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The Pros and Cons of Porcelain, Resin, and Metal Crowns

Posted on 5/15/2024 by Nancy Shiba DDS

3D rendered cross-section view of three teeth with dental crowns made of different materials at Nancy Shiba, DDS in San Jose, CA

If you have a problematic tooth, chances are our dentist has told you that you need a crown. But which crown should you get? There are several types of crowns, and each one has benefits and disadvantages. Here is a breakdown of the types of crowns available.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are the most widely used type of crown. They can either be layered over a metal cap or simply made of porcelain itself. Porcelain crowns look the most like your natural teeth. Most people cannot tell you are wearing a porcelain crown. Porcelain crowns are also perfect for people who have a lot of allergies, especially to metal. While porcelain crowns are amazing, they do have some drawbacks. First, porcelain crowns do not last forever, although porcelain crowns over a metal cap tend to last a bit longer. Also, our dentist will have to grind a bit of your tooth down to fit the porcelain crown. You may notice your porcelain crown makes you more sensitive to hot or cold foods.

Resin Crowns

Resin crowns are made from plastic. They are light and fairly strong, and they are also less expensive than porcelain crowns. If you have metal allergies, a resin crown is a good choice. Also, our dentist will not have to grind down very much of your tooth to fit your new crown over your old tooth. However, resin crowns are not as shiny as porcelain crowns, and they do not last as long. Resin crowns can wear down or fracture over a period of time.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns used to be the only type of crown available. In previous decades, most people saw gold or silver crowns as a status symbol denoting wealth. Metal crowns, especially gold crowns, are more expensive than porcelain crowns, but they are exceptionally strong. Most people will never have to replace a metal crown. However, many patients prefer to disguise their crowns and opt for a more natural tooth color.

Not sure which type of dental crown is right for you? We can help. Give us a call today.