Types of Molar Crowns: A Complete Comparison of Their Pros and Cons

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When a cavity is deep or a molar has fractured,

we often think first of the traditional leader in dental treatment: the “molar crown.”

A crown is, quite literally, a prosthetic restoration placed over a tooth like a crown to protect it.

However, once you learn that there are many types of molar crowns,

it can be difficult to decide what to choose and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

To help ease these concerns, even if only a little,

in today’s column,

we will take a step-by-step look at the characteristics of each type of molar crown,

and at “overlays,”

an alternative to crowns.

Types of Molar Crowns,

• “Gold” & “PFM”

| 🦷 Gold |

The first material we will look at is “gold.”

Gold is a representative material that has been used for a long time.

Gold has physical properties similar to those of natural teeth in terms of wear and malleability.

It also has the advantage of becoming more precisely adapted to the tooth over time due to chewing pressure.

Because it generally requires less tooth reduction, it can be considered a traditional material that has remained popular over the years.

However, its disadvantages include the continued rise in the price of gold and its significantly limited aesthetic appeal.

| 🦷 PFM |

PFM is a hybrid material made with a strong metal framework on the inside and tooth-colored porcelain on the outside.

PFM offers both strength and aesthetics, and its lower cost is an advantage.

However, the metal color may show through around the crown margin, which is aesthetically disappointing.

In fact, because its advantages are now considered limited compared with the difficulty of fabrication,

it is gradually being used less often in treatment.

Types of Molar Crowns,

• “Ceramic” & “Zirconia”

| 🦷 Ceramic |

It would not be an exaggeration to say that ceramic reproduces the natural translucency and color of teeth most accurately.

Ceramic is the most outstanding material in terms of aesthetics,

but because it is vulnerable to impact, it is used mainly for the front teeth.

| 🦷 Zirconia |

Zirconia has the highest strength among currently available ceramic materials.

It can sufficiently withstand the strong chewing forces of molars, so there is very little concern about it fracturing,

and it also has excellent aesthetics because its color is similar to that of natural teeth.

It also has good biocompatibility, resulting in fewer inflammatory reactions in the gums.

In summary,

for front teeth where aesthetics are important, all-ceramic or zirconia may be suitable,

while gold or zirconia may be good choices for molar crowns where strength is essential.

A Crown May Not Always Be

the Right Answer.

Finally, there is one more point I would like to add:

A crown may not always be the only or correct answer.

Many people think that a crown is the only solution when a tooth is damaged.

One disadvantage of a crown is that the tooth must be shaved down all the way around, 360 degrees.

• If the side walls or inner walls of your tooth remain strong and healthy,

• but only part of the upper chewing surface is fractured or affected by decay,

a “overlay” may be an alternative to a crown.

| * Before-and-after case of overlay tooth restoration​* (left) 25. 02. 07 / (right) 25. 02. 17​* These photos were published with the patient’s consent.​* All treatments may have side effects, so please discuss the treatment thoroughly with your attending dentist before proceeding. |

Unlike a crown, an overlay does not require the entire tooth to be shaved down.

Instead, only the damaged upper surface is partially shaped before the restoration is bonded in place.

Because it preserves as much of the natural tooth as possible, it can be very beneficial for extending the tooth’s lifespan.

However, an overlay cannot be used if the extent of tooth damage is too broad.

It also requires sophisticated technical expertise because the thin restoration must be precisely designed, fabricated, and bonded.

Therefore, it would be advisable to visit a dental clinic staffed by specialists in integrated dentistry, orthodontics, or other fields who can suggest the treatment direction that suits you from multiple perspectives.

You should first receive a precise diagnosis to determine whether the clinic provides this treatment and whether it can be applied in your case.

[Recommended Related Reading]

This article was written for those who have been deeply concerned about upcoming molar treatment.

Here is a summary of the key points.

1️⃣ Gold is excellent for protecting teeth, but its aesthetics are limited. PFM is reasonable in terms of strength and aesthetics, but it has not been used frequently in recent years.
2️⃣ Ceramic is the best in terms of aesthetics, but is relatively vulnerable to impact. Zirconia is regarded as a material that offers both strength and aesthetics.
3️⃣ Depending on the extent of molar damage, an “overlay,” which preserves as much of the natural tooth as possible, may be considered instead of a crown that requires the entire tooth to be reduced.

If you have any further questions, please leave a comment or contact us through Naver TalkTalk. ^^

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