Guide
Crown materials, and what actually differs
Zirconia, PFM, gold and resin differ in more than price. Which tooth is being crowned changes which material has the advantage.
Four broad materials
In rough order of how often they are used: zirconia, PFM (porcelain fused to metal), gold, and resin-based materials. The first two dominate current practice, gold still has its place on molars, and resin is used temporarily or where conditions suit it.
Choosing a material is not a search for "the best one". It turns on where the biting force lands, whether the tooth shows when you smile, and what the opposing tooth is.
Four points of difference
First, strength. Zirconia resists fracture well; with PFM, the porcelain layer on the outside can chip away. Gold holds up even when made thin, which sometimes means removing less tooth structure.
Second, appearance. Where light needs to pass through for the result to look natural — front teeth — the higher-translucency zirconias or all-ceramic options come into consideration. PFM can show a dark line at the gum margin because of the metal beneath.
Third, the opposing tooth. The harder your crown, the more it can wear the natural tooth it meets. If you clench, say so at the consultation.
Fourth, price. Resin is generally lowest, PFM in the middle, zirconia and gold higher. Gold, though, moves with the market price on the day.
Ask this before asking about materials
"Why are you recommending this material for this tooth of mine?" is a much better question than "which material is best?" If the answer runs through tooth position, biting force and the opposing tooth, the recommendation started from a diagnosis.
Advertising built around a material name is hard to judge from. Two zirconia crowns can differ by manufacturer and milling process, and that difference does not appear on a price list.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Is zirconia simply the best?
No. Its hardness suits molars, but that same hardness can wear the natural tooth opposite. On front teeth, translucency sometimes points elsewhere. The answer changes with the tooth.
Is PFM outdated?
It is still in use. Long experience makes its behaviour predictable and it sits mid-range on price. But the porcelain can chip and a dark line can show at the gum margin, so on a front tooth you want to hear about that before deciding.
Why is gold still recommended?
It holds up when made thin, which can mean removing less tooth structure, and it is kinder to the opposing tooth. Out of sight on a molar, it can be a reasonable choice.
Does changing material mean re-preparing the tooth?
It can, because materials need different thicknesses. If you are replacing an existing crown, what lies underneath should be imaged before deciding.
How long does a crown last?
Care and bite forces matter more than the material. Public data cannot settle a figure; what helps in practice is having the margins and gum condition checked at regular visits.
Why is one clinic so much cheaper?
Material, fabrication method, whether a temporary crown is included, and the remake policy are all folded into the price. Match those conditions first, then compare.
Is a crown covered by insurance?
Crowns are generally not covered, though this can differ in situations such as a crown following root canal treatment. Ask at reception which case yours falls under.
I grind my teeth badly — which material suits?
Harder materials hold up better, but they also load the opposing tooth more. Grinding is a problem that reaches beyond material choice into things like a night guard, so raise it at the consultation.
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