Dental crowns have emerged as the novel and less painful concept of restructuring and revitalizing the affected tooth/teeth. Though they have been in existence since ancient times, dental crowns underwent a demand surge until recently, where they are deployed to cater to people of all ages.

Depending on the requirements and personal choices, different types of dental crowns are manufactured to meet the needs. To make you aware of what each dental crown characterizes, here is an in-depth article explaining about them.

Types Of Dental Crowns

Note: Dental crowns can be easily conceptualized and designed with the help of CAD/CAM and 3D printing technology. This will help dentists and designers curate accurate results while maintaining the diversity in shape, size, preferences, and age factor.

1. Stainless Steel Crowns

One of the most common crown materials deployed in pediatric dentistry, stainless steel crowns are the ideal choice for primary teeth that require the restoration and structure, making way for a permanent tooth.

However, this support will play an imperative role in directing the future growth of the upcoming permanent tooth. Thanks to its universal material, which blends in easily with the entire mouth without causing hindrances in chewing, brushing, and flossing.

It might cause momentary discomfort, but it only signifies that your body is getting used to a new element. Stainless steel crowns are an ideal choice for pediatric or temporary restorative dentistry.

2. ES White Crowns

The ES white crowns are usually pre-contoured or pre-made crowns comprising of slight occlusal anatomy that can be fixed on the affected teeth without having to undergo high-end modifications, including reduction of the tooth size.

In a crown shape, it is akin to a mold for the teeth, covering it from external damages and decay. These are usually used for toddlers, who are in their formative years of dental care and require simpler crowns.

3. Ceramic Dental Crowns

Ceramic crowns originate from a hard white clay called "Kaolin" (present in porcelain), making it an ideal choice for a strong and aesthetically-appealing dental crown. Perfect for those with allergies and cosmetic intentions, ceramic crowns are highly attunable and most importantly, its white color blends with the rest of the teeth. Its category, the pressed crowns are, as the name suggests, a type of ceramic can be pressed into the shape of a tooth to match the aesthetics of the teeth row. These are deprived of a cap and get the required strength from the tooth, acting as an additional layer to the existing affected tooth. The ceramic crowns are minimally invasive and can be regarded as a first option if clinically suitable.

4. Porcelain-Fused to Metal Dental Crowns

One of the most common dental crowns deployed, porcelain fused metal dental crowns have been imperative in repairing the damaged teeth. As the name suggests, these crowns are the metal cast crowns coated with porcelain to infuse strength and aesthetics.

Depending on the quality, suitability, and acceptability by the bodies, the metal alloys are selected, upon which the porcelain material is further baked.

These crowns are primarily used during intensive actions like night grinding disease or in case of long span bridges. This combination is best known for its sustenance and resistance while staying true to the necessity of appeal.

5. Gold Alloy Dental Crowns

The most classic and easily noticed is the gold alloy dental crown. Being a noble metal, gold is highly resistant to elements like water or oxygen. Now, this aspect makes them remain unaffected in the form of crowns as well. Highly durable, gold has high tensile strength and can sustain high impact.

However, if it does break, the underlying tooth decay might be the cause for that. Though highly durable in utility, it does raise questions about the ‘white smile.’ Therefore, many gold crowns are placed on molars & pre-molars and can be quite expensive, owing to the cost of the metal.

6. Base Metal Alloy Dental Crowns

Also known as non-noble metal allow, theses crowns comprise strong but non-noble elements like nickel, chromium, or beryllium with scattered amounts of silver, palladium or titanium, giving it a silver outlook.

These highly durable elements impart high resistance to wear and sustenance. In fact, these dental crowns can also undergo immense pressure and force. When the dentist prepares for the procedure with a base metal alloy, the least healthy part of the tooth structure is scooped out to make the required space.

7. Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia Crowns are like porcelain bonded crowns except for the porcelain powder substructure. Here, the substructure used is Zirconia, which is a solid material and provides the much-needed support to the fractured or impaired tooth.

Moreover, its biodegradable nature and transparent outlook, allows it to bear an aesthetical appeal and render a similar uniformity like the porcelain crowns.

Available in assorted shades, it can be used in a full way like metal crowns but can also be completely contoured with Zirconia to help grinders conscious of the metal reveal.

Zirconia satisfies the trifecta of strength, durability, and aesthetics. It is a common choice among users.

8. All Resin Crowns

They are easy to use and less expensive dental crowns. However, they are prone to wear and fractures when compared to other crowns on this list.