We begin by answering the simple question: what are dental crowns made of? A dental crown is a restoration that fits over a damaged tooth to restore shape, strength and appearance. Crowns are manufactured from a range of dental crown materials chosen for strength, aesthetics and biocompatibility.
In this article we cover the main types of dental crown materials: porcelain, metal (including gold alloys and base-metal alloys), resin (composite) and all-ceramic options such as zirconia and lithium disilicate. Each group has distinct properties that affect chewing performance, shade matching and translucency, and resistance to wear and fracture.
Material choice matters for function, appearance, longevity and biological response. A strong metal core may suit back teeth where chewing forces are high. Porcelain and ceramic crowns can provide superior aesthetics for front teeth, matching natural translucency. Resin crowns offer a budget option but tend to wear faster. We also consider allergy risks and gum health when assessing materials.
Throughout we compare dental crown materials and the types of dental crown materials best suited to different situations. We explain how crowns are made and outline the fabrication process. We do not provide price details here; please contact us for cost information.
Going forward, we will compare materials, describe the process of getting a crown, cover maintenance and innovations, and offer guidance on discussing options with your dentist in the United Kingdom.
Understanding Dental Crowns
We explain what dental crowns are and why they matter for everyday oral health. Crowns act as prosthetic caps that restore a tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance. They may be temporary during treatment or permanent once fitted, and they can cover a natural tooth or form the visible portion of an implant. Crowns can serve as single-unit restorations or as parts of fixed bridges.
What are Dental Crowns?
We describe crowns as custom-made coverings that encase the full visible tooth above the gum line. A crown replaces lost enamel and rebuilds tooth form after large decay or trauma. It protects weakened teeth, supports teeth after root canal treatment and corrects cosmetic concerns. The choice of dental crown restoration materials influences appearance, strength and how long the restoration lasts.
When are Dental Crowns Used?
We list common clinical indications for crowns. They are used for large cavities where a filling would not provide enough support, fractured teeth needing reinforcement and teeth following root canal therapy that require added protection. Crowns address badly worn teeth and prominent cosmetic defects. We may recommend a crown as the prosthetic cap on a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
We select crown type based on tooth position, remaining tooth structure and patient priorities. Front teeth call for high aesthetic standards. Back teeth demand strength for chewing. Our discussion with patients covers these factors alongside available dental crown restoration materials.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
We highlight the main advantages. Crowns restore chewing function and protect weakened teeth from further damage. They improve aesthetics by refining shape, colour and alignment. Crowns distribute occlusal forces to reduce risk of fracture and help retain natural teeth long term.
We note psychological benefits such as increased confidence after a successful restoration. For patients seeking metal-free options, we may point them to resources on all-ceramic solutions like all-ceramic dental crowns, which relate to questions about what are dental crowns made of and how are dental crowns made when aesthetics is the priority.
We aim to help patients understand the practical role of crowns, the range of dental crown restoration materials and basic answers to how are dental crowns made so they can discuss options with their dentist with confidence.
Materials Used in Dental Crowns
We outline the common dental crown materials so readers can weigh aesthetics, strength and cost. A clear dental crown material comparison helps when discussing options with a dentist. Below we describe the main types of dental crown materials and their typical uses.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns include porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) and all-porcelain designs. PFM crowns have a metal substructure with porcelain layered over it, offering improved strength from the metal core. All-porcelain crowns avoid metal entirely and provide excellent colour matching and translucency close to natural enamel.
These crowns suit anterior restorations where appearance matters. PFM can show a dark metal margin at the gum line over time, while all-porcelain crowns may be less fracture-resistant than some metal or zirconia options.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns cover gold alloys and base-metal alloys such as nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium. Their high strength and thin walls mean less tooth removal is needed. They resist wear well and withstand heavy biting forces.
Clinicians typically place metal crowns on molars or for patients prioritising durability over aesthetics. Gold crowns remain a reliable choice where longevity and tissue compatibility are priorities.
Resin Crowns
Composite resin crowns offer a more affordable and rapidly fabricated solution. They work well as temporary restorations or when budget and turnaround time are key concerns.
Resin crowns have lower durability, are prone to wear and staining, and usually require replacement sooner than ceramic or metal crowns. We recommend them primarily as short-term options.
Ceramic Crowns
Modern ceramic materials include zirconia and lithium disilicate, for example IPS e.max. Zirconia shows high fracture toughness and suits posterior teeth where strength is critical. Lithium disilicate delivers excellent aesthetics and translucency for visible restorations.
