When it comes to restoring your teeth, Crown Your Smile The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Suitable Dental Crown Material is here to help you make the best decision for your oral health and confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, decay, or cosmetic concerns, selecting the right crown material is a key step toward a long-lasting and beautiful smile.
At Prevent Dental Suite, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. This guide will walk you through the different types of dental crown materials, their pros and cons, costs, durability, and what might be best for your unique dental needs.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It completely encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.
Crowns are often used for:
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Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
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Restoring a broken or worn-down tooth
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Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
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Holding a dental bridge in place
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Covering misshaped or severely discoloured teeth
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Capping dental implants
Why Choosing the Right Crown Material Matters
Choosing the right dental crown material is crucial because:
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It impacts the durability of the restoration
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Affects the look and feel of your smile
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Influences your budget
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Plays a role in your oral health and comfort
Some materials may be better suited for back teeth, while others work best for front teeth due to aesthetics.
Types of Dental Crown Materials
Let’s explore the most common types of dental crown materials:
1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Pros:
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Strong and durable
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More natural appearance than full metal crowns
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Good for both front and back teeth
Cons:
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Can cause wear to opposing teeth
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Metal may show as a dark line at the gum
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Porcelain can chip over time
Best For: Patients looking for strength with better aesthetics on back teeth.
2. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
Pros:
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Highly aesthetic and natural-looking
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Metal-free (biocompatible for patients with allergies)
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Ideal for front teeth
Cons:
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Less durable than metal or PFM crowns
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More expensive
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Not ideal for patients who grind their teeth
Best For: Front teeth restorations and patients concerned about appearance.
3. Zirconia Crowns
Pros:
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Extremely strong and long-lasting
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Looks like natural teeth (especially layered zirconia)
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Resistant to wear
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Biocompatible
Cons:
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More expensive than PFM or metal crowns
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Can be too opaque if not layered properly
Best For: Back teeth and patients who need durability with good aesthetics.
4. E-Max (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns
Pros:
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Superior aesthetics
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High strength and thinner material
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Great for both front and back teeth
Cons:
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Can be more costly
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May not be as strong as zirconia for certain cases
Best For: Patients seeking a balance between beauty and function.
5. Gold Crowns
Pros:
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Incredibly durable and long-lasting
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Gentle on opposing teeth
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Rarely chip or break
Cons:
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Noticeable (not tooth-coloured)
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Not ideal for front teeth
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Some patients may have aesthetic concerns
Best For: Molars or patients who prioritize function over appearance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Crown Material
1. Location of the Tooth
Front teeth require a more aesthetic material, while back teeth need durability to withstand chewing forces.
2. Budget
Some materials are more affordable, while others are an investment in long-term aesthetics and function.
3. Aesthetics
If appearance matters a lot to you, go for ceramic, porcelain, or E-Max.
4. Allergies or Sensitivities
Patients with metal sensitivities should consider metal-free options like all-ceramic or zirconia.
5. Bite Force and Habits
Teeth grinding (bruxism) or strong bite may require a stronger crown like zirconia or metal.
Dental Crown Cost in Australia
Costs can vary depending on the material, the complexity of the procedure, and the dentist’s experience. Here’s a general guide:
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PFM Crowns: $1,000 – $1,500
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All-Ceramic Crowns: $1,200 – $1,800
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Zirconia Crowns: $1,500 – $2,000
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E-Max Crowns: $1,500 – $2,500
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Gold Crowns: $2,000 and up (depending on gold market)
Prevent Dental Suite offers flexible payment plans and options to suit different budgets.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last 10–15 years, but with good oral care, some can last 20+ years.
To extend the life of your crown:
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Brush and floss daily
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Avoid chewing hard objects
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Visit your dentist regularly
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Consider a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
What to Expect During the Crown Procedure at Prevent Dental Suite
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Initial Consultation: Examination, X-rays, and discussion of suitable options
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Tooth Preparation: Shaping the tooth and taking impressions
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Temporary Crown: Placed while the final crown is crafted
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Final Placement: Your crown is cemented and adjusted for comfort
We use advanced technology to ensure a perfect fit and a natural look for every crown.
Why Choose Prevent Dental Suite for Your Dental Crowns?
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Experienced Dental Professionals
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State-of-the-Art Technology
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Transparent Pricing & Payment Plans
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Personalised, Gentle Care
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Convenient Location in Kallangur, QLD
We tailor every crown to match your smile’s colour, shape, and bite—because no two smiles are the same!
FAQs: Choosing the Best Dental Crown Material
Q: What’s the most natural-looking crown material?
A: All-ceramic, porcelain, and E-Max crowns offer the most natural appearance, ideal for front teeth.
Q: Which crown material lasts the longest?
A: Gold and zirconia crowns are known for their superior durability and longevity.
Q: Are zirconia crowns better than porcelain?
A: Zirconia is stronger and ideal for back teeth, while porcelain offers better aesthetics for front teeth.
Q: Do dental crowns hurt?
A: The procedure is usually pain-free with local anaesthesia. Some mild discomfort may occur afterwards, which resolves quickly.
Let’s Crown Your Smile Today!
Your smile deserves the best care and materials. At Prevent Dental Suite, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from choosing the perfect dental crown to placing it with precision and care.
