Dental crowns are a convenient, cost-effective solution for many patients, and you want to ensure yours have several options to meet their needs and budgets. Since there are many types of crowns to explore with a dental lab, use this guide to learn more about each material before making your selection.

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

1. Metal

These crowns can be made of palladium, gold, nickel, and many other durable metals. These are some of the longest-lasting options and can withstand chewing and everyday dental stress. Although metal is cost-effective, it’s more visible than other materials. For this reason, many patients prefer this material for crowns on the rear molars.

2. Zirconia

This material is natural-looking and durable. Zirconia is a metal alloy that can be crafted quickly by a dental lab and is similarly durable to metal. Since this option is natural-looking, it’s often preferred for primary molars that are more visible.

3. Composite Resin

Although it’s one of the most affordable crown types, composite resin isn’t as durable as the others. Over time, chewing and decay-causing bacteria will wear it down. Due to this effect, this material isn’t recommended for molars, whose surfaces do most of the chewing.

4. Ceramic

This type of crown can be shaded to match the patient’s adjacent teeth, offering a natural look. Although ceramic is extremely durable, it can wear the adjacent natural teeth over time due to friction. Due to their versatility, ceramic crowns are often used for front teeth.

5. Porcelain

This is the most natural-looking crown material; it’s also the most expensive. Porcelain can wear adjacent teeth like ceramic, so you’ll need to monitor your patients’ teeth after inserting the crown. For the most durable option, consider a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, which draws the best qualities from both materials.

If you want to partner with a knowledgeable dental lab, contact the team at Aloha Dental Laboratory in Aiea, HI. Their team works closely with its clients to craft a wide variety of high-quality products, like dental crowns, implants, and veneers. View their full list of services online, or call (808) 947-2877 to schedule an appointment.