When having a porcelain crown you usually have to choose between a metal core crown and a full porcelain one. Each has its own strengths and suits different situations.
- A metal ceramic crown has a metal core covered by porcelain, a full porcelain crown has no metal.
- Full porcelain looks more natural and shows no metal margin at the gum.
- The choice depends on tooth position, bite, appearance and budget.
- Ask your dentist why a type is chosen for your tooth.
Porcelain crowns fall into two main groups: porcelain fused to metal, which has a metal core covered by a porcelain layer, and full porcelain, where the whole crown is made of ceramic with no metal. Which one suits you depends on the position of the tooth, your bite, your appearance needs and your circumstances, and it should be advised by your dentist after an examination.
Porcelain fused to metal
- The metal core copes well with chewing force and the cost is usually lower.
- The metal core blocks light, so the tooth looks less translucent and natural.
- Over the long term, if the gum recedes a dark metal margin may show, see dark gum line around porcelain crowns.
Full porcelain
- With no metal, the colour looks natural and translucent like a real tooth.
- No metal margin shows at the gum, and it suits people who are sensitive to metals.
- Durability depends on the type of ceramic, its thickness and the workmanship, and some types may chip if you grind your teeth hard.
Which one suits you?
- Front teeth that show when you smile usually call for a type with good appearance.
- Back teeth that take heavy chewing force need a careful look at strength and bite.
- People who grind or clench their teeth need the dentist to assess this first.
- Budget is also a factor, and reference costs are in our price list.
Before you decide
Ask your dentist why a type is chosen for your tooth, the expected lifespan and how to care for it. See also how long porcelain crowns last, whether porcelain crowns harm teeth and what a porcelain bridge is.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can examine you and advise on a suitable type.
Frequently asked questions
How do metal ceramic and full porcelain crowns differ?
A metal ceramic crown has a metal core covered with porcelain, while a full porcelain crown is made entirely of ceramic, so it looks more natural and shows no metal margin at the gum.
Should I choose metal ceramic or full porcelain?
It depends on the tooth position, your bite, appearance needs and budget. The dentist will advise after an examination.
Do full porcelain crowns chip easily?
Durability depends on the ceramic, its thickness and the workmanship. Some types may chip if you grind your teeth hard, so the dentist should assess your bite first.