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Nov 19, 2025|Dental Crown

Choosing the Right Dental Crown: A Breakdown of Materials That Fit Your Smile

A 3D model of a tooth prepared for a crown, in Brookfield, WI, helps patients select the dental crownIf you’ve been told you need a crown, you might feel overwhelmed. Suddenly, you’re faced with choices. Which dental crown material is best? How will it look? How long will it last?

Think of a dental crown as a protective cover for a tooth that’s been through a lot. It might be cracked, worn down, or weakened after a root canal or large filling. A crown slips over the tooth, restores its strength, and brings back its natural shape. There are different types of dental crowns, and when chosen carefully, they can look and feel just like natural teeth.

Exploring Common Dental Crown Materials

When you start looking into different types of dental crowns, you’ll notice there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each material has strengths, limitations, and best uses. Here’s what to know about each option:

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are often chosen for front teeth because they mimic the color and translucency of natural enamel. They’re a great option if appearance is your top priority. The tradeoff? They’re not quite as durable as some other materials, which means they may not be the best fit for molars that take heavy chewing pressure.

  • Best For – Front teeth, patients who prioritize a natural look
  • Things to Consider – They’re less durable on back teeth and can chip if you grind or clench.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM crowns have been around for decades. They offer the best of both worlds: a metal base for strength, topped with tooth-colored porcelain for appearance. They work well on both front and back teeth. Over time, the metal underneath may show through as a dark line near the gumline, especially if your gums recede.

  • Best For – Patients who need durability with a decent cosmetic appearance
  • Things to Consider – They’re not as natural-looking as all-porcelain or E-max. It’s possible to have a dark line at the gumline.

All-Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloy)

If strength is what you need, you can’t beat an all-metal crown. They rarely chip or break and can handle years of chewing without wearing down. The downside is appearance. They don’t look like natural teeth. Because of that, they’re usually reserved for back molars, where they’re less noticeable.

  • Best For – Back teeth that need maximum durability
  • Things to Consider – Not tooth-colored; some patients prefer a more natural look.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia has become a popular choice because it combines durability with aesthetics. It’s incredibly strong, similar to metal, but also tooth-colored. Dentists can even layer porcelain over zirconia for an even more natural finish. This makes it one of the most versatile crown dental materials available today.

  • Best For – Both front and back teeth; patients who want strength and appearance
  • Things to Consider – They can sometimes cause wear on opposing teeth due to their hardness.

E-max (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns

E-max crowns are known for their beauty. They’re light, translucent, and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth, making them a favorite for visible front teeth. They’re also strong, though not quite as tough as zirconia or metal. For patients who want the most natural-looking crown possible, E-max is often the top choice.

  • Best For – Front teeth and highly visible areas of your smile
  • Things to Consider – They may not be ideal for molars or patients with very heavy bite pressure

How to Choose the Right Dental Crown Color

One big concern patients share is: Will my crown look fake? Here’s what you need to know about how to choose dental crown color:

  • Shade Matching – Your dentist uses a professional guide to find the closest match.
  • Natural Light Testing – Color is checked in different lighting to avoid mismatches.
  • Whitening Before Crowns – If you want a whiter smile, do your teeth whitening treatment first, then match the crown.
  • Translucency – Some materials mimic the way natural enamel reflects light.

Partnering With Your Dentist for the Best Results

Selecting the right material becomes easier with expert input. At Elite Family Dental of Brookfield, every crown recommendation is based on your smile goals and long-term oral health. This personalized guidance helps ensure the crown you choose looks and feels as natural as possible.

Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Natural-Looking Crowns?

You may want to pick the crown that looks the most like a real tooth. But in reality, the “best” crown isn’t always about looks alone. Here’s why you should consider your other options:

  • Durability in the Back of Your Mouth – If your crown is going on a molar, you’ll want to think about strength first. Those teeth do most of the chewing, and all-porcelain or E-max crowns can wear down or chip under that kind of pressure. In those spots, stronger crown dental materials like zirconia or even metal are often the smarter choice, even if they don’t look quite as perfect.
  • Budget Plays a Role – Natural-looking crowns, like E-max or layered zirconia, tend to cost more because of the advanced materials and lab work involved.
  • Think About What You Value Most – Some people place strength and longevity above all else. Others care most about aesthetics. The “right” option depends on what you value most and what your dentist recommends for your specific tooth.
  • Location of the Tooth – If the crown is on a front tooth, appearance usually wins. If it’s tucked way in the back where nobody sees it, you may be happy to choose a stronger, less natural-looking option that will last for years.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Dental Emergencies

Once your crown is in place, you’ll want it to last. A few simple habits go a long way:

  • Brush and floss daily, especially around the gumline.
  • Skip chewing on ice, pens, or other hard objects.
  • Wear a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth.
  • Schedule regular preventive checkups so your dentist can monitor your crown.

Find the Crown That Fits Your Smile

Choosing the right dental crown material means finding the balance between durability, function, and a natural look that fits your smile. Whether you’re leaning toward porcelain, zirconia, or another material, the expertise of your dentist plays an important role in choosing the best type of dental crown for your situation.

If you’re ready to restore your smile with a crown designed to last, contact us at Elite Family Dental of Brookfield today to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most Common Types of Dental Crowns?

Porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-metal, zirconia, and E-max are the most common.

Which Dental Crown Material Is the Strongest?

Zirconia and all-metal crowns offer the highest strength.

How Long Does a Crown Last?

With daily care and regular dental visits, crowns can last 10–15 years or more.

Can a Crown Be Replaced?

Yes, if a crown wears out, becomes damaged, or no longer fits properly, your dentist can replace it.

How Do I Know How to Choose Dental Crown Color?

Your dentist will guide you using shade-matching tools and discuss whitening options before placement.

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