Which Crown is Best for Teeth?

“My tooth broke, now what? Do I need a crown? Which one should I go for?”

 If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror, poking at a chipped tooth or feeling nervous about a cracked one, this blog is for you.

We get it — dental words can feel confusing, especially when you're already a little worried about your teeth. At Shree Vishwa Vande Dental Clinic here in Hubli, we meet people every week who ask the same question: "Which crown is best for teeth?"

That’s why we’ve created this easy guide to walk you through the world of dental crowns, especially if you’re exploring dental crown treatment in Hubli. Whether you're dealing with a broken tooth, a big cavity, or planning a root canal, this guide will help you understand your options — and feel a lot less overwhelmed.

First, What’s a Dental Crown?

Think of a dental crown as a cap that sits on top of your tooth. It covers, protects, and strengthens it — especially when a filling just won’t cut it.

Crowns are used for:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Teeth that had large cavities
• After a root canal
• To fix a worn-down or discoloured tooth
• To anchor a dental bridge

It's like a helmet for your tooth — solid, safe, and built to last.

So, Which Crown is Best for Teeth?

Let’s break it down — just like we do when chatting with someone at our clinic.

1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

These are like the "all-rounder" players of the crown world.

• The inside is metal, giving it strength.
• The outside is tooth-coloured porcelain, so it looks natural.

Pros:

 ✔ Strong and durable

 ✔ Looks decent in the mouth

 ✔ Works well for back teeth

Cons:

 ✘ Sometimes the metal edge may show if the gums recede.

 ✘ Not as natural-looking as all-ceramic crowns.

Best For: Molars and back teeth that need strength more than beauty

2. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns

These are the “beauty queens” of crowns — full ceramic, no metal, and very natural looking.

• Matches your real tooth colour
• No dark lines, even if gums shrink a bit

Pros:

 ✔ Best choice for front teeth

 ✔ No metal allergies

 ✔ Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

 ✘ Not as strong as metal-based crowns

 ✘ Can chip if you bite too hard or grind your teeth

Best For: Front teeth or if appearance is a top priority

3. Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is like the cool, strong cousin of ceramic.

• Super tough
• Looks good
• Can be made thinner, which means less natural tooth trimming

Pros:

 ✔ Highly durable

 ✔ Looks natural (especially monolithic zirconia)

 ✔ Ideal for people who grind their teeth

Cons:

 ✘ May not be as translucent as ceramic, especially for front teeth

 ✘ Slightly more technical to adjust or polish

Best For: Back teeth and cases needing a strong crown with decent looks

4. Gold Crowns

Now, we know what you're thinking — gold? Really?

Believe it or not, gold crowns are still one of the most long-lasting options out there.

• Not used much nowadays for visible teeth
• But excellent for back molars if you want maximum durability

Pros:

 ✔ Lasts for decades

 ✔ Won’t crack or wear down easily

 ✔ Gentle on opposing teeth

Cons:

 ✘ Very visible (unless you're going for the bling!)

 ✘ Not commonly preferred in modern cosmetic dentistry

Best For: Those who value function over looks (and maybe want a little royal touch!)

What’s the Procedure Like?

Here’s a quick peek at what getting a crown involves at Shree Vishwa Vande Dental Clinic:

Step 1: Examination

We check your tooth, see how damaged it is, and take a few X-rays.

If it’s too weak, we might suggest a root canal before placing a crown.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

We gently shape the tooth so that the crown can sit snugly on top.

Impressions or digital scans are taken.

Step 3: Temporary Crown

While your crown is being made (takes a few days), we give you a temporary one. This protects your tooth and keeps everything functional.

Step 4: Final Crown Placement

Once your crown is ready, we place it and make sure it fits just right — checking the bite, shape, and look.

Does It Hurt?

Not really. Most people say it feels like getting a filling. We use local anaesthesia, so you’re comfortable throughout.

Some mild sensitivity or soreness might be there after the procedure — especially if the tooth was already sensitive or had a root canal.

Friendly Tip: Avoid chewing hard stuff on the crowned tooth for a few days. Let it settle in.

How Long Do Crowns Last?

With good care, most crowns last 10-15 years. Some go on much longer!

It depends on:

• Your eating habits
• Brushing and flossing routine
• Whether you grind your teeth at night
• The crown material

If you’re serious about your oral hygiene (and skip the habit of chewing ice or opening packets with your teeth!), your crown will stay strong.

Taking Care of Your Crown

• Brush twice daily (don’t skip the area with the crown!)
• Floss gently around the crown
• Avoid very sticky or hard foods
• Visit the dentist for regular check-ups
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard

FAQs

1. How do I know if I need a crown or just a filling? 

A crown is usually recommended when a tooth is too damaged or weak to support a regular filling. If more than half the tooth is gone, or there's been a root canal, a crown gives long-term protection. A quick dental exam (and X-ray if needed) can clear this up for you.

2. Will the crown look like my real teeth?

Yes, especially if you choose ceramic or zirconia crowns. We match the colour to your natural teeth, so it blends in perfectly. Nobody will know unless you tell them. For front teeth, ceramic and zirconia are the top choices for a natural look. 

3. Can I chew normally after getting a crown?

Absolutely, once the crown is properly fixed and your tooth has adjusted. Crowns are designed to restore full chewing ability. However, it’s best to avoid super hard foods like ice cubes or sticky toffees. They could damage even natural teeth, let alone a crown. 

4. Are crowns safe for people with metal allergies?

Yes! If you have a metal allergy, we recommend all-ceramic or zirconia crowns, which are completely metal-free. These are safe, biocompatible, and look great. Just let us know during your consultation, and we’ll guide you accordingly.

5. Do crowns feel different or bulky in the mouth?

Initially, there might be a slight difference in feeling, just like breaking in a new pair of shoes. But within a few days, most people forget they even have a crown. If anything feels “off” after a few days, we can easily adjust it for better comfort. 

Ready to Fix That Tooth?

Still wondering which crown to choose? We’d love to help you make the right call — no pressure, no hurry.

At Shree Vishwa Vande Dental Clinic in Hubli, we’re all about clear conversations, friendly faces, and good old-fashioned trust. Whether it’s your first crown or a replacement, we’ll make the process smooth and simple.

So go ahead, book a visit, call us, or drop by with your questions. Let’s bring back that confident smile, one tooth at a time.