Choosing a dental implant is a significant investment in your oral health. But the implant itself is only part of the solution; the crown placed on top plays a major role in how your new tooth looks, feels, and functions. With several types of implant crowns to choose from, it’s important to understand your options before making a decision.
At Bel Canto Dental in West Vancouver, BC, we help patients choose the most suitable implant crown based on aesthetics, durability, and individual lifestyle. This guide breaks down the material choices and attachment types available, helping you determine which option best suits your needs.
What Is an Implant Crown?
An implant crown is the visible part of your restoration—the part that looks and functions like a natural tooth. It is placed on top of a dental implant after the titanium post has integrated with your jawbone.
Whether you’re restoring a single tooth implant crown or replacing multiple teeth, the crown’s material and how it’s secured make a difference in long-term success.
Dental Implant Crown Options: Material Types
When it comes to dental implant crown options, most patients choose between porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. Each has its own strengths.
1. Zirconia Implant Crown
Zirconia is known for its high strength and excellent durability. It is biocompatible and resistant to fracture, making it ideal for patients who want longevity without sacrificing aesthetics.
Benefits:
- High durability
- Resistant to wear and chips
- Natural appearance, especially with layered zirconia
- Suitable for both front and back teeth
This crown is often recommended for those who grind their teeth or want a metal-free option.
2. Porcelain Implant Crown
Porcelain offers exceptional aesthetics, closely mimicking the translucency of natural enamel. These crowns are often used for front teeth, where appearance matters most.
Benefits:
- Excellent color-matching ability
- Natural look for visible teeth
- Great for cosmetic results
However, porcelain may be more prone to chipping, especially under heavy bite pressure.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crown
This hybrid option combines a metal base with a porcelain exterior. It’s a good compromise between strength and aesthetics.
Benefits:
- Strong and supportive metal base
- Better aesthetics than metal-only crowns
- Suitable for back teeth
The downside? Over time, the metal underneath may become slightly visible at the gumline, especially if gums recede.
[Link to relevant internal page about Dental Crowns and Restorations]
Cemented vs. Screw-Retained Implant Crowns
Besides material, another key decision is how the crown is attached: either by cement or screw. Each has clinical advantages.
Screw-Retained Crowns
These are attached using a small screw that passes through the crown into the implant.
Pros:
- Easy to remove if repair or replacement is needed
- No cement residue (which can irritate gums)
- Ideal for areas with limited space
Cons:
- Slight screw access hole, often filled with composite
Cemented Crowns
These are bonded to an abutment using dental cement.
Pros:
- No visible access hole, better aesthetics
- Strong, secure attachment
Cons:
- More difficult to remove
- Risk of cement seeping into the surrounding tissue if not cleaned properly
Your dentist will recommend the best option based on crown location, aesthetics, and retrievability.
Dental Crown Durability: What to Expect
Dental crowns are built to last, but different materials have different life spans:
- Zirconia implant crowns can last 15–20 years or more with proper care
- Porcelain crowns often last 10–15 years
- PFM crowns typically last 10–20 years
Longevity also depends on:
- Your oral hygiene
- Bite forces or teeth grinding
- Regular dental checkups
- Crown location (back teeth endure more stress)
Choosing the Right Implant Crown for You
When selecting the best crown for your implant, consider the following:
- Aesthetics: Front teeth may benefit from porcelain or layered zirconia
- Durability: Back teeth often need the strength of zirconia or PFM
- Sensitivity to metal: If you want a metal-free solution, choose full zirconia or porcelain
- Ease of future repairs: Screw-retained crowns offer easier maintenance
Your dentist will assess your bite, implant location, and aesthetic goals to help you make the most informed decision.
Final Thoughts on Types of Implant Crowns
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to types of implant crowns. The right choice depends on where the implant is placed, your personal preferences, and the materials your dentist believes will work best for your case.
At Bel Canto Dental, we combine clinical expertise with advanced materials to help you achieve a result that’s beautiful, strong, and built to last. Whether you’re planning your first implant or replacing an older crown, we’ll guide you through your options with care and clarity.
Schedule your consultation at Bel Canto Dental today and let us help you choose the right crown for your perfect smile.
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