Best dental crowns for molars
When it comes to restoring damaged or decayed molars, choosing the right dental crown is crucial for durability, function, and comfort. Molars play a major role in chewing and grinding food, so they need strong and long-lasting crowns that can withstand high biting forces. This article explores the best dental crown for molars, comparing materials, pros and cons, cost, and more—so you can make an informed decision.
🦷 What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or treated tooth (often after a root canal or large filling) to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are especially common for molars, as these back teeth undergo the most pressure.
🔍 Why Molars Need Special Crown Consideration
Molars differ from front teeth in their function and visibility. Key reasons why molar crowns must be carefully selected include:
- High chewing load: Molars grind food and need maximum strength.
- Less aesthetic demand: Appearance is secondary to durability.
- Long-term function: Molars play a crucial role in overall bite and digestion.
- Frequent restorations: Molars are more prone to wear, decay, and fractures.
🏆 Best Dental Crowns for Molars: Top Options Compared
- Zirconia Crowns (Most Durable and Popular)
- Material: Solid white crystal (zirconium dioxide)
- Strength: Extremely high, can withstand strong bite forces
- Appearance: Tooth-colored but more opaque than porcelain
- Longevity: 10–15+ years with proper care
- Biocompatibility: Excellent – rarely causes allergic reactions
✅ Pros:
- Best strength-to-aesthetic balance
- Suitable for patients with bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Less tooth reduction needed compared to porcelain
❌ Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- Aesthetics not as natural as porcelain-fused crowns for visible areas
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
- Material: Metal base covered with porcelain
- Strength: High (but less than solid zirconia)
- Appearance: More aesthetic than metal crowns, less than all-ceramic
- Longevity: 8–12 years
✅ Pros:
- Good blend of strength and aesthetics
- Cost-effective
- Widely available and time-tested
❌ Cons:
- Porcelain layer can chip over time
- Dark metal line may show near gumline
- Requires more tooth trimming
- Gold Crowns (Best for Functionality)
- Material: Gold alloy (often mixed with copper, other metals)
- Strength: Very strong and wear-resistant
- Appearance: Metallic, not tooth-colored
- Longevity: 15–30+ years
✅ Pros:
- Unmatched durability
- Gentle on opposing teeth
- Rarely fractures
❌ Cons:
- Aesthetically unappealing for some
- Higher cost of gold material
- Not widely preferred anymore due to appearance
- E-Max (Lithium Disilicate Crowns)
- Material: All-ceramic (lithium disilicate glass)
- Strength: High, but less than zirconia
- Appearance: Excellent aesthetics, highly translucent
- Longevity: 8–15 years
✅ Pros:
- Great for front molars that show when smiling
- Very natural-looking finish
- Metal-free and biocompatible
❌ Cons:
- Not ideal for patients with heavy bite
- Higher risk of chipping under pressure
- More expensive than PFM
💰 Crown Cost Comparison for Molars (Approximate)
| Crown Type | Estimated Cost (USD/INR) |
| Zirconia Crown | $800–$1,200 / ₹10,000–₹20,000 |
| PFM Crown | $500–$800 / ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
| Gold Crown | $1,000+ / ₹15,000+ |
| E-Max Crown | $900–$1,200 / ₹12,000–₹20,000 |
Note: Costs vary by region, clinic, and additional procedures.
⚖️ Crown Comparison Summary Table
| Crown Type | Strength | Aesthetics | Longevity | Best For |
| Zirconia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 10–15+ years | Most molars, heavy bite |
| PFM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 8–12 years | Balanced option, cost-saving |
| Gold | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | 15–30+ years | Function over form |
| E-Max | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 8–15 years | Front molars with visibility |
🩺 Which Crown Is Best for You?
The best crown for your molars depends on several factors:
- Your bite force (grinding or clenching habits)
- Your budget
- Your aesthetic needs
- Gum and tooth health
- Allergies or metal sensitivity
For most patients, zirconia crowns are considered the best choice for molars due to their:
- Superior strength
- Decent aesthetics
- Long life span
However, in specific cases (e.g., budget restrictions or cosmetic preferences), PFM or E-Max may also be ideal.
✅ Conclusion
Choosing the right crown for molars is a key decision for long-term dental health. While zirconia crowns lead in durability and strength, PFM and E-Max offer alternative benefits. Always consult your dentist to match your clinical needs, lifestyle, and budget with the right material. A well-chosen crown can restore your molars for a decade or more of healthy, confident chewing.
Related Reads
Complete Guide to Dental Crowns: Types, Materials, Cost & Best Choices for You
Root Canal with Crown vs Without Crown: What You Need to Know
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which dental crown lasts the longest on molars?
Gold and zirconia crowns are the most durable, with zirconia being more aesthetic and gold lasting the longest. - Is zirconia better than PFM for molars?
Yes, zirconia offers better strength, no metal margin, and better longevity, making it a superior option for most molars. - Can I get a white crown for back molars?
Yes, zirconia and E-Max are both white, tooth-colored options suitable for molars. - How long does a zirconia crown last?
With proper care, a zirconia crown can last 10–15 years or more. - Are crowns painful to get?
No, crown placement is done under local anesthesia and is generally painless. - Do molar crowns look natural?
Molar crowns are less visible, but zirconia and E-Max can still provide a natural look. - What is the cheapest crown for molars?
PFM crowns are generally the most affordable durable option for molars. - Can I chew normally with a molar crown?
Yes, properly fitted crowns restore full chewing ability. - Is zirconia crown good for people who grind their teeth?
Yes, zirconia is highly resistant to wear and ideal for bruxism cases. - How do I care for my molar crown?
Brush twice daily, floss, avoid hard foods, and get regular dental check-ups.
