Short answer: The types of dental crowns are mainly listed as porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, all-ceramic (glass ceramics such as E-max), porcelain veneers and composite veneers. The types differ in strength, translucency and the amount of tissue removed from the tooth. Which crown is suitable is determined by a dental exam, based on the position of the tooth, the remaining tooth tissue, the bite and the condition of the gums.
Types of dental crowns are separated by material and by how much of the tooth the crown covers: porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, glass ceramic (all-ceramics such as E-max), porcelain veneers and composite veneers are the main ones. Each has its own characteristics in terms of durability, translucency, the amount of tissue that needs to be removed from the tooth and the area where it is suitable. In this article, we briefly introduce the types one by one and direct those who want more detail to our related articles. Which type suits you is determined by the dentist after an intraoral exam and the necessary imaging.
What is a dental crown and when is it needed?
The short answer to what a dental crown is is this: a crown is a restoration, custom-made in a laboratory, that surrounds the outer surface of a worn, broken or heavily filled tooth, protecting it and rebuilding its shape. Types that cover only the front surface, such as veneers, are also discussed under this heading in a broad sense.
A crown generally comes into question in the following situations:
- Teeth with so much loss of structure that they cannot be repaired with a filling
- Back teeth that have been weakened after a root canal treatment and are at risk of fracture
- Broken, cracked or severely worn teeth
- Front teeth with a color, shape or size problem that cannot be solved with less invasive methods
- Teeth to be used as abutments for bridges, and restorations on implants
If you are thinking about a solution to replace a missing tooth, a crown alone may not be enough; we covered this comparison separately in our article on an implant or a crown.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown consists of a metal substructure inside and porcelain layered over it. It is an option that has been used for many years and whose clinical behavior is well known. The metal substructure provides strength; for this reason, it may be preferred especially in the back areas where chewing force is high and in long bridges.
The limitation of this type is mostly on the aesthetic side. Because metal does not let light through, the crown can look more opaque than a natural tooth, and when the gum recedes, a dark line may be noticed at the edge of the crown. In some people, sensitivity to the metal alloy is also a matter that needs to be evaluated.
Zirconia crowns
A zirconia crown is a crown whose substructure is made not of metal but of a white, durable ceramic called zirconium oxide. Because it contains no metal, it does not create a dark appearance at the margin and is considered to blend highly with the tissue. It is produced with digital design and milling methods.
Zirconia can be used in two ways: as a substructure over which porcelain is layered, or as a monolithic crown made entirely of zirconia. Monolithic zirconia is often preferred especially in the back teeth, while layered ones can be considered when a more natural look is aimed for in the front area. Although its strength is high, its translucency can be more limited than that of glass ceramics.
There is no single right answer to the question "zirconia or porcelain" that our readers often ask. Strength may be the priority in the back area, while translucency may come to the fore in the front area; the person's biting habits, clenching status and gum structure also influence the decision. For the advantages of zirconia and the steps of the procedure, you can see our article on zirconia dental crowns.
E-max and all-ceramic crowns
All-ceramic crowns are crowns that have no metal in their substructure and are made entirely of ceramic material. This group includes lithium disilicate-based glass ceramics (the material known as E-max belongs to this group) and leucite-reinforced glass ceramics. The prominent feature of glass ceramics is that they let light through in a way similar to natural tooth enamel.
Because of this property, all-ceramic crowns are mostly considered for the front teeth and premolars, where aesthetic expectations are high. The fact that they can be applied by bonding to the tooth (adhesive cementation) allows less tooth tissue to be removed in some cases. In areas where chewing force is very high, or in people with a severe clenching habit, the dentist may recommend a different material.
Detailed information on leucite-reinforced glass ceramic crowns can be found in our article on Empress crowns.
Veneers and composite veneers
A veneer is a thin restoration that covers only the front surface of the tooth instead of surrounding the whole tooth, and it is generally used for color, shape or small gap problems in the front teeth. Compared with a crown, the aim is to remove less tissue from the tooth; in some cases it can be applied with little or no preparation.