Ceramic crowns can be layered for enhanced appearance or made monolithic for maximum strength. Their biocompatibility and versatility have made them a popular choice in contemporary restorative dentistry.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Material
We review how common crown materials perform in everyday dentistry so readers can weigh options. This short guide supports a clear dental crown material comparison and highlights the pros and cons dental crowns present for different situations.
Pros of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain offers superior shade matching and translucency, producing a lifelike appearance that suits front teeth. We can customise shape and colour to blend with adjacent teeth for natural results.
All-ceramic porcelain crowns avoid metal exposure and show strong biocompatibility, giving a good gingival response and reduced risk of discolouration at the gumline.
Cons of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain can chip or fracture under heavy occlusal load, making it less ideal where biting forces are extreme. We must consider opposing tooth wear if the porcelain surface is abrasive.
With porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, gum recession may reveal a metal margin. This aesthetic drawback can be avoided by choosing modern all-ceramic options from the list of best dental crown materials.
Pros and Cons of Metal Crowns
Metal crowns deliver outstanding longevity and structural strength. They require minimal tooth reduction and perform well on posterior molars.
Metals suit patients who brux, since alloys tolerate heavy loads without fracturing. These qualities often place metal options high in any dental crown material comparison.
Aesthetic limitations make metal unsuitable for visible areas. Some alloys contain nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Galvanic reactions may occur if dissimilar metals meet in the mouth, causing a metallic sensation. We balance these risks against the clear durability benefits when advising patients.
Trade-offs for Resin and Ceramic Crowns
Resin crowns are cost-effective and easy to repair. We recommend them for short-term use, given their reduced durability and susceptibility to staining.
Ceramic options like lithium disilicate offer excellent aesthetics with good strength for anterior work. Zirconia suits posterior load bearing thanks to high flexural strength.
Layered ceramics can be brittle in some designs and demand precise lab or CAD/CAM fabrication. Comparing these factors helps us determine which of the best dental crown materials meets a patient’s needs.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
We guide patients through a clear, step-by-step pathway from first visit to final cementation. This helps people understand what to expect and why certain choices of dental crown materials are recommended for strength, appearance and function.
Consultation and Diagnosis
We begin with a clinical examination and dental radiographs to assess the root and surrounding bone. Pulp vitality tests are used when sensitivity or deep decay is suspected. We discuss patient expectations and review available dental crown materials, so decisions are shared and tailored to each case.
Preparing the Tooth
We numb the area using local anaesthesia before removing decay or old restorations. The tooth is reshaped to create space for the crown, and a core build-up is placed when tooth structure is insufficient. Impressions or digital scans are taken at this stage.
We fit a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent restoration is made. This temporary maintains function and appearance until final placement.
Fabrication Process
For traditional work, impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where technicians use metal casting, porcelain layering or ceramic pressing to create the crown. Modern CAD/CAM workflows use digital impressions and in‑office milling of ceramic blocks such as zirconia or lithium disilicate.
Sintering and glazing are applied to ceramic crowns to achieve strength and correct shade. Quality control checks for fit, occlusion and colour matching are performed before cementation, ensuring the dental crown fabrication process meets clinical standards.
Understanding how are dental crowns made helps patients feel confident when choosing options. We explain each step so the final result reflects both function and the right cosmetic outcome for the individual.
Considerations for Choosing Crown Material
Choosing the right crown material shapes appearance, function and cost. We weigh aesthetic aims, the forces a tooth must bear and practical factors such as lab time and appointments. A careful dental crown material comparison helps us match options to each patient’s needs.
Aesthetic preferences
For front teeth we favour high-translucency ceramic or layered porcelain to blend with neighbouring teeth. Patients often prioritise a natural look and long-term colour stability. We use shade guides, clinical photographs and try-in stages to refine the match before final cementation.
Durability and strength
Tooth position and bite forces guide material choice. Zirconia performs well for high-load posterior crowns. Lithium disilicate offers a balance of strength and aesthetics for anterior restorations. Metal alloys remain the benchmark when ultimate longevity is required.
Parafunctional habits such as bruxism alter our recommendation. In those cases we may select tougher materials and suggest an occlusal guard to protect both the crown and the opposing dentition.
Cost factors
Material choice influences overall treatment cost, yet we do not publish fixed prices here. Patients should contact us for a personalised estimate. Non-cost considerations can be decisive, including laboratory turnaround, number of appointments and whether same-day CAD/CAM is available.
When assessing types of dental crown materials we also consider insurance coverage and long-term maintenance. A balanced view of the best dental crown materials and a clear dental crown material comparison help us and our patients reach the most suitable decision.
