A gold crown is a dental crown (a full-coverage “cap”) made primarily from a gold-based alloy. It is cemented over a prepared tooth to restore shape, function, and protection. Gold crowns are commonly used on back teeth where chewing forces are higher. They can also be used as partial-coverage restorations (such as onlays) depending on the case.
A metal crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” made primarily from dental metal alloys. It covers and protects a damaged or heavily restored tooth above the gumline. It is commonly used on back teeth where chewing forces are higher. Some metal crowns are custom-made, while others (often for children) are preformed.
A ceramic crown is a tooth-shaped cap made primarily from dental ceramic materials. It covers and protects a damaged or heavily restored tooth above the gumline. It is commonly used on back teeth for strength and on front teeth for appearance. It is usually made outside the mouth and then bonded or cemented onto the tooth.
A lithium disilicate crown is a tooth-shaped restoration made from a glass-ceramic material called lithium disilicate. It is used to cover and protect a damaged or heavily restored tooth while restoring shape, color, and function. It is commonly placed on front teeth and premolars, and sometimes molars depending on bite forces and case factors. It is typically bonded or cemented to the prepared tooth as a fixed (non-removable) restoration.
A layered zirconia crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” made with a zirconia (ceramic) base and an added porcelain (ceramic) layer for appearance. It is designed to restore a damaged tooth’s shape, function, and aesthetics. It is commonly used for visible teeth where a natural look matters, while still aiming for higher strength than some all-porcelain options. It may be used on natural teeth or on implants, depending on the case and clinician preference.
A monolithic zirconia crown is a full-coverage dental crown milled from a single block of zirconia ceramic. “Monolithic” means it is one solid piece, rather than zirconia covered by a separate porcelain layer. It is commonly used to restore back teeth that take heavy chewing forces. It can also be used on front teeth when strength is prioritized and esthetics are planned carefully.
A zirconia crown is a tooth-shaped cap made from zirconium dioxide (zirconia), a strong dental ceramic. It is used to cover and protect a damaged or heavily restored tooth. It is commonly placed on back teeth where biting forces are higher, but it can also be used in visible areas. It may be supported by a natural tooth or attached to a dental implant.
An all-ceramic crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” made entirely from ceramic materials, with no metal substructure. It covers and protects a damaged or heavily restored tooth while restoring shape, function, and appearance. It is commonly used on visible teeth where a natural-looking result is a priority, and also on back teeth when the material and case are suitable. The crown is typically bonded or cemented onto a prepared tooth or onto a dental implant abutment.
A PFM crown is a dental crown made of porcelain fused to a metal substructure. It covers the entire visible portion of a tooth to restore shape, strength, and appearance. It is commonly used on back teeth for durability and on front teeth when added strength is needed. It is also used when dentists want a balance of esthetics and long-term function.
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is a dental crown made with a metal substructure covered by tooth-colored porcelain. It is designed to restore a damaged tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance. It is commonly used on back teeth that need durability and on some front teeth when extra strength is needed. It is permanently cemented to the prepared tooth and functions like a full-coverage “cap.”