Porcelain Crowns vs. Gold Crowns: Which Is The Better Choice For You?

Strengthen & Protect Weakened Teeth With a Dental Crown For Restored Function & Appearance

If you have a damaged tooth and visit a dentist, they’ll advise you on the available treatment options. It’s very likely they’ll recommend getting a dental crown, which strengthens and protects weakened teeth while helping restore the appearance and function of your smile. However, there are two popular materials used for dental crowns: porcelain and gold.

Although both materials are high-quality, you might still wonder which one is right for you before visiting a dental clinic. Below, we’ll explain what each option involves.

What Is a Dental Crown & When Is It Needed?

A dental crown acts as a cap that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance, allowing you to chew and speak normally again. Crowns are often recommended when a tooth has:

• A large filling that compromises its structure: When a filling covers most of a tooth, the remaining enamel can become fragile and prone to fractures. A crown provides full coverage, reinforcing the tooth and preventing future damage.
• Been fractured or worn down over time: Teeth can crack or gradually wear away due to habits like grinding, clenching, or simply years of use. A crown restores the lost structure, helping distribute bite forces evenly and protecting the underlying tooth.
• Undergoing a root canal: After root canal treatment, the tooth often becomes brittle because the inner pulp is removed. Placing a crown seals and strengthens it, preventing cracks and prolonging the life of the treated tooth.
• Severe discoloration or misshaping: In cases where teeth are deeply stained, uneven, or irregularly shaped, a crown can dramatically improve aesthetics. It provides a uniform color and contour that blends naturally with your surrounding teeth.

Crowns can also be used to cover dental implants or to support a bridge. Even children may need crowns in cases of extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling alone! For example, when you visit a dentist office, you’ll probably be offered several material options, with porcelain and gold among the most popular choices.

Gold Crowns: The Traditional Choice For Strength & Longevity

Gold dental crowns have been used for decades, and for good reason. Their unmatched durability makes them ideal for patients who value long-term performance over appearance. These restorations have a proven track record of reliability, making them a trusted choice for many dental professionals.

Advantages Of Gold Crowns

Gold crowns stand out for their functionality and durability for the following reasons:

• Exceptional strength and resistance: They can withstand intense chewing and grinding forces without chipping or cracking.
• Less removal of natural tooth structure: Due to gold’s malleability, less tooth material is needed during preparation.
• Biocompatibility: Gold alloys are gentle on surrounding teeth and cause minimal wear to opposing surfaces.
• Corrosion resistance and longevity: They remain stable and intact for decades, often lasting a lifetime with proper care.
• Low risk of allergies: Gold is typically hypoallergenic and safe for most patients.

Because of these advantages, gold crowns are often recommended for back teeth, where function outweighs aesthetics. They are especially valuable for patients seeking a strong restoration that can last for many years.

Disadvantages Of Gold Crowns

While gold crowns offer remarkable benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider before choosing them:

• Aesthetic limitations: The metallic color is noticeable, making them less ideal for visible teeth.
• Higher material cost: Gold and its alloys are precious metals, which can increase the price.
• Not a perfect cosmetic match: Even when used on less visible teeth, some patients prefer a more natural appearance.

Despite these downsides, gold crowns remain an excellent investment in long-term oral health. At a dental office, your dentist can help you weigh these factors carefully. Their durability and comfort often make them the preferred choice for patients who value function and longevity over looks.

Porcelain Crowns: Aesthetic & Modern

Porcelain crowns have become the most popular choice for patients seeking a natural-looking restoration. Designed to replicate the color, texture, and translucency of natural teeth, they blend seamlessly into your smile while offering reliable protection.

Advantages Of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns offer numerous benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Some of the most notable include:

• Natural appearance: They mimic the look of real enamel, making them virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth.
• Improved strength with modern materials: Newer porcelains, such as E.max and Empress 2, combine durability with beauty.
• Metal-free composition: Ideal for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies.
• Color stability: Porcelain maintains its brightness and shade over time without discoloration.
• Versatility: Suitable for both front and back teeth, offering a balance between aesthetics and function.

Porcelain crowns are a recommended option for restoring confidence in your smile. For example, when placed by an experienced dentist in Arizona, they enhance your overall appearance while providing complete comfort.

Disadvantages Of Porcelain Crowns

Like any dental material, porcelain crowns come with a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Slightly lower durability: They are not as strong as gold and may chip if exposed to heavy biting pressure.
• Potential wear on opposing teeth: The harder surface can gradually wear down nearby natural teeth.
• Cost variation: Advanced porcelain systems can be more expensive depending on design and customization.
• Maintenance needs: Regular dental check-ups are essential to keep them in excellent condition.

Even with these limitations, porcelain crowns remain a favorite for their beauty and modern design. They combine comfort and aesthetics, giving patients a confident smile that feels as good as it looks!

The Crown Procedure: What To Expect

Getting a dental crown usually involves two visits. Here’s what you can expect during each step of the process:

1. First visit – Tooth preparation & temporary crown

Your dentist will reshape the tooth to make room for the crown and take impressions or digital scans to ensure a perfect fit. Then, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being custom-made in a dental lab.

2. Second visit – Placement Of The permanent crown

Once the final crown is ready, your dentist will carefully check the shape, color, and bite alignment to ensure a perfect fit and comfort. After making any necessary adjustments, the crown will be permanently cemented into place for long-lasting protection and function.

How To Choose Between Porcelain & Gold

There’s no single answer that works for everyone. The ideal choice depends on factors such as:

• The location of the tooth (front vs. back): Front teeth benefit from porcelain’s natural look, while back teeth often need the strength of gold.
• Your bite and chewing habits: If you grind or clench your teeth, gold can better withstand constant pressure.
• Budget and long-term expectations: Gold may cost more initially but can last decades; porcelain offers a balance between beauty and durability.

For example, a porcelain crown might be perfect for a front tooth restoration, where the goal is a flawless smile. A gold crown, on the other hand, might be a better fit for a molar, where strength and durability take precedence over looks.

Anyway, your teeth whitening dentist or restorative specialist can evaluate your case and recommend the best material based on your unique dental needs.

Let’s Make Your Smile Shine Again

If you’re considering a porcelain or gold crown, it’s important to start with a check-up from a dentist. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead, we can help assess your smile and determine which option is best for you.

When you reach out to our Arizona dentists team, we can schedule a consultation to evaluate your oral health, discuss your options, and place the crown that best meets your needs. Take the first step toward a healthier smile!