Dental crowns are rarely made from a single type of metal. Pure metals like gold are too soft for the wear and tear of daily use, so alloys—combinations of different metals—are used to improve strength and durability.
What Is dental gold made of?
An NHS-approved dental gold crown typically contains about 60% gold and 4% palladium, among other metals. Gold provides flexibility for easy casting, while palladium adds hardness and strength. In the past, patients sometimes paid dentists with gold coins containing about 92% gold (roughly 22 carats), which would be melted and used for crowns or inlays. However, pure gold’s softness makes it prone to wear, which is why it's often combined with platinum group metals like palladium to create stronger, more durable alloys.
Metals commonly used in dental crowns:
- Gold: Known for its workability and flexibility.
- Palladium: A hardening agent that improves durability.
- Platinum: Adds strength and longevity to crowns.
- Silver: Commonly used in dental alloys for additional strength.
- Nickel: Adds durability to non-precious metal alloys.
- Chromium: Prevents corrosion in alloys.
- Cobalt: Often combined with chromium to create strong, corrosion-resistant dental alloys.
Why are metals combined in dental crowns?
Pure metals often lack the necessary properties for long-lasting dental restorations. Gold and platinum are too soft on their own but, when combined with metals like palladium or chromium, create durable, biocompatible dental alloys that stand the test of time. This combination of metals ensures that crowns and other components are strong, safe, and effective for patients.