Gold crown vs. porcelain/cermaic crown: which one should I choose?

Dental
Aug 2, 2024

When a tooth is damaged, dental crowns are a highly effective solution for restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. 

This results in a patient who is comfortable with their smile and overall well-being.

In today's dental landscape, dentists offer a range of crown options, with gold, porcelain, and ceramic crowns being the most popular choices.

This article compares the characteristics of gold, porcelain, and ceramic crowns, including their main advantages and disadvantages, to help you make an informed decision about your oral health.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your board-certified dentist for personalized advice tailored to your dental needs.

Dental crowns: Gold vs porcelain/ceramic 

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" placed over a tooth or dental implant to protect and strengthen it.

They are bonded to the tooth using dental cement and cover the visible part of a tooth above the gum line.

Gold vs porcelain vs ceramic crowns presents a common dilemma for patients. Let's understand how each type benefits your teeth.

Characteristics of gold dental crowns (gold alloy)

Gold dental crowns are known for their durability and strength, they rarely chip or break. However, there are some drawbacks that you should consider. 

Main advantages and disadvantages of gold crowns

Gold dental crowns have the main benefit of being built with a strong and malleable element. 

They don't need to be thick to provide support and can withstand high-pressure situations, such as stress or bruxism (teeth grinding), remaining in excellent condition for many decades with proper care.

Another advantage is that using golden alloy crowns ensures that they are non-corrosive and typically hypoallergenic. Gold is well-known for its non-toxic and biocompatible properties, making it an excellent option for dental use. 

But be sure to consult with your dentist if you have a metal allergy before choosing a gold alloy crown.

Golden alloy crowns are made from gold, but may contain a combination of metals such as platinum, palladium, silver, copper, and tin. While gold is considered safe, other metals in the alloy could potentially trigger allergic reactions.

Now, let's take a look at the disadvantages.

Gold crowns can be relatively expensive due to their precious nature, but there’s more to consider in this comparison of gold vs porcelain crown cost.

Furthermore, the gold crown color has poor aesthetics. It doesn’t resemble natural teeth, making it more suitable for back teeth, which are less visible.

If you're looking for a crown for your molars, golden crowns are the ideal choice. You can expect functional success and an exceptional fit.

Characteristics of porcelain dental crowns

Porcelain dental crowns are popular because they closely resemble natural teeth. 

Still, like gold alloy crowns, porcelain crowns have many benefits and drawbacks that you need to consider before making a decision. 

Here are some of them. 

Pros and cons of porcelain/cermaic crowns

Porcelain/ceramic crowns are highly beneficial as they provide a natural appearance. These crowns are crafted from a special type of ceramic designed to perfectly match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.

As a result, they are an excellent choice for restoring a frontal or visible tooth and also work well for back teeth.

Among other advantages of this type of crown is its biocompatibility. No metal is used, making them toxic-free and more suitable for people with metal allergies.

Now, what's the downside?

The porcelain material is quite durable, although not as strong as a gold alloy crown. This doesn't imply that it will break within a few months. 

It is important to practice good oral hygiene and attend regular check-ups with your dentist to keep porcelain crowns in good condition for a long time.

Also, remember that the cost of porcelain crowns is typically similar to or slightly higher than gold crowns. As with any treatment, the final cost can depend on diverse aspects.

For aesthetic appeal and long-term comfort and safety, porcelain crowns are the best choice.

What should I look for when choosing one or the other?

When comparing the cost, durability, and aesthetics of gold, or porcelain/ceramic crowns, it's essential to consider your oral health conditions.

Assuming that dental crowns, whether gold, or porcelain/ceramic, are a long-lasting treatment, it's important to find the best option tailored to your needs.

And if you are still not sure whether to choose between a gold, or porcelain/ceramic crowns, the best step is to discuss the options with your dentist.

Conclusions

Choosing between gold, or porcelain/ceramic crowns has benefits and disadvantages to consider.

In the end, the dilemma between gold, or porcelain/ceramic crowns is tied to your personal preference, budget, and specific dental needs.

Both options will help you smile confidently and contribute to your overall oral health.

Whether you require a dental crown to address a cavity or to securely cover a dental implant, the dedicated team at Junction Family Dental Care is committed to guiding you in making the best decision for your oral health. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discover how gold, or porcelain/ceramic crowns can make you smile.

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