Types of Dental Crowns: Which One Is Right for You?

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you’re probably wondering, “Okay… but which type should I actually choose?” That’s a totally normal question, and honestly, the answer depends on what you want most: strength, aesthetics, or a mix of both. The three most common options are porcelain crowns, metal crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. Each one does something a little different, and knowing those differences makes the whole decision way less stressful.

Types of Dental Crowns

Porcelain Crowns

If you care about the look of your smile (and let’s be real, most of us do), porcelain crowns are usually the top pick. They’re designed to look just like natural teeth. Same shine. Same translucency. Same color variation. When they’re done well, they blend in so effortlessly that nobody can tell where your natural enamel ends and the crown begins.

Why porcelain crowns keep winning people over:

• They’re the closest match to natural enamel.
• They reflect light beautifully. No dull or chalky finish.
• They’re great for visible areas, especially the front.

Here’s the thing: porcelain isn’t the strongest material in the world. But for everyday chewing and a natural-looking smile? They hit the sweet spot.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are the tanks of dentistry. They’re super durable, low maintenance, and practically impossible to crack. If you grind your teeth or put a lot of pressure on your molars, this type of crown can take the beating without breaking a sweat.

Why some patients choose metal crowns:

• They can handle heavy chewing forces.
• They last a very long time.
• They require less removal of the natural tooth.

The only downside? They’re not subtle. They’re shiny and metallic. And they’re not meant to blend in. But if the crown is going on a back molar where nobody sees it anyway, metal might be your ride-or-die option.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM crowns try to give you the best of both worlds: the strength of metal with the look of porcelain. There’s a metal base underneath for stability, and porcelain on top to mimic the color of your natural teeth.

Why PFM crowns are such a solid middle-ground choice:

• They’re stronger than all-porcelain crowns.
• They look more natural than all-metal crowns.
• They work well for both front and back teeth.

PFMs have been around for decades because they’re dependable. They’re not as flawlessly natural as modern porcelain options, but they’re a great balance when you want both looks and durability.

Comparison Table for Different Types of Dental Crowns

This is the “at-a-glance” cheat sheet to cut straight to what actually matters.

Which Dental Crown Is Right for You?

Here’s where people usually get stuck. All three types sound good in different ways. So what’s right for your smile?

Honestly? The best crown isn’t just about the material. It’s about customization. And this is where we set the bar higher than most practices.

Customization Changes Everything

A dental crown shouldn’t look like a copy-and-paste tooth. It should look like your tooth. Your smile. Your proportions. Your face shape. Your features.

At Riverview Dental Arts, every treatment is built around that philosophy. Nothing is generic. Nothing is templated. Nothing is mass-produced.

Here’s what makes our approach so special:

• Every crown is fully individualized and created for that specific patient, not from a pre-set library.
• We never use the same tooth shape for different people.
• Each smile is custom-designed, taking into account symmetry, proportion, and the patient’s natural patterns when they talk or smile.
• Dr. Espino personally selects the shape, size, and color of each crown to complement the patient’s unique facial features.
• The customization is done per smile, not per generic tooth template.

Most practices rely on standard shapes or stock options. We design your crown the way an artist designs a sculpture: intentionally.

So… which crown should you choose?

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Want a spotless, natural-looking smile? Go with porcelain.
• Need maximum strength for chewing? Metal will serve you best.
• Want a mix of strength and aesthetics? PFM is your reliable middle option.

But the truth is, none of these decisions should happen in a vacuum. When your dentist evaluates your bite, your enamel, your smile line, your side profile, and your long-term goals, the “right” choice becomes obvious.

Think of it like choosing shoes. Sure, all shoes cover your feet, but not all shoes fit your lifestyle. Crowns work the same way.

About Riverview Dental Arts (static section)

At Riverview Dental Arts, Dr. Espino and the team believe dental care should be personal, comfortable, and stress-free. We combine the latest technology with gentle, patient-focused techniques to make every visit easy and effective. Whether you’re looking for a smile makeover with custom veneers and crowns or routine cleanings and check-ups, everything is done with your comfort and goals in mind. 

Our on-site dental lab enables precise and faster results, while tools such as digital smile design, 3D scanning, and dental lasers ensure accuracy and minimal discomfort. The team’s mission is straightforward: to help you feel confident in your smile while prioritizing your oral health, all within a friendly and welcoming environment.

Conclusion

Porcelain, Metal, and Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal crowns all bring something different to the table. Porcelain gives you that natural, bright, seamless look. Metal crowns deliver unbeatable strength. And PFM crowns bridge the gap with a blend of beauty and power. Whichever type of dental crown you choose, one thing stays the same: customization matters more than anything else. And that’s exactly what Riverview Dental Arts is known for. Every crown is handcrafted, individually selected, and custom-shaped to flatter your smile and your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right crown type?

Choosing the right crown depends on your smile goals, where the crown will be placed, and how much strength or aesthetics you need. Our dentists can evaluate your bite, enamel, and overall smile to recommend the option that fits you best.

Which type of tooth crown is best?

There’s no single “best” crown; it depends on what you prioritize. Porcelain is best for natural aesthetics, metal is best for durability, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) offers a balanced mix of both.

Which crowns look most natural?

Porcelain crowns look the most natural because they mimic real enamel in color, shine, and translucency. They’re especially ideal for front teeth or any area that shows when you smile.

Which crown is costly?

All-porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are generally more expensive than full metal crowns because of their aesthetic qualities and the customization involved. Final pricing always varies based on the case, materials, and lab work required.

Special Offers

Check out our current offers for veneers, crowns, exams, and more. We frequently run new-patient specials and transformation packages.

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