Longevity of Dental Crowns
We consider how long restorations tend to last and what shapes their future in the mouth. Understanding dental crown longevity helps us set realistic expectations and plan follow-up care.
Average Lifespan of Different Materials
Resin crowns are generally offered as short-term solutions. They can serve well for a few years while we await a more durable option or as a temporary fix after treatment.
Porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns often provide many years of reliable service when fitted and cared for correctly. Their blend of aesthetics and strength makes them a common choice for visible teeth.
Zirconia and high-quality all-ceramic crowns combine toughness with good appearance. In many cases their long-term durability rivals that of traditional metal crowns, depending on the clinical situation and care.
Factors Affecting Lifespan
Patient habits influence outcomes. Oral hygiene, diet, smoking and bruxism all affect how long a crown endures. Regular cleaning and avoiding hard bites reduce risk of damage.
Clinical technique matters. Accurate tooth preparation, precise fit and correct cementation all contribute to longevity. A well-made restoration by an experienced dentist is less likely to fail.
Material properties shape performance. Differences in fracture toughness, wear resistance and bonding behaviour across dental crown materials determine how they respond to chewing forces and opposing teeth.
The opposing dentition plays a role. If crowns oppose abrasive surfaces or natural teeth with heavy wear, the restoration can wear faster. We monitor contacts and make adjustments when necessary.
Regular check-ups extend useful life. Prompt treatment of decay at margins, adjustment of bite issues and repair of chips help us protect the investment and maintain function.
Maintenance and Care for Dental Crowns
Good dental crown maintenance keeps restorations functioning and comfortable. We explain simple steps for daily routines and what to expect at dental check-ups. These practices aim to extend the life of crowns and protect surrounding teeth and gums.
Daily Care Tips
We brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to avoid wearing the crown surface. Daily interdental cleaning with floss or interdental brushes removes plaque at the crown margins.
We avoid using our teeth as tools and limit hard or sticky foods that can damage a restoration. Porcelain and ceramic crowns can chip under strong impact, so we take extra care with nuts, hard candies and ice.
If we grind or clench at night, a soft night guard from a dentist can prevent excessive wear. These dental crown care tips help reduce the risk of cracks, loosening or premature failure.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Routine dental examinations let clinicians monitor crown margins and the interface with natural tooth structure. During appointments, dentists assess for recurrent decay, checks for wear and inspects for cracks or loosening.
Professional cleans keep gum tissue healthy and remove deposits at the crown edge that home care can miss. If adjustments, repairs or replacements are needed, timely intervention can prevent more extensive treatment.
Following these dental crown maintenance steps and asking our clinician specific questions at recall visits supports long-term success. Practising how to care for dental crowns and applying regular dental crown care tips gives us confidence in our restorations.
Common Misconceptions about Dental Crowns
We often encounter dental crown misconceptions that worry patients before treatment. A few simple clarifications help people make informed choices about restorative care. This short guide counters common myths about dental crowns and explains what to expect after placement.
Myths about Crown Durability
One frequent myth about dental crowns is that they last forever. Crowns are durable, but their lifespan depends on material, oral hygiene, bite forces and routine dental check-ups. Porcelain, metal and zirconia each have strengths and limits, so no single material is always best for every case.
We must personalise recommendations. A well-placed crown from a respected laboratory can last many years, yet wear, decay at the margins or trauma may require replacement. For an example of modern options, see how zirconia crowns balance strength and aesthetics at zirconia crown.
Misunderstandings about Sensitivity
Concerns about crown sensitivity are common. Temporary sensitivity after tooth preparation is normal and usually settles as the tooth recovers. We reassure patients that short-term discomfort often fades within days to weeks.
Persistent sensitivity can signal other issues such as inadequate pulp protection, a high occlusion or the need for root canal treatment. We evaluate bite alignment and test the tooth to pinpoint causes and plan treatment. Early diagnosis lets us manage symptoms effectively and preserve oral health.
Clearing up these myths about dental crowns reduces anxiety and helps patients discuss options confidently with their dentist. Open dialogue lets us match expectations to realistic outcomes and tackle any crown sensitivity promptly.
Potential Risks and Complications
We review the possible downsides of crowns so patients can make informed choices. While most restorations perform well, a clear view of dental crown risks helps us plan treatment and reduce surprises.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions dental crowns can cause are uncommon. Nickel present in some base-metal alloys may trigger sensitivity in susceptible people. We take a thorough medical history to spot prior metal allergies and discuss concerns with patients.
When allergy is suspected, we may recommend testing or choose alternative materials. Biocompatible ceramics, including zirconia and high‑strength porcelain, provide options that reduce the chance of an adverse response. Clear communication with our laboratory ensures the chosen material suits the patient.
