What are Dental Crowns Made of?

You have several options when it comes to the material your crown is made from. The type of material that works best can be for cosmetic or functional reasons. Where the tooth is in relation to your smile or its function in your mouth will influence what material your dentist will recommend.

A porcelain ceramic material is popular for front teeth. The crown can easily be matched to the existing teeth without any noticeable change in your smile. This material can be more brittle than your natural teeth, so you may need to be mindful when biting into hard and crunchy foods.

Base-metal crowns are made from a mixture of non-noble metals. These crowns are very durable, resisting wear and fracture. However, since they are metallic, they are usually not suitable for replacing teeth that are noticeable in your smile.

Porcelain fused to metal is one alternative for a durable tooth that is still in your smile. In this case, a metal crown is fitted with a porcelain exterior that matches your surrounding teeth. In some cases, the metal might appear near the gum line, this is especially true if you’ve had issues with periodontal disease or receding gums.

Gold alloys are actually a blend of different metals, including gold and copper. This material is a good choice for molars. This is especially true if you have problems with grinding your teeth.

Your dentist can answer questions and advise you on what type of material is best for your crown.