Dental crowns are a common solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. These fixed restorations are made to cover or “cap” a tooth and restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.
Although dental crowns look like natural teeth, many people wonder if they are as strong as natural teeth. Understanding the strength comparison between dental crowns and natural teeth can help you make informed decisions about your dental health and take the best care of your crown.
Strength of Different Crown Materials
Most modern dental crowns can match or exceed the strength of natural teeth.
Natural teeth are composed primarily of crystalline enamel and dentin, which together create a strong yet slightly flexible structure capable of withstanding the daily forces of biting and chewing. Healthy enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body.
Dental crowns can be made from different materials, each with varying strength levels:
- Metal crowns. Made from gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys, these crowns are actually stronger than natural teeth and can last longer than other crown materials [1]. However, their metallic appearance makes them less popular for visible teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. These combine strength and aesthetics, offering durability close to natural teeth while maintaining a tooth-colored appearance.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns. These have strength comparable to natural enamel, making them ideal for front teeth where appearance matters most.
- Zirconia crowns. Zirconia is extremely strong—often stronger than natural teeth—while still allowing patients to maintain a natural appearance.
While the exact strength varies by material, well-made crowns made with modern materials typically provide strength equal to or greater than that of natural teeth, especially when the underlying tooth structure is already compromised.
Performance and Longevity
Some factors that influence the strength and longevity of dental crowns include:
- Fit and bonding. A well-fitted crown with strong adhesion to the underlying tooth structure can sustain normal chewing forces, making it functionally comparable to natural teeth.
- Care and maintenance. Just like natural teeth, crowns require proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to preserving the integrity and longevity of the crown.
- Lifestyle factors. Habits such as teeth grinding or clenching, as well as consuming hard foods, can impact both natural teeth and dental crowns [2]. It’s important to address these habits to protect your dental work and natural teeth alike.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an excellent choice for restoring damaged teeth and have several benefits, including:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
- Restoring a broken or severely worn-down tooth
- Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Covering misshapen or discolored teeth
- Completing a dental implant procedure
Given these benefits, dental crowns are a highly functional and practical restoration for many dental issues [3].
Is a Dental Crown Right for You?
If you’re considering dental crowns or have questions about the strength and durability of dental crowns in certain restorations like implants or bridges, contact your dentist. They can provide personalized advice and help determine the best path forward for your oral health!
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5125852/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/crowns
