Prosthetic Treatment
"Crown, Which material is best?" Complete Guide to Crowns
Crown (prosthetic) types in Cheonan(Zirconia, Ceramic, PFM), costs, lifespan, and care—20 frequently asked questions answered in detail by a prosthodontist at Seoul BD Dental.
A prosthodontist answers
10~15 yearsLifespan
VariousMaterial selection
CustomFabrication
Most Frequently Asked Questions
TOP 3 Questions Patients Ask Most
1
What is a crown?
A crown is a restoration (a tooth cap) that covers the entire tooth damaged by a cavity or fracture.
2
What types of crowns are there?
① PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal crown) — metal inside + porcelain outside ② All-ceramicCeramic(e.
3
How much does a crown cost?
It varies by material: Zirconia and all-ceramic are the most expensive, while PFM is relatively budget-friendly.
Crown (Prosthodontic Treatment) FAQs 20
A crown is a prosthetic restoration (a tooth cap) that covers the entire tooth when it has been damaged by a cavity or fracture. It restores strength, shape, and function. Root Canal Treatment after, after large cavity treatment, Tooth fracture are common situations where a crown is recommended.
① PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal crown) — metal inside + porcelain outside ② All-ceramic (e.max) — most similar to natural teeth ③ Zirconia — strongest and highly esthetic ④ Gold crown — best biocompatibility. We recommend the ideal material based on the tooth’s location and use.
Costs vary by material—Zirconia and all-ceramic are the most expensive, while PFM is more economical. In some cases, it’s covered by the Korean NHIS (for children 12 and under baby-tooth crowns etc.). We’ll explain this during your consultation.
Typically 10–15 years, and with good care many last over 20 years. Regular checkups, proper brushing, and avoiding hard foods all affect longevity.
① First visit: Tooth preparation + impression (taking an impression) + temporary crown ② Lab fabrication: about 1–2 weeks ③ Second visit: cement the final crown. Using digital scanning can yield even more precise results.
It can come off due to aging of the cement, recurrent decay, or excessive force. If it comes off, keep the crown and visit the dentist as soon as possible. Be careful not to swallow it, and avoid chewing on that tooth.
At Seoul BD Dental, we use digital scanning and CAD/CAM with a system that produces highly precise crowns. A prosthodontic specialist provides your care directly, and we custom-match the shade and shape to your natural teeth.
Zirconia has very high strength (similar to metal), molars are suitable, while all-ceramic (e.max) offers translucency and color most similar to natural teeth, so it’s mainly used for front teeth. Recently, esthetic Zirconia is also being used for front teeth.
After preparing a tooth for a crown, temporary sensitivity can occur. It usually resolves within 1~2 weeks, but if it persists or worsens, the nerve may be affected—please visit us to be checked.
Because the final crown takes 1~2 weeks to make, we place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth in the meantime. Temporaries are fragile—avoid hard foods, and if it comes off, visit us right away.
Gold crowns are highly biocompatible and gentle on the gums, and their hardness is close to natural teeth, helping protect the opposing tooth. They are very durable and can last more than 20 years. However, the gold color is noticeable, so they are not ideal for front teeth.
Some items are covered by Korean NHIS. For patients under age 12 permanent teeth crown (SSC), and for age 65 and older Dental Implant crowns, are covered. For most adults, prosthetic crowns (Zirconia, all-ceramic, etc.) are non-covered (out-of-pocket).
Yes. At Seoul BD Dental, we analyze your natural tooth shade and translucency to fabricate a custom match. Using a digital shade guide and working closely with skilled dental technicians, we make crowns that are almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Yes. Secondary cavities can develop at the crown margin. Brush carefully along the edge between the crown and gums, and use dental floss and interdental brushes to prevent it. At routine checkups, X-ray are important to assess.
A crown covers a single tooth, Dental Bridge is a prosthesis that connects the teeth like a bridge by shaving down the healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. Because a bridge requires reducing the adjacent teeth, a Dental Implant is now more commonly preferred.
If the contact point between the crown and the neighboring tooth is weak, food can get trapped. Visit us to adjust the contact; this usually improves the issue. If left untreated, it can lead to gum inflammation or secondary cavities, so please address it promptly.
CAD/CAM means designing the crown by computer (Computer-Aided Design) and milling it by machine (Computer-Aided Manufacturing). Using digital scan data, it’s fabricated precisely with a high fit, and production time is reduced.
Ceramic·Zirconia Crownor excessive force(Teeth Grinding (Bruxism), hard foods) can cause fractures. If you have a Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) habit, a night guard(Night guard) is recommended. Gold crowns have the lowest risk of fracture.
Typically 10–15 years, but with good care they can last over 20 years. Consider replacement if the crown margins discolor, the fit worsens, secondary cavities develop, or the gums recede. Please have your crowns checked at regular exams.
Right after a new crown is placed, your bite may feel different. Most people adapt within 1–2 weeks, but if a “high” feeling persists, please visit us for a fine occlusal adjustment (polishing). If left unaddressed, it can strain the TMJ (Jaw Joint).
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Have more questions?
For crown (prosthetic) questions, consult directly with a specialist at Seoul BD Dental.
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*This information the Medical Service Act and the medical advertising review standards, and outcomes may vary by individual. Please consult a specialist before making any decisions.