If you start searching for a suitable dental crown for your teeth, you will definitely think about porcelain vs. metal crowns. No doubt, both choices are astonishing benefits, and after knowing their price, strength, and looks, you can choose the perfect one.
In this post, we will shed light on the main difference between porcelain crowns and metal dental crowns, and know how their cost and benefits are comparable to each other. So, if you are thinking about a dental crown, keep reading to find out which one suits you best.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cover placed over a broken or weak tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Many types of dental crowns are available, but porcelain and metal crowns are among the most common. Each crown type has its own benefits, so they deal with different dental needs and patient preferences. Now, let us take a closer look at each crown type, with its price, advantages, and disadvantages.
1: Porcelain Crowns
People love porcelain dental crowns for their natural look and how well they match your teeth. These crowns consist of a ceramic base, which gives them a natural tooth feel. They are great to fix your visible teeth, especially those at the front of your mouth.
What are the Benefits of Porcelain Crowns?
Aesthetic Appeal
Porcelain crowns are a favorite of people due to their natural look. They are made to copy the shade and glow of your own teeth, which makes them almost invisible against your teeth.
Biocompatibility
Porcelain is a very body-friendly material. It means you will not face any risk of soreness or adverse reactions in your gums, as metal options do.
Durability
While porcelain crowns are not as tough as metal crowns, they can still last for many years with good care. In this way, you do not have to worry about a chip or break under strong bite force, especially if you grind your teeth at night.
No Metal Sensitivity
If you have metal sensitivities or allergies, look no further than porcelain crowns that are safe and easy to use.
Porcelain Crown Cost
The cost of porcelain crowns is often higher than that of metal crowns. It is mostly due to the material and the manufacturing steps, which are trickier and slower. On average, porcelain crowns cost between $800 and $3,000 per crown, depending on the dental office and location.
2: Metal Crowns
Metal dental crowns are made from various metals, such as gold, silver, or other alloys. These crowns are often used for teeth that are at the back of your mouth, where they are less visible and can handle strong chewing forces.
What are the Benefits of Metal Crowns?
Durability
One of the main advantages of metal crowns is their strength. They are super strong and can take the load of chewing without wearing out or snapping. So, this is ideal for back teeth that get the most force.
Longevity
The durability of metal crowns is mostly longer than that of porcelain crowns. With good care, they can last 10-15 years or even more, and they become a smart buy in the long run.
Less Tooth Reduction
Metal crowns need to cut off less of your tooth than porcelain crowns, which are necessary to protect your real teeth as much as you can.
Cost-Effective
While the cost of metal crowns is normally less than that of porcelain crowns, it can vary depending on the type of metal used. Gold crowns, for example, are pricier than other types of metal crowns. Metal crowns often cost from $500 to $1,500 per crown.
Metal Crown Cost Comparison
In comparison of porcelain crown cost to metal crown cost, the latter is relatively cheaper. But this lower price is balanced by the look, as metal crowns are more usable than porcelain ones.
3: Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
To have durability of metal crowns and the look of porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) are a good option. Here is the mixture of metal strength and porcelains’ aesthetic look. The outer part is made of porcelain, while the inner part is metal.
While PFM crowns offer a mix of both sides, they can sometimes show a dark line at the gumline, which can worry people, especially if they want a fully natural look. Still, they are a favorite for their power and appearance.
4: Gold Crowns vs Porcelain Crowns
Another comparison is gold crowns vs. porcelain crowns. Gold crowns are considered the strongest and longest-lasting option, so they are well-suited for back teeth. But, they are not as nice to look at as porcelain crowns. The choice between gold and porcelain crowns depends on your needs: if you care most about strength and durability, you should prefer gold crowns, but if you put looks first, porcelain crowns are the best way to go.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Porcelain and Metal Crowns
When deciding between porcelain crowns vs metal crowns, several factors should influence your decision:
- Location of the Tooth: Front teeth are often best fixed with porcelain crowns for their natural look, while the strength of metal crowns is better suited for back teeth.
- Budget: If price is a main concern, metal crowns tend to be cheaper, but they are not as aesthetically pleasing.
- Durability: If you prefer a long-lasting crown that holds up for many years and withstands the strain of chewing, metal crowns are a good option.
- Aesthetics: For those seeking the most natural-looking option, prioritize porcelain crowns, especially for front teeth.
- Sensitivity: If you have metal allergies or sensitivities, porcelain crowns are a safer choice.
Why Choose Gentle Teeth and Braces?
At Gentle Teeth and Braces, we guarantee your visit is easy and stress-free. We know that going to the dentist can feel scary, so our team works hard to keep you comfortable and relaxed. We offer everything your family needs, from simple checkups for kids to braces for adults, all in one place.
We use the latest tools to get the job done fast and keep things painless. We also offer fair prices and payment plans that work for your budget. Our goal is to give you a healthy, bright smile while treating you like a friend every time you walk through our doors.
Final Thoughts!
Choosing between porcelain crowns and metal crowns comes down to your needs, budget, and the location of the toothache. If appearance and a natural feel are your main concerns, you should choose porcelain crowns. But, if you are after strength, long life, and a lower-cost fix, metal crowns are a much better way.
If you are still not sure which kind of crown is best for your needs, discuss this with your dentist to help you make a selection and get a care plan made for your needs. You can also book a consultation with our experts right now to learn more about the benefits of dental crowns and which crown will best meet your needs.
FAQs
1: What is the cost difference between porcelain and metal crowns?
Porcelain crowns are more expensive than metal crowns; porcelain crowns range from $800 to $3,000, and metal crowns from $500 to $1,500.
2: Which dental crown type is the most durable?
The lifespan of metal crowns is astonishing, lasting up to 15 years or more. You can use them on the back teeth.
3: Can I use porcelain crowns for back teeth?
Since porcelain crowns are used for back teeth, people choose metal crowns only for their greater strength.
4: Are porcelain crowns as strong as metal crowns?
Porcelain crowns are strong but can still chip or crack, especially if you keep them under pressure, whereas metal crowns are more durable.
5: What are the aesthetic advantages of porcelain crowns?
Porcelain crowns give you a natural, tooth-like appearance that combines perfectly with your natural teeth, so they are good for visible areas of your mouth.