be made as to what type of dental crown should be placed.

Your dentist has mentioned several terms such as porcelain-fused-to-metal, Empress, gold, and semiprecious, just to name a few. With so many options, how do you decide which should be chosen? Which is best for your tooth and your situation?

There are a number of issues that must be considered when choosing which type of dental crown to have placed. They include cosmetic appearance, strength, durability and cost, just to name a few. Let our pages describe for you the different types of dental crowns that can be made and the variations that exist within each of these general categories. We'll discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of each type of crown and introduce a number of applicable terms so you can discuss your situation intelligently with your dentist.

What are the different types of dental crowns that a patient can choose from?

There are basically three types of dental crowns: all-metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic. Here's a brief description of each.

A) All-metal

As their name implies, all-metal dental crowns are composed entirely out of metal (dental alloy). The classic all-metal dental crown is the gold crown, however, other dental alloys (some of which have a white as opposed to a gold coloration) can be used. Metal crowns are typically chosen for those situations where great strength is required and cosmetic appearance is not a concern.

Follow this link to read more of our discussion about all-metal dental crowns.  >>  

B) All-ceramic

All-ceramic dental crowns, as anyone could guess, are a class of crowns whose entire composition is a dental ceramic (typically porcelain). There is a range of techniques that can be used to fabricate all-ceramic crowns. Most involve the craftsmanship of a dental laboratory technician but some are created out of a block of ceramic on a milling machine. All-ceramic crowns are typically placed in those situations where aesthetics are of utmost concern. The disadvantage of this type of crown is that they aren't as strong as the other types.

Follow this link to read more of our discussion about all-ceramic dental crowns.  >>  

C) Porcelain-fused-to-metal

Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns (PFM's) might be thought of as a hybrid between all-metal and all-ceramic crowns. With these crowns, a body of porcelain is applied to and then bonded onto a metal substructure in a high-heat oven. These crowns offer good strength characteristics and a white tooth-like appearance.

Follow this link to read more of our discussion about porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns.  >>  

Which type of crown is the best choice?

Use the links below to find out more about each type of dental crown, its advantages and disadvantages and the types of decisions about options that must be made with each. Form an opinion about what you think might be best choice and then discuss matters with your dentist. It won't take them long to steer you to the type of crown that is the right choice to satisfy both your concerns and dental needs.

• All-metal dental crowns. / Gold crowns.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns.
• All-ceramic dental crowns.

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