Types of Dental Crowns: Which Material Is Right for Your Tooth?

A dental crown is essentially a cap that fits over a tooth when it's too damaged, weakened, or worn to be restored reliably with a alone. It covers the visible part of the tooth above the gumline, restoring its shape and strength while helping protect the natural tooth structure underneath.

Crowns are also commonly recommended after a , since the remaining tooth may be more vulnerable to fractures, particularly when a substantial amount of its structure has already been lost. They can also be used to cover dental implants or support a dental bridge.

The biggest difference between crown types comes down to the material they're made from. That choice affects how natural the crown looks, how well it holds up to everyday chewing, and, of course, how much it costs.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have been used in dentistry for decades, and for good reason. They combine a strong metal base with a porcelain outer layer that gives the crown a tooth-coloured appearance. This combination offers a reasonable balance between durability and aesthetics, without the price tag of some newer materials.

PFM crowns generally handle normal chewing forces well and remain a common choice for permanent restorations. One drawback is that the metal underneath can sometimes become visible as a thin dark line along the gumline, particularly if the gums recede over time.

Back teeth that need a durable restoration, especially when keeping costs manageable matters more than achieving a completely metal-free appearance.

$900 to $1,600.

All-porcelain crowns don't have a metal base, which allows them to mimic the natural translucency of teeth more closely. This is particularly useful for front teeth, where even small differences in colour or light reflection can be noticeable when you smile or speak.

Their main advantage is appearance, but there is a trade-off. Depending on the specific ceramic material and the forces placed on the tooth, an all-porcelain crown may be more vulnerable to chipping or fracture than a metal alloy crown or certain zirconia options. That doesn't mean it's unsuitable for everyday use; it simply means your dentist needs to consider your bite and the location of the tooth before recommending it.

Front teeth and other visible areas where a natural-looking restoration is a priority.

$1,100 to $1,800.

Zirconia crowns are made from a strong, metal-free ceramic material. They're particularly popular for molars, which take considerable pressure during chewing, because they can provide excellent strength without the need for a metal base.

They also offer a more natural appearance than traditional metal crowns. However, zirconia doesn't always have the same translucency as some all-porcelain materials, so the final result can look slightly different from a natural tooth when examined closely. Newer zirconia materials and careful shade matching can help improve the appearance.

For patients who need a durable crown but would rather avoid metal, zirconia is often worth discussing with their dentist.

Back teeth exposed to substantial chewing forces, or anyone looking for a strong, metal-free crown.

$1,000 to $2,000.

Gold and other metal alloy crowns aren't designed to blend in with your natural teeth. Their advantage lies elsewhere: they're extremely durable, can withstand heavy chewing forces, and may last for decades with proper care.

Another benefit is that metal crowns can often be placed while removing less healthy tooth structure than would be needed for some other crown designs. They're particularly useful for back molars, where appearance is less of a concern and strength matters more.

The obvious downside is their colour. Gold crowns are visible when you open your mouth wide or smile, which is why many patients prefer tooth-coloured alternatives, especially for teeth closer to the front.

Back molars where durability and preserving tooth structure are priorities, and the metallic appearance isn't a concern.

$900 to $1,800.

Composite resin crowns are made from a tooth-coloured material similar to the resin used in dental fillings. Unlike the permanent crown materials discussed above, they're generally intended as a short-term solution rather than a restoration that will last for years.

After your dentist prepares a tooth for a permanent crown, a dental laboratory usually needs a couple of weeks to fabricate it. A temporary composite crown protects the prepared tooth during that waiting period, helping maintain function and reduce sensitivity.

Although composite resin can be useful in this situation, it isn't as durable as most permanent crown materials and can wear, chip, or break more easily. It's generally not the first choice for a long-term restoration.

Protecting a prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being made.

$400 to $800.

There isn't one crown material that's best for every tooth. Dentists usually consider a combination of practical factors before making a recommendation.

Front teeth are often restored with all-porcelain crowns because of their natural appearance. Back teeth, especially molars, experience greater chewing forces, so zirconia, gold, or porcelain-fused-to-metal may be more suitable depending on the individual case.

If you regularly clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, your crown may be exposed to extra pressure. A strong material, such as zirconia or a metal alloy, may be worth considering. Your dentist may also recommend a night guard to help protect the restoration.

If the tooth is visible when you smile or talk, a tooth-coloured material will usually be more appealing than gold or a crown with a visible metal margin. All-porcelain and zirconia are two options to discuss, although the best choice depends on the tooth's position and bite.

Composite resin is generally the least expensive option in this comparison, but it's usually temporary. Permanent crowns have different price points, with the final cost depending on the material, laboratory fees, and any additional treatment needed. Choosing the cheapest option isn't necessarily the most economical decision over the long term if it isn't appropriate for your tooth.

When a baby tooth has extensive decay, a stainless steel crown may be the most practical option. The goal is to protect the tooth until it falls out naturally, rather than provide a permanent cosmetic restoration.

Once you have an idea of which material might work for you, a dental examination is the best way to narrow down the options. can help you find a dentist near you who provides crown treatment and discuss your options in person.

The may help reduce the cost of a dental crown for eligible patients, but coverage is subject to specific rules. Crowns are considered major dental services rather than routine preventive care, and the amount CDCP pays depends on your adjusted family net income and the program's applicable fee schedule.

The general income-based reimbursement structure is outlined below. These percentages apply only if you meet the program's other eligibility requirements. Having access to private dental insurance through your own employer, a spouse's employer, or a pension plan can affect eligibility, so it's important to check the current rules before assuming you qualify.

CDCP also has specific restrictions for crowns. Under the coverage rules described here, eligible patients may be limited to four crowns within a 10-year period, with generally no more than one crown per tooth within an eight-year period. Preauthorization is required before treatment begins. Implant-supported crowns, three-quarter crowns, and crowns placed solely for cosmetic reasons are excluded under the stated criteria.

Even when a crown is covered, you may still have to pay part of the bill. CDCP reimbursement is calculated using its own fee guide, and a dentist may charge more than the amount recognized by the plan. The difference, along with any applicable patient copayment, can leave you with an out-of-pocket expense.

Private dental insurance may also help. Crowns are usually classified as major or restorative services, with many plans reimbursing around 50% to 70% of eligible costs. That's often less than the coverage available for basic procedures such as fillings and cleanings.

Annual maximums are another consideration. Many private plans cap total dental reimbursements at around $1,500 to $2,500 per year, depending on the policy. A single crown can use up a substantial portion of that allowance, particularly if you need other dental work in the same year.

Before scheduling treatment, ask your dentist for a detailed estimate and check with your insurer or CDCP administrator about eligibility, preauthorization, reimbursement limits, and any fees you may have to pay yourself.