Porcelain, Metal, Zirconia and Composite Crowns: Pros and Cons

Key takeaways

Crown materials at a glance

Porcelain crowns

Porcelain crowns are known for their natural look and are often chosen for visible teeth.

Pros:

• Natural appearance: porcelain closely matches the look of natural teeth and blends in with your smile.
• Biocompatible: porcelain rarely causes allergic reactions or gum irritation.
• Durable: high-quality porcelain withstands normal biting forces.

Cons:

• Wear on opposing teeth: porcelain can be abrasive to the teeth it bites against.
• Cost: porcelain crowns often cost more than other materials.
• Chipping: they can chip or crack under heavy pressure.

Best for: front teeth where appearance matters most, and people who don't have a heavy bite.

Metal crowns

Metal crowns are made from alloys such as gold, platinum or other metals. They are known for strength and long life.

Pros:

• Strength: metal crowns withstand heavy biting and chewing forces, which makes them ideal for back teeth.
• Longevity: they typically last longer than other types because they resist wear.
• Gentle on opposing teeth: they cause little wear on the teeth they bite against.

Cons:

• Appearance: the metallic color makes them less suitable for visible teeth.
• Allergies: some people react to certain metals, although this is rare.
• Cost: high-quality metal crowns, especially gold, can be expensive.

Best for: molars and other teeth that don't show when you smile.

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia crowns combine strength with a natural look, and they are becoming more popular.

Pros:

• Strong and durable: zirconia resists fractures, so it suits both front and back teeth.
• Natural appearance: zirconia can be color-matched to your teeth, so it looks more natural than metal.
• Less wear: zirconia is less abrasive to opposing teeth than some other materials.

Cons:

• Cost: zirconia can cost more than traditional materials because of the technology used to make it.

Best for: front or back teeth when you want both strength and a natural look.

Composite crowns

Composite crowns are made from tooth-colored resin.

Pros:

• Lower cost: they are usually the least expensive option.
• Tooth-colored: they blend in with natural teeth.

Cons:

• Less durable: composite wears and chips more easily than porcelain, zirconia or metal.
• Staining: it can discolor over time.

Best for: temporary or short-term crowns, or when cost is the main concern.

How to choose the right crown

The right crown depends on where the tooth is, how strong your bite is, how much the look matters to you and your budget. Talk with your dentist about your needs. To compare costs, read How Much Does a Root Canal and Crown Cost Without Insurance?, or see our crowns and bridges page.

Find the right crown for your tooth

Every tooth is different. Book a visit and Dr. Desai will explain which crown material fits your tooth, your bite and your budget.

Learn more about Cosmetic Dentistry →