Dental crowns are excellent dental prostheses for restoring the structural and functional integrity of severely damaged teeth. These restorations come in various materials, and you can choose the right dental crowns material for you based on the following main factors.

1. Strength of Material and Longevity

Gold dental crowns are strong and will hold up quite nicely for years, withstanding fractures, cracks, and corrosion. It is no wonder that they are used for premolar and molar restorations. Even stronger than gold crowns is Zirconia, which is the newest addition to the list of dental crown materials. 

In comparison, porcelain and ceramic are not as robust. They chip and crack quite easily. Achieving significant strength with these materials requires the dental crown to be thicker, which will require the removal of more tooth structures. 

2. Aesthetics

Most people would rather not have anyone else notice their dental crowns. Generally, the more natural-looking the crowns, the better. All-porcelain crowns look the most natural. For this reason, porcelain is always an excellent choice for front teeth, so you don't have to hide your smile.

Similarly, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns also have that natural look since your dentist will match the exact shade of your teeth. Your ceramic crowns can also be matched to your natural teeth. On the other hand, gold and Zirconia score very poorly on the natural-looking front. The silver-yellow color of gold dental crowns is quite hard to miss, as the silver-yellow color is too distinct.

3. Cost

Pricing varies across the various dental crown materials. It is no surprise that gold crowns are very pricey. Zirconia and porcelain are also quite expensive and may cost you a little more than the gold crowns. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are the least costly option. Ceramic is also a relatively inexpensive option.

4. Biocompatibility

One of the most crucial factors your dentist will consider when selecting a dental crown material is whether or not you have an allergy to any of the material options. Gold crowns can cause swelling and other severe reactions if you are allergic to the alloy. In this case, you will need to narrow down your options to metal-free dental crowns. 

Consult with a Dentist

Some dental crowns will cost more than others. Some will last longer than others, and some look more natural than others. Skip through getting overwhelmed with what's available and consult your dentist on the right material for your dental crowns.

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