When you need a dental crown to restore a damaged tooth, choosing the right material can feel overwhelming. Metal dental crowns offer some of the strongest and longest-lasting options available today. From traditional gold crowns to modern zirconia, understanding your metal crown choices helps you make the best decision for your smile.
At Townsville Dental Clinic, we help patients across Queensland choose the perfect metal dental crowns for their needs and budget.
What Are Metal Crowns?
Metal dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps made from various metal materials that cover and protect damaged teeth. These metal dental crowns restore your tooth’s shape, size, strength, and function while providing long-lasting durability.
Metal dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over a century because they offer unmatched strength and longevity. Unlike all-porcelain options, metal dental crowns can withstand heavy biting forces and rarely chip or crack.
Types of Metal Dental Crowns
There are several types of metal dental crowns available, each with unique benefits:
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are among the most traditional metal dental crowns. Today’s gold crowns aren’t made from pure gold but use gold alloys mixed with other metals like platinum, palladium, silver, copper, or tin.
Benefits of Gold Metal Dental Crowns:
- Biocompatible and rarely cause allergic reactions
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Gentle on opposing teeth during chewing
- Require minimal tooth reduction during placement
- Create an excellent seal at the gum line
- Easy for dentists to adjust and polish
Drawbacks of Gold Metal Dental Crowns:
- Highly visible yellow color
- More expensive than other materials
- Price fluctuates with gold market values
- Not suitable for front teeth due to appearance
Gold metal dental crowns work best for back molars where strength matters more than appearance.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are technically metal oxide ceramic crowns, made from zirconium dioxide. These modern metal dental crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of tooth-colored materials.
Benefits of Zirconia Metal Dental Crowns:
- Natural tooth-like appearance with translucency
- Five times stronger than traditional porcelain
- Metal-free for patients with metal allergies
- Resistant to chipping, cracking, and fractures
- Low thermal conductivity protects sensitive teeth
- Smooth surface resists plaque buildup
- Can last 15+ years with proper care
Drawbacks of Zirconia Metal Dental Crowns:
- More expensive than traditional materials
- May be too strong for opposing natural teeth
- Can damage other teeth if not properly fitted
- Relatively new material with limited long-term data
Zirconia metal dental crowns work well for both front and back teeth, offering strength with aesthetics.
Base Metal Crowns
Base metal crowns are made from non-precious metals like nickel, chromium, or cobalt. These metal dental crowns offer strength at a lower cost than gold or zirconia options.
Benefits of Base Metal Crowns:
- Very strong and durable
- Less expensive than gold crowns
- Require minimal tooth reduction
- Resist wear and corrosion
Drawbacks of Base Metal Crowns:
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive patients
- Metallic appearance
- Not suitable for front teeth
- Can leave gray discoloration on gums
What Are Gold Crowns?
Gold crowns are classic metal dental crowns that have protected teeth for generations. Modern gold crowns use gold alloys rather than pure gold to achieve the right balance of strength, workability, and cost.
Gold Crown Categories
Gold metal dental crowns fall into three categories based on their noble metal content:
High Noble Gold Crowns: Contain at least 60% noble metals (gold, platinum, palladium, silver) with at least 40% gold. These offer the highest quality and best biocompatibility.
Noble Gold Crowns: Contain at least 25% noble metals. They provide good durability at a moderate price point.
Base Metal Crowns: Contain no noble metals and typically include nickel or other base metals. These are the most affordable but may cause allergic reactions.
When Gold Crowns Work Best
Gold metal dental crowns are ideal when:
- You need a crown for back molars
- Durability is your top priority
- You want minimal tooth reduction
- You don’t grind your teeth heavily
- Aesthetics aren’t a primary concern
Gold metal dental crowns typically last 15-30 years with proper care, making them one of the longest-lasting options available.
What Are Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia crowns represent the newest generation of metal dental crowns. Made from zirconium dioxide, these crowns bridge the gap between metal strength and natural appearance.
Zirconia Crown Types
Monolithic Zirconia: Made from a single solid block of zirconia. These are incredibly strong but may look less natural than layered versions.
Layered Zirconia: Feature a zirconia core with porcelain layers on top. These offer better aesthetics but may be more prone to chipping.
Zirconia Crown Benefits
Zirconia metal dental crowns offer several advantages:
Strength: Zirconia can withstand biting forces of up to 1,000 pounds per square inch.
Biocompatibility: Safe for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
Natural Appearance: Can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
Longevity: Often last 10-15 years or more with proper care.
Versatility: Suitable for both front and back teeth restorations.
Who Should Choose Zirconia?
Zirconia metal dental crowns work well for patients who:
- Want natural-looking results
- Have metal allergies or sensitivities
- Need crowns for front or back teeth
- Grind their teeth at night
- Prefer a single-visit option (some zirconia crowns can be made same-day)
What Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine metal strength with porcelain aesthetics. These hybrid metal dental crowns feature a metal core covered with tooth-colored porcelain.
