Crowns and implants dentistry are an investment; you want something that looks natural, lasts a long time, and fits your lifestyle. If you’ve got questions, Elegant Edge Dentistry can go over all your options and help you make a choice you feel good about.
Dental implants attach a crown (the part you see) to a small titanium post in your jaw. The idea is for it to look and feel just like a natural tooth. Here’s a guide on your options.
Why Choosing the Right Crown Matters
Every implant crown material has its pros and cons, since some are stronger, and others are more natural-looking, so what’s right for one person might not be the best choice for the next.
Elegant Edge Dentistry looks at your bite strength, your budget, and where the missing tooth is located. Molars need stronger materials, but for front teeth, you want things to look as natural as possible.
All-Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain reflects light the same way natural teeth do, so it’s barely noticeable. It doesn’t contain any metal, either, which is good if you’ve got metal allergies. But if you’ve got bruxism or tend to chew on hard objects, porcelain’s probably not right for you.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
PFM crowns are strong and look good. You get a metal base that stands up to chewing, but the part you see is natural-looking porcelain. Over time, though, you might see a dark line at the gums. We like this option for molars, where strength is a bigger issue than perfect color matching.
Zirconia Crowns
The best material for dental implant crowns is zirconia when you need something that’s extra strong but still looks good, no matter where it goes in your mouth. It’s incredibly tough, so it resists chips and cracks a lot better than porcelain does. It performs really well.
They come in various shades to match your teeth, and they’re biocompatible, which means they won’t bother your gums. You can read more about that at the American Dental Association.
Gold Crowns
A gold crown on an implant might sound old-fashioned, but it lasts longer than anything else, and it’s gentler on the rest of your teeth. It needs less tooth reduction done during placement, too. Some folks love the look, while others prefer it only for their back molars.
Titanium Crowns
Titanium crowns are lightweight and strong, and they work well with implants because they’re the same material. Plus, they’re biocompatible, like zirconia.
They’re silver colored, and a lot of people don’t want that for their front teeth, but they’re a super-strong option for molars without adding weight.
Hybrid Crowns
Hybrid crowns are a blend of different materials for maximum performance. For example, we might use zirconia with a porcelain overlay to give you something strong and good-looking.
These crowns work well when standard options don’t quite fit because they offer more flexibility.
Comparing Materials: Porcelain vs. Zirconia vs. Gold
Between porcelain vs zirconia implants, zirconia’s the strongest, but porcelain’s the most natural looking, but more prone to chipping.
Gold’s stronger than both, plus it’s biocompatible, but it stands out. For some, that’s a good thing, but a lot of folks want something more subtle, so porcelain dental implants are a popular choice for front teeth.
How to Choose the Best Material for Your Implant Crown
Front teeth need porcelain or zirconia implant crown material to look natural, but you can go with zirconia, gold, or PFM for back molars.
If you clench your teeth or grind them at night, you’re better off with strong dental crowns. Your budget’s another thing you need to consider.
Selecting the Right Implant Crown for Function and Aesthetics
Elegant Edge Dentistry explains your options clearly and helps you decide what’s best for you, depending on appearance, durability, and cost.
The materials and techniques for crown and implant dentistry are getting better and better, according to the National Institute of Health. Come in for a consult so we can listen to your goals and set up a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Mansour and our team will guide you to the best implant crown choice. We’ve got evening appointments, and we’re taking new patients. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Elegant Edge Dentistry to look at your dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of crowns are used for dental implants?
You’ve got porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, gold, titanium, and hybrid crowns, each with a different strength, appearance, and durability.
How do I choose the best material for my implant crown?
It depends on which tooth it is, your bite force, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Porcelain or zirconia are usually the best for front teeth; zirconia or gold for back teeth.
What is the difference between porcelain and zirconia crowns?
Porcelain crowns are the most natural, but they’re also fragile. Zirconia’s still pretty natural-looking, plus, it’s a lot stronger.
Are gold crowns on implants still recommended?
Gold crowns are good for back molars because of how strong they are. They last the longest, and they’re gentle on opposing teeth.
How long do implant crowns last?
They can last for many years if you take good care of them; that includes regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene.