- Porcelain veneers: These are thin ceramic shells prepared in a laboratory. Their color stability is high and they reflect light in a way close to a natural tooth. The process consists of impression, try-in and bonding stages; we described the steps in our article on how laminate veneers are made.
- Composite veneers: These are made by shaping tooth-colored filling material directly on the tooth, layer by layer. They can often be completed in a single session and repaired when necessary; on the other hand, color change and wear over time are more likely than with porcelain. For details, you can take a look at the article on what composite veneers are.
A veneer is not the answer to every front tooth problem. If the teeth are markedly crowded or there is a bite problem, aligning the teeth orthodontically first may be a less invasive path. One of the methods used for this purpose in mild to moderate crowding is clear aligner treatment; whether it is suitable is determined by an orthodontic exam.
How is the type of crown chosen?
The type of crown is chosen not by a single criterion but by evaluating the tooth and the person together. For this reason, it would not be right to put one material forward for everyone. The main factors the dentist considers are as follows:
- Position of the tooth: In the front teeth, aesthetics and translucency are more decisive; in the back teeth, resistance to chewing force is.
- Remaining tooth tissue: How much sound tissue is left in the tooth affects whether a veneer or a crown is made and the bonding method.
- Bite and habits: Clenching or grinding, how the teeth contact each other and the material of the opposing tooth are important.
- Gum condition: A thin gum structure or the risk of gum recession is taken into account in terms of the visibility of the crown margin.
- Harmony with neighboring teeth: A crown for a single front tooth must match the neighboring natural teeth in color and translucency.
- Expectations: The person's aesthetic expectations and preferences about the treatment process are discussed at the exam.
The question of fees is also asked often; this information is given in writing, according to the selected material, after the exam and treatment planning.
Lifespan and care of a crown
The answer to how long a dental crown lasts depends on the material, the tooth the crown is on and, most of all, care. In scientific studies, service times of 10-15 years and more are often reported for well-maintained crowns; however, this is an average and varies from person to person.
The crown itself does not decay, but the tooth beneath it and the crown margin can decay; the gum can also become inflamed. That is why care is as important as it is for natural teeth:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the crown margins
- Cleaning between the teeth every day with floss or an interdental brush
- Avoiding cracking hard objects such as ice, pens and seed shells with the teeth
- Using the protective night guard recommended by the dentist if there is clenching or grinding
- Going to regular check-ups to have the margin fit and gum health monitored
We explained what to do if a crown comes off or becomes loose in our article on a crown falling out. If you notice sensitivity under a crown, darkening at the margin or bleeding gums, it is important not to put off a check-up.
A crown evaluation in Ankara
If you have a broken or worn tooth or a color problem and wonder which type of crown suits you, the options are evaluated together with you after the exam at our polyclinic at Park Oran Ofis next to Panora Mall in Oran, Çankaya. Keep in mind that in some cases a filling, a veneer or an orthodontic approach may also be on the table instead of a crown. You can reach us through our contact page to make an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more suitable, zirconia or porcelain?
There is no single answer to this question that is valid for everyone. Strength may be more decisive in the back teeth and translucency in the front teeth; clenching, gum structure and remaining tooth tissue also affect the choice. The decision is made together with the dentist after the exam.
How long does a dental crown last?
In scientific studies, service times of 10-15 years and more are often reported for well-maintained crowns. The time varies with the material, the position of the tooth, oral care and habits such as clenching.
Can a tooth with a crown decay?
The crown material does not decay, but the natural tooth beneath it and the crown margin can. For this reason, regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth and check-ups are also necessary for crowned teeth.
What is the difference between a veneer and a crown?
A crown surrounds all surfaces of the tooth, while a veneer covers only the front surface. Less tooth tissue is generally removed for a veneer, and it is mostly used for aesthetic purposes in the front teeth; the condition of the tooth determines which is suitable.
How is the fee for a crown determined?
The fee varies with the selected material, the number of teeth and the treatment plan. This information is given to the patient in writing after the exam and planning.
