What materials are used in a dental crown?

For high-load posterior cases, monolithic zirconia is typically the workhorse choice. Full-contour zirconia handles occlusal forces well and can be prepared with conservative axial reduction of roughly 1.0 to 1.5 mm. Full-cast noble alloys remain a strong option when clearance is limited or when the patient has a known ceramic-fracture history. Send a clear occlusal scan and note any parafunction so the lab can adjust design accordingly.

Lithium disilicate is generally preferred for anterior single units, veneers, and cases where translucency and shade blending matter more than raw flexural strength. It bonds predictably with adhesive resin cements after hydrofluoric etch and silane, which is useful for minimally retentive preparations. For posterior use it performs well as a single unit, but full-contour zirconia is usually specified when strength is the priority.

Yes. Porcelain-fused-to-metal remains appropriate for long-span bridges, cases needing a metal occlusal or lingual collar, and situations where an existing PFM restoration must be matched. The metal substructure provides predictable fit and rigidity. The tradeoff is more aggressive reduction and the potential for a metal margin display. Note the alloy type you want, whether high noble, noble, or base metal, on the Rx.

Include the tooth number, opposing dentition, shade, any parafunction or bruxism history, available occlusal clearance, and margin location relative to the gingiva. If you have a material preference, state it. If you leave material choice to the lab, provide clinical photos and note esthetic priority versus strength priority. Accurate bite registration and a clean margin capture matter more than the material category itself.

Full-contour zirconia can be conventionally cemented with resin-modified glass ionomer for retentive preparations, or adhesively bonded after air abrasion and a MDP-containing primer for short or tapered preps. Lithium disilicate is bonded with resin cement after hydrofluoric etch and silane. PFM and cast-metal restorations are typically luted with resin-modified glass ionomer or zinc phosphate. Confirm the protocol on the lab work slip when in doubt.