Dental crowns are a widely used solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, improving both function and appearance. A crown acts as a protective cap placed over a tooth to reinforce its structure and enhance its aesthetics.
In Mt Eden, Auckland, NZ, various types of dental crowns are available, each offering distinct advantages depending on the patient’s needs. Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision in collaboration with your dental professional.
Why Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
Crowns serve multiple purposes in dentistry. They may be recommended in the following situations:
- Restoring a severely decayed or damaged tooth that cannot be fixed with a regular filling.
- Protecting a weakened tooth from further damage, especially after a root canal treatment.
- Improving the appearance of a tooth by covering severe discolouration or irregular shapes.
- Reinforcing a tooth with a large filling, preventing fractures.
- Completing a dental implant by serving as the artificial tooth component.
At Flash Dental in Mt Eden, Auckland, NZ, we offer a range of dental crowns tailored to each patient’s oral health and aesthetic preferences.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns vary based on the materials used in their fabrication. The choice of material influences the crown’s durability, appearance, and suitability for different areas of the mouth. Below are the most common types of dental crowns available:
1. All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic Crowns
All-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns are crafted entirely from ceramic materials. They are favoured for their ability to closely mimic natural tooth enamel, making them an excellent choice for front teeth.
Benefits of All-Ceramic Crowns
- Natural tooth-like translucency for improved aesthetics.
- Metal-free composition, making them suitable for patients with metal allergies.
- Ideal for front teeth and areas where appearance is a priority.
Considerations For Getting All-Ceramic Crowns
- More prone to chipping compared to metal-based crowns.
- May not be as strong as other options, making them less ideal for molars exposed to heavy chewing forces.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a balance between durability and aesthetics. They feature a metal substructure covered with a porcelain layer, providing strength while maintaining a tooth-like appearance.
Benefits of PFM Crowns
- Stronger than all-ceramic crowns due to the metal base.
- Suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Provides a good blend of durability and aesthetics.
Considerations For Getting PFM Crowns
- Over time, the underlying metal may show through at the gum line.
- Less natural-looking compared to all-ceramic crowns.
3. Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a highly durable and strong material. Due to their strength and biocompatibility, they are increasingly popular.
Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
- Extremely durable and resistant to wear and fractures.
- Can withstand significant chewing pressure, making them suitable for molars.
- Biocompatible material reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
- Improved aesthetics compared to metal crowns.
Considerations For Getting Zirconia Crowns
- Less translucent than all-ceramic crowns, meaning they may not blend as seamlessly with natural teeth.
- Can be abrasive to opposing teeth if not properly polished.
4. Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are composed of gold alloy, which includes a mix of gold, copper, and other metals. Although less common today due to aesthetic preferences, they remain an excellent choice for durability.
Benefits of Gold Crowns
- Highly resistant to wear and fractures.
- Requires minimal removal of natural tooth structure.
- Gentle on opposing teeth, reducing wear over time.
Considerations For Getting Gold Crowns
- Metallic appearance makes them less desirable for visible teeth.
- Higher cost due to gold content.
5. Base Metal Alloy Crowns
Base metal alloy crowns are made from non-noble metals, offering strength and corrosion resistance. These crowns are typically used when durability is a top priority.
Benefits of Base Metal Alloy Crowns
- Very strong and long-lasting.
- Minimal removal of healthy tooth structure required.
- Resistant to corrosion and wear.
Considerations For Getting Base Metal Alloy Crowns
- Metallic colour makes them less aesthetically pleasing.
- Some patients may have allergies or sensitivities to base metals.
Comparison of Dental Crown Types
The following table summarises the key features of each crown type:
| Crown Type | Durability | Aesthetics | Suitable For | Considerations |
| All-Porcelain/All-Ceramic | Moderate | Excellent | Front teeth | Less durable; prone to chipping. |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | High | Good | Front and back teeth | Metal may show through over time. |
| Zirconia | Very High | Good | Molars | Less translucent; and very strong. |
| Gold | Very High | Poor | Molars | Metallic appearance; expensive. |
| Base Metal Alloy | High | Poor | Molars | Metallic colour; check for metal allergies. |
How to Choose the Right Dental Crown
Selecting the right crown depends on several factors, including:
- Tooth location – Front teeth benefit from all-ceramic options, while molars require stronger materials.
- Aesthetic preferences – If appearance is a priority, porcelain or zirconia crowns are ideal.
- Chewing forces – Molars experience greater pressure, requiring stronger crowns like zirconia or gold.
- Metal allergies – Patients with sensitivities should opt for metal-free alternatives.
At Flash Dental in Mt Eden, Auckland, NZ, our dentist in Mt Eden assesses each patient’s needs to recommend the most suitable crown type.