Crown Failure
Crown complications take several forms. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can chip or fracture. Cement may fail and cause debonding. Secondary decay can develop beneath an ill‑fitting crown. Heavily restored teeth may suffer root fractures over time.
Patients often notice warning signs such as new pain, looseness, a changed bite or ongoing sensitivity. If we see these symptoms, management may include repair of the restoration, re‑cementation, root canal treatment or full replacement of the crown.
Prevention remains essential. Careful case selection, accurate impressions and precise fit cut down on problems. Regular maintenance, good oral hygiene and prompt attention to minor issues reduce the likelihood of serious crown complications.
Innovations in Dental Crown Technology
We survey the latest shifts shaping patient care and laboratory practice. Recent work blends stronger materials with digital workflows to produce crowns that look natural and fit better. These changes reflect broader innovations dental crowns have seen in the last decade.
Advancements in materials
We have seen high-translucency zirconia that pairs toughness with lifelike aesthetics. Lithium disilicate offers an improved strength-to-appearance ratio for anterior restorations. New glass-ceramics provide more stable shades and superior bonding to tooth structure.
Surface treatments deserve attention. Modified glazing and polishing lower wear on opposing teeth and extend service life. These developments in surface science form a core part of advancements in crown materials that clinicians now expect.
Digital impressions
Intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM workflows streamline the entire crown process. Digital impressions dental crowns remove the discomfort of alginate or silicone and capture more precise margins. We find fewer adjustments at try-in and better occlusal accuracy as a result.
Same-day dentistry has become practical where in-office milling units produce ceramic crowns within hours. Laboratory-based digital chains use precise design files, 3D printed models and controlled milling to deliver consistent outcomes. These systems underpin predictable restorations and support the wider adoption of innovations dental crowns.
How to Discuss Crown Options with Your Dentist
When we talk to our dentist about restorative work, clear communication helps us reach the best outcome. We should prepare so the consultation covers aesthetics, function and long-term care. A short checklist keeps the conversation focused and ensures we fully understand dental crown recommendations.
Key Questions to Ask
Which material do you recommend and why? Ask for the clinical reasons tied to tooth position, remaining tooth structure and any parafunctional habits we may have. How will the crown match my natural teeth? Request information on shade matching, translucency and whether porcelain-fused-to-metal or full-ceramic is preferred.
What is the expected lifespan and what maintenance is required? Enquire about regular checks, hygiene routines and when replacement might be needed. Are there allergy concerns with the proposed material? We should mention metal sensitivities and ask about hypoallergenic alternatives like zirconia.
Will a temporary crown be used and how long will lab fabrication take? Confirm timings for appointments and any limitations while wearing a temporary. What are alternative treatments? Invite discussion of onlays, veneers or conservative restorations when appropriate.
How will occlusion be checked? Ask about bite adjustment methods and whether digital occlusal analysis or traditional articulation will be used. These key questions about dental crowns help us compare options and set realistic expectations.
Understanding Recommendations
We should request clear explanations of trade-offs between aesthetics and strength. A clinician may favour a stronger metal-ceramic crown for a back molar but suggest full-ceramic for a front tooth. Ask them to outline the clinical reasoning behind each recommendation so we understand why a particular route is preferred.
Enquire about digital workflows, warranties on laboratory work and follow-up care. Knowing whether impressions are taken digitally or by conventional means affects comfort and lead times. Ask if the practice offers guarantees on crown fit or colour, and what follow-up appointments are included in the plan.
We are available to discuss personalised options and can provide pricing information on request. Taking time to review dental crown recommendations and to discuss crown options ensures we make an informed choice that suits our oral health and lifestyle.
Making the Best Choice for Your Dental Health
Deciding on a crown is a balance of appearance, function and longevity. We recommend approaching the decision systematically, so you can make best choice dental crowns that match your priorities and lifestyle.
Evaluating All Options
When evaluating dental crown options, weigh aesthetic needs against strength and biocompatibility. For front teeth, porcelain or ceramic often gives the best visual match. For back teeth or heavy grinders, metal or metal-ceramic hybrids may offer greater durability. Consider tooth position, bruxism, and the long-term restorative plan when comparing porcelain, metal, resin and ceramic choices.
Importance of Professional Guidance
We urge patients to seek professional guidance dental crowns from an experienced dental team. Clinicians assess clinical factors such as remaining tooth structure, occlusion and allergy history, then tailor recommendations and techniques. While this piece covers materials and performance, precise pricing and a personalised plan are available by contacting our practice for a clinical consultation.
