If a tooth has more extensive decay, a dental crown may be the ideal aesthetic and functional restorative solution.
Choosing to have a crown placed can preserve the natural tooth, which is always the goal as preserving the natural teeth helps maintain the supporting bone structure and stability of the surrounding and adjacent teeth.
The first step in the process is to take an impression that will be used to make a model of the teeth and bite. This allows the crown to be made to look and function like your natural tooth. The tooth will then be prepped, with the decayed areas being removed. An impression of the prepped tooth will be made so that the final crown will fit properly when it is placed.
Sometimes the final crown can be placed on the same day but other times a temporary crown will be placed while your final restoration is being created. Crowns often last a lifetime with proper care and oral hygiene.
There are four common types of crowns:
If your dentist has recommended a crown, you’ve got more than one option to choose from — and the right one usually depends on where the tooth sits in your mouth, how much natural structure is left, and how much chewing force it has to handle. Here’s a closer look at the four most common types.
Ceramic
Ceramic crowns — often made from porcelain or newer materials like zirconia — are a popular choice for front teeth and other highly visible areas because they closely mimic the translucency and color of natural enamel. They’re also metal-free, which makes them a solid option for patients with known metal sensitivities. Modern all-ceramic crowns have come a long way in strength, though traditional porcelain versions can still be more prone to chipping under heavy bite forces than metal-containing options.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine a strong metal base with a tooth-colored porcelain outer layer, giving you both durability and a reasonably natural appearance. They’ve been used reliably for decades and work well on both front and back teeth, which is why many dentists still consider them a dependable middle-ground option. One thing to be aware of: over time, gum recession can sometimes reveal a thin dark line near the gumline where the metal underneath shows through.
Gold Alloys
Gold alloy crowns are typically made from a blend of gold, copper, and other metals, which gives them exceptional strength and a gentle fit against the teeth they bite against. They’re especially well-suited for back molars and for patients who grind or clench their teeth (a condition called bruxism), since they resist fracture and wear down at roughly the same rate as natural enamel. The main trade-off is cosmetic — they don’t blend in with natural teeth, so they’re usually reserved for areas that don’t show when you smile.
Base Metal Alloys
Base metal alloy crowns are made from non-noble metals like nickel, chromium, or cobalt, and they’re known for being both very strong and highly resistant to corrosion. Because they’re so durable, they require less removal of the underlying tooth during preparation, which makes them a practical choice when there’s limited natural tooth structure left to support a crown. Patients with known nickel allergies should let their dentist know, since nickel-containing alloys may not be appropriate and alternatives are readily available.
Choosing the Right Crown
There isn’t a single “best” crown — the right choice depends on the tooth’s location, your bite, your budget, and any personal factors like allergies or grinding habits. A good conversation with your dentist, along with a look at your x-rays and bite, is the best way to figure out which material will give you the longest-lasting, most comfortable result.