Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns can be color matched to your other teeth and are the most common type of crown used.  PFM crowns are very strong, have a good appearance, and are very reasonably priced. They are most commonly recommended for rear teeth, as they have a good aesthetic appearance and the metal base provides a strong core that can withstand the pressure exerted on these teeth during chewing.   However, in full natural light, the metal base can show through as a shadow in the tooth, especially for front teeth.  Also, over time, if the gums recede from the crown, the metal base can be seen as a dark line that will show where the crown meets the gum.

Pros

• strength

• durability and price

Cons

• appearance

• not recommended for patients with metal allergies

Full Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns

Full porcelain or full ceramic crowns provide the best natural appearance and are also an excellent choice for patients who have metal allergies.   They are most commonly used for front teeth, as they have an excellent natural appearance.  However, they are not as strong as PFM crowns, are more expensive, and can be prone to chipping or cracking.  As such, they are not typically used for rear teeth. 

Pros

• excellent natural appearance

• middle range pricing

Cons

• least durable material

• can be prone to chips or cracks

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are the strongest crown available and also have an excellent natural appearance that is comparable to full porcelain or full ceramic crowns.  They are also the most expensive.  Zirconia crowns are virtually indestructible and can be used for front or rear teeth, but since they are so hard, they can wear on the other teeth.  They can either be milled out of solid blocks of zirconia, or used as a strong, natural looking base fused to a porcelain veneer.  Since zirconia crowns are so durable, they can me made much thinner than other crowns and require less removal of the tooth for placement.

Pros

• excellent natural appearance

• thinnest crowns available

• extremely durable

Cons

• high cost

• can wear on other teeth                      

Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns are usually an acrylic material that can be temporarily cemented onto the tooth while the permanent crowns are being prepared by the dental laboratory.  The can be fitted immediately after preparation is done on the tooth for a permanent crown.