Please note: This is an informational resource. Our practice may not offer this specific service. For the most accurate and current options for dental crowns available to you, please call our office at (312) 212-3304.
Unmatched Strength for Your Back Teeth
Are you a Chicagoan looking for a time-tested, incredibly strong solution to repair a damaged tooth? Metal dental crowns have been a cornerstone of restorative dental care for decades, prized for their exceptional durability and reliability. While newer options like all-ceramic and zirconia crowns get a lot of attention, metal crowns remain the “gold standard” for strength, especially for restoring molars that bear the brunt of chewing.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about metal crowns, from the materials used to the dental crown procedure itself, helping you make an informed decision for your oral health.
Contact us at (312) 212-3304 to schedule your dental crown consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Chicago, IL, today. Serving Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Cicero, Berwyn, and surrounding communities with advanced digital crown technology.
What Are Metal Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-fitted, tooth-shaped cap that encases a damaged tooth. Metal dental crowns are crafted from various dental alloys and are renowned for being the strongest type of crown available. They’re an ideal choice for restoring out-of-sight molars that require a restoration capable of withstanding chewing forces for years to come.
Types of Metal Crown Materials: More Than Just Gold
When you think of a metal crown, you might picture a gold tooth. While gold is an option, modern dentistry uses several biocompatible alloys. Your dentist will help you choose the best one based on your needs, budget, and any metal allergies.
- Gold Alloys: A classic choice, gold crowns are a mix of gold, copper, and other metals. They’re highly biocompatible, resistant to corrosion, and gentle on opposing teeth, minimizing enamel wear.
- Palladium Alloys: A premium white metal, palladium is strong, corrosion-resistant, and an excellent option for patients with metal allergies to nickel.
- Base Metal Alloys (e.g., Nickel or Chromium): These are very strong, durable, and affordable. They require the least amount of natural tooth structure removal, making them a conservative option. However, those with nickel allergies should avoid them to prevent an allergic reaction.
Key Benefits of Metal Crowns for Chicago Patients
For the right tooth, a metal crown offers advantages that are hard to beat.
- Exceptional Strength: The primary benefit is their incredible strength. They are highly resistant to fracture and can withstand extremely hard foods.
- Longevity: With proper care, their average lifespan often exceeds 20 years, making them a fantastic long-term investment.
- Precise Fit: Metal crowns can be crafted with a very precise fit, which helps prevent bacteria from being trapped at the gum line.
- Natural Tooth Preservation: They require less enamel removal than porcelain crowns, preserving more of your healthy natural tooth enamel.
- Reliability: They’re virtually indestructible under normal forces and don’t break compared to more brittle materials like all-porcelain crowns.
Considering the Drawbacks: Is a Metal Crown Right for You?
While incredibly functional, metal crowns aren’t perfect for every situation.
- Metallic Appearance: The most significant drawback is their color. They don’t mimic the natural look of your teeth, making them a poor aesthetic choice for front teeth.
- Potential for Allergies: As mentioned, some patients may have sensitivities to certain alloys, like nickel.
- Wear on Opposing Teeth: They may cause more wear on opposing teeth compared to other types of crowns, due to their hardness.
- Heat Conductivity: In rare cases, they can conduct temperature, which may cause sensitivity.
The Metal Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect in Chicago
The process for getting a metal crown typically requires two visits to your dentist in Chicago.
- Tooth Preparation: Your dentist will numb the area and gently reshape the tooth to make room for the crown. We prioritize preserving your natural tooth structure.
- Digital Impressions: Instead of messy putty, many modern Chicago practices use computer-aided design (CAD) to take digital scans, ensuring a perfect fit for your new crown.
- Temporary Crown & Lab Fabrication: A temporary crown is placed to protect your prepared tooth while a dental lab crafts your custom permanent crown.
- Final Crown Placement: Once your metal crown is ready, you’ll return for the crown placement. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown, check the fit and bite of the new one, and permanently cement it into place.
- Follow-Up Care: After the crown is placed, we’ll provide you with instructions on how to care for it. You should continue to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, to keep the crown and surrounding teeth healthy.
(Looking for same-day dental crowns? This process uses ceramic or resin materials, not metal, as they can be milled in-office.)
Metal Crowns vs. Other Options: A Clear Comparison
How do metal crowns stack up against other popular types?
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
PFM crowns combine a metal base with a porcelain coating for a more natural color. However, the metal underneath can sometimes create a dark line at the gum, especially if your gums recede. The porcelain layer can also chip over time.
All-Ceramic/Zirconia Crowns
All-ceramic and zirconia crowns (made from zirconium dioxide) offer the best natural look and are a great metal-free alternative. Zirconia is extremely durable and often used for both front and back teeth, though historically, it was harder than natural tooth enamel and could cause wear on other teeth—an issue modern versions have largely solved.
Composite Resin Crowns
Made from a plastic and glass mixture, these composite resin crowns are less expensive than other types. They can be aesthetically pleasing, but they may wear down over time faster than other materials.
Cost of Metal Crowns in Chicago
The cost of a metal crown can vary based on the alloy used and the complexity of your case. Generally, they are often more affordable than high-end all-ceramic or zirconia crowns. On average, patients in the Chicago area can expect a range of $800 to $1,500 per tooth.
Dental insurance often covers a portion of the cost for restorative crowns. The best way to get an accurate price is to schedule a consultation with a dentist near you.