PFM Crown Structure
The metal substructure provides strength while the porcelain overlay creates a natural appearance. The metal core can be made from:
- Gold alloys (high noble)
- Palladium or silver alloys (noble)
- Base metal alloys like nickel or chromium
PFM Crown Benefits
Durability: The metal core makes these crowns very strong and long-lasting.
Aesthetics: Porcelain can be color-matched to your natural teeth.
Versatility: Suitable for both front and back teeth.
Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than all-zirconia crowns.
Proven Track Record: Used successfully in dentistry for over 35 years.
PFM Crown Drawbacks
Dark Line: The metal may show as a gray line at the gum line, especially if gums recede.
Porcelain Chipping: The porcelain layer can chip off, exposing the metal underneath.
Tooth Wear: May cause more wear on opposing teeth compared to gold.
Metal Allergies: Can cause reactions in sensitive patients.
Opacity: Don’t transmit light like natural teeth, which may affect appearance.
When to Choose PFM Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns work well when:
- You need strength for heavy chewing forces
- Budget is a primary concern
- The crown is for a back tooth where a dark line won’t show
- You have existing PFM crowns that need matching
What Are Same-Day Crowns Made Of?
Same-day crowns, often made with CEREC technology, are typically crafted from ceramic materials rather than traditional metals. These crowns are milled in the dental office during your appointment.
Same-Day Crown Materials
Feldspathic Ceramic: Made from fine glass particles, offering natural translucency similar to tooth enamel. Best for front teeth with minimal chewing stress.
Lithium Disilicate (E.max): Strong ceramic material that works well for both front and back teeth. Provides excellent aesthetics with good durability.
Zirconia: The strongest same-day option, perfect for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
Same-Day Crown Process
Same-day metal dental crowns (when made from zirconia) are created using:
- Digital Scanning: A special camera captures detailed 3D images of your tooth
- Computer Design: CAD software designs your custom crown
- In-Office Milling: A machine carves your crown from a ceramic block
- Same-Day Placement: Your permanent crown is placed during the same visit
Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
- No temporary crown needed
- Complete treatment in one visit
- No messy impression materials
- Precise digital fit
- Immediate restoration of function
Same-day zirconia crowns offer the convenience of single-visit treatment with the strength of metal dental crowns.
Choosing the Right Metal Crown
Selecting the best metal dental crowns depends on several factors:
Tooth Location
Front Teeth: Zirconia or PFM crowns provide better aesthetics than gold.
Back Teeth: Gold, zirconia, or base metal crowns handle chewing forces well.
Molars: Gold or zirconia offer maximum durability for heavy grinding.
Your Priorities
Strength: Gold and zirconia metal dental crowns offer superior durability.
Aesthetics: Zirconia provides the best natural appearance.
Budget: Base metal or PFM crowns cost less than gold or zirconia.
Longevity: Gold crowns often last longest, followed by zirconia.
Health Considerations
Metal Allergies: Choose zirconia to avoid potential reactions.
Grinding/Clenching: Gold or zirconia handle heavy forces better than porcelain.
Gum Health: Gold creates the best seal and is gentlest on gum tissue.
Metal Crown Costs in Australia
The cost of metal dental crowns in Australia varies by material and location:
Gold Crowns: $1,800-$4,700 depending on gold content and current market prices
Zirconia Crowns: $1,500-$2,500 for high-quality materials
PFM Crowns: $1,200-$2,000 for most applications
Base Metal Crowns: $1,000-$1,500 for basic options
In Queensland, prices tend to be more competitive than in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Many dental practices offer payment plans to make metal dental crowns more affordable.
Caring for Metal Dental Crowns
Proper care helps your metal dental crowns last as long as possible:
Daily Maintenance
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily around the crown area
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Avoid chewing ice or very hard foods
Habits to Avoid
- Don’t use teeth as tools to open packages
- Avoid grinding or clenching (consider a night guard)
- Limit sticky foods that might dislodge crowns
- Don’t chew on hard objects like pens or pencils
Regular Checkups
Visit your dentist every six months for:
- Professional cleaning around your crowns
- Early detection of any problems
- Bite adjustments if needed
- Monitoring of gum health
With proper care, metal dental crowns can last 10-30 years depending on the material chosen.
Why Choose Townsville Dental Clinic?
At Townsville Dental Clinic, we offer comprehensive metal dental crown options to restore your smile. Our experienced team helps you choose the perfect material based on your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
We serve patients throughout Townsville and surrounding Queensland communities, providing personalized care with the latest dental technology. From traditional gold crowns to modern zirconia options, we create restorations that last.
Ready to explore your metal crown options? Contact Townsville Dental Clinic today to schedule your consultation. We’ll examine your tooth, discuss all material choices, and recommend the best metal dental crowns for your situation.
Call us or visit our website to book your appointment and discover how the right metal dental crowns can restore your smile’s strength and function for years to come.
