- tooth-colored crowns or dental caps (CPS). The initialism “CPS” is used by a brand of interdental brushes, but is not standard dental terminology for crowns. A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a tooth-shaped restoration placed over a damaged, weak, or severely decayed tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength.
Here are the different types of tooth-colored crowns:
1. All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns
- These crowns are made entirely from ceramic or porcelain and offer the most natural appearance because of their ability to mimic the translucency of tooth enamel.
- Best for: Highly visible front teeth, as they provide the most aesthetic result.
- Pros: Highly natural-looking, metal-free (good for those with metal allergies), and biocompatible.
- Cons: Not as durable as metal-based options and may be more susceptible to chipping under heavy chewing pressure.
2. Zirconia crowns
- Made from zirconium dioxide, a highly durable ceramic material, zirconia crowns offer a strong and long-lasting tooth-colored solution.
- Best for: Both front and back teeth, as they combine exceptional strength with good aesthetics.
- Pros: Extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. Modern zirconia can be layered with porcelain to achieve a more natural look.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than other options.
3. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
- This type of crown has a metal base that is covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain.
- Best for: Both front and back teeth, as they offer a blend of metal’s strength and porcelain’s aesthetic appeal.
- Pros: Stronger than all-ceramic crowns and can be color-matched to your surrounding teeth.
- Cons: The underlying metal can sometimes show as a dark line at the gumline. The porcelain layer can also chip off over time.
4. E-max crowns (Lithium Disilicate)
- A type of all-ceramic crown, E-max is a glass-ceramic material that offers an excellent balance of high aesthetics and good strength
- Best for: Restoring front teeth, where natural translucency is highly valued.
- Pros: Unmatched aesthetics and requires less tooth reduction during preparation.
- Cons: Not as strong as zirconia, making it less ideal for molars in patients with a heavy bite.
5. Composite resin crowns
- These crowns are made from a composite resin, the same material used for tooth-colored fillings.
- Best for: Temporary restorations. They are sometimes used as a cheaper long-term solution, though they are less durable.
- Pros: Most affordable option and can be color-matched to blend with your natural teeth.
- Cons: Weaker and more susceptible to fractures and wear compared to porcelain, zirconia, or PFM crowns.
