Not all crowns are the same. Here’s how to choose.
The main types of dental crowns differ in appearance, strength, and cost. The right one depends on where your tooth sits, how hard it works, and what matters to you. We’ll help you decide.
What are the main types of dental crowns?
There are three main types of dental crowns we place, and the choice comes up once you know a crown is needed and what the process looks like. Each is one option within restorative care, and they differ mostly in appearance, strength, and cost.
| Crown type | Appearance | Strength | Best for | At our office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-ceramic / all-porcelain | Most natural | Good | Front teeth, visible areas | Our standard choice |
| Zirconia | Natural, slightly opaque | Excellent | Front and back teeth | Available by request |
| Full metal (gold or high-strength alloy) | Metallic | Highest | Back molars | Available by request |
All-ceramic and zirconia crowns blend the most naturally with surrounding teeth, which makes them a good fit for front teeth and premolars. Zirconia in particular has become the go-to for patients who want both natural appearance and durability. It’s much stronger than older all-porcelain options.
Zirconia and gold crowns carry an added lab fee on top of the crown cost, and that fee moves with the metals market. We confirm the exact amount with you once you choose a material.
Full metal crowns, typically gold or a high-strength alloy, are the most durable option available. They’re used almost exclusively on back molars, where biting force is highest and visibility is lowest. Gold wears at a rate close to natural enamel, which is why it’s still in use after decades of other materials coming along.
How do we decide which crown fits your tooth?
There’s no single best crown. It depends on:
Location in the mouth. Front teeth are high visibility, so appearance takes priority. Back molars take the most biting force, so durability leads.
Your bite and grinding habits. Patients who grind (brux) put more stress on restorations. In those cases, the stronger the material, the longer it lasts.
Existing metal in the area. Some patients prefer to avoid metal entirely; others don’t mind for a back molar. We factor in your preference.
Your insurance plan. Some PPO plans cover specific crown types differently. We check your coverage before recommending a material, so you know what your plan covers up front. Material also moves the price, so it helps to see how each material affects dental crown cost.
At your consultation, your dentist reviews all of this and recommends the crown that makes the most sense for your specific situation. We place these crowns right here in our Everett office, so the recommendation and the fit both happen with the same team.
Crown questions answered
What is the most natural-looking type of crown?
Is gold still used for dental crowns?
How long does each type last?
What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic crowns?
Will my insurance cover the crown type I want?
The right crown material makes a real difference in how long your restoration lasts.
Your dentist will walk you through the options at your consultation, with your specific tooth, bite, and coverage in mind.