^{Dental crown types}

Not all crowns are the same. Here’s how to choose.

The main types of dental crowns differ in appearance, strength, and cost. The right one depends on where your tooth sits, how hard it works, and what matters to you. We’ll help you decide.

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Not all crowns are the same. Here's how to choose.

Most PPO plans accepted
Personalized recommendation at your consultation
Three materials, at a glance
All-ceramic

What are the main types of dental crowns?

There are three main types of dental crowns we place, and the choice comes up once you know a crown is needed and what the process looks like. Each is one option within restorative care, and they differ mostly in appearance, strength, and cost.

All-ceramic and zirconia crowns blend the most naturally with surrounding teeth, which makes them a good fit for front teeth and premolars. Zirconia in particular has become the go-to for patients who want both natural appearance and durability. It’s much stronger than older all-porcelain options.

Zirconia and gold crowns carry an added lab fee on top of the crown cost, and that fee moves with the metals market. We confirm the exact amount with you once you choose a material.

Full metal crowns, typically gold or a high-strength alloy, are the most durable option available. They’re used almost exclusively on back molars, where biting force is highest and visibility is lowest. Gold wears at a rate close to natural enamel, which is why it’s still in use after decades of other materials coming along.

• Crown type
• Best for
• At our office
• All-ceramic / all-porcelain
• Front teeth, visible areas
• Our standard choice
• Natural, slightly opaque
• Excellent
• Front and back teeth
• Available by request
• Full metal (gold or high-strength alloy)
• Metallic
• Appearance: most natural Strength: good Best for: front teeth, visible areas At our office: our standard choice
• Appearance: natural, slightly opaque Strength: excellent Best for: front and back teeth At our office: available by request
• Appearance: metallic Strength: highest Best for: back molars At our office: available by request

How do we decide which crown fits your tooth?

There’s no single best crown. It depends on:

Location in the mouth. Front teeth are high visibility, so appearance takes priority. Back molars take the most biting force, so durability leads.

Your bite and grinding habits. Patients who grind (brux) put more stress on restorations. In those cases, the stronger the material, the longer it lasts.

Existing metal in the area. Some patients prefer to avoid metal entirely; others don’t mind for a back molar. We factor in your preference.

Your insurance plan. Some PPO plans cover specific crown types differently. We check your coverage before recommending a material, so you know what your plan covers up front. Material also moves the price, so it helps to see how each material affects dental crown cost.

At your consultation, your dentist reviews all of this and recommends the crown that makes the most sense for your specific situation. We place these crowns right here in our Seattle office, so the recommendation and the fit both happen with the same team.

^{What it costs}

What does each type of crown cost?

Crown prices vary with the material. Your dentist will recommend the one that fits the tooth and how you use it. These are our 2026 self-pay prices. With insurance your cost is usually lower — we verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before any treatment.

Crown options

Porcelain / ceramic Most natural look
Porcelain fused to metal Strong and natural-looking
Full metal (gold or noble alloy) Most durable, for back teeth
Stainless steel (children) For baby teeth

^FAQ

Crown questions answered

Answers before you book

What is the most natural-looking type of crown?

All-ceramic and zirconia crowns most closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth. They’re the standard choice for front teeth and visible areas.

Is gold still used for dental crowns?

Yes. Gold and metal alloy crowns remain among the most durable options available. They’re used primarily on back molars where strength is the priority and the crown isn’t visible when you speak or smile.

How long does each type last?

All types, when properly placed and maintained, typically last 10 to 15 years. Regular exams let us check the fit and catch any wear early. Metal crowns have a long track record of lasting even longer in back-of-mouth positions.

What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic crowns?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a meaningful distinction. “Porcelain” usually refers to traditional porcelain, including older porcelain-over-metal crowns. “All-ceramic” includes newer materials like zirconia and lithium disilicate, which are stronger and more durable than older porcelain formulations. The crowns we place are all-ceramic, zirconia, or gold.

Will my insurance cover the crown type I want?

Coverage varies by plan and sometimes by material. We verify your benefits before recommending a crown so you know what your plan covers and what you’d pay out of pocket.