Metal Crown

What is a Metal Crown? (The Unsung Workhorse of Modern Dentistry)

In a world filled with tooth-colored, all-ceramic restorations, the idea of a metal crown—whether gold or silver-colored—can feel a bit old-fashioned. You might associate them with your grandparents' dental work. But here’s a secret from inside the dental world: for certain situations, the metal crown remains one of the best, strongest, and most reliable restorations we have.

Think of a metal crown not as a fashion choice, but as industrial-grade protection for your tooth. It’s like putting a steel-toed boot on a tooth that does all the heavy lifting. While you wouldn't want it in the front of your smile, for a back molar that takes a pounding, its strength is unmatched.

The Surprising Benefits of a "Low-Tech" Metal Crown

While metal lacks the aesthetic appeal of porcelain, it offers powerful clinical advantages that no other material can fully replicate. This is why we still recommend them with confidence today.

• Unrivaled Durability: Metal crowns are, simply put, tough as nails. They are highly resistant to chipping, cracking, or breaking, making them the ideal choice for patients who clench or grind their teeth (bruxism). A well-made gold crown can easily last for several decades.
• They Preserve Your Natural Tooth: This is a benefit most patients don't know about. Because metal is so strong, we can make the crown much thinner than a porcelain one. A thinner crown means we have to remove less of your healthy, natural tooth structure to place it. In dentistry, preserving tooth structure is always a top priority.
• They Are Kind to Your Other Teeth: Some ultra-hard ceramic materials can be abrasive and wear down the opposing tooth over time. Metal alloys, particularly gold, have a wear rate that is very similar to natural enamel. This means your metal crown and the tooth it chews against will wear down together, naturally and harmoniously.

Let's Be Honest: When is a Metal Crown a Bad Idea?

The answer is simple: aesthetics. We would never recommend a metal crown for any tooth that is visible when you smile. Their use is exclusively reserved for out-of-sight molars where the priority is 100% on strength and longevity over appearance.

Modern dentistry is about having options and choosing the right material for the right job. While a beautiful Zirconia or E-max crown is perfect for one tooth, a classic gold crown might be the smartest long-term choice for the tooth right behind it.

Here's what we want you to remember:

A metal crown isn't outdated tech – it's a strategic choice for maximum durability. When restoring a back molar that takes a beating, choosing a metal crown can be the smartest way to protect your tooth, the opposing tooth, and your bite for decades to come.

Every patient's situation is unique.

The right material for you depends on which tooth needs restoring, your bite, and even your grinding habits. What works perfectly for your friend might not be ideal for you. That's why we spend time understanding not just your dental needs, but your lifestyle, your concerns, and your goals.

Have questions about your crown options?

Or wondering if a metal crown is the right choice for your situation? We're here to give you honest, personalized answers. Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills practice – let's talk about what's really best for your smile.