Made from?
A suitable metal alloy.
← All explanationsFull-cast metal crown
What is a completely metal dental crown?
A full-cast crown is made from a metal alloy and covers the prepared tooth without a tooth-coloured facing. Its metallic appearance varies with the alloy. It is one possible crown type; suitability depends on the tooth, loading, material properties and personal preferences.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Recognise the construction
The crown is entirely metal. In a metal-ceramic crown, a ceramic facing instead covers a metal framework.
Select the material appropriately
The exact alloy matters, including when sensitivities are known. Gold-coloured or gold-containing does not mean pure gold.
Check fit and maintain hygiene
Margins, contacts with neighbouring teeth and the bite are checked. The crowned tooth and gum margin still need regular cleaning and review.
Read the full explanation
Recognise the construction
The crown is entirely metal. In a metal-ceramic crown, a ceramic facing instead covers a metal framework.
Select the material appropriately
The exact alloy matters, including when sensitivities are known. Gold-coloured or gold-containing does not mean pure gold.
Check fit and maintain hygiene
Margins, contacts with neighbouring teeth and the bite are checked. The crowned tooth and gum margin still need regular cleaning and review.
Notes on the teaching images
- A full-cast crown is made entirely of a metal alloy and has no ceramic veneer.
- Gold-coloured does not mean pure gold. The alloy’s precise composition and suitability need to be known.
- Crown margins, contacts and care matter. Gold colour does not prove a particular lifespan.
At a glance
Tooth-coloured?
No, there is no tooth-coloured facing.
Replacement necessary?
Only after assessment of its condition and the concern.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Full-cast and metal-ceramic
Full-cast means metal without a tooth-coloured facing. Metal-ceramic combines a metal framework with an outer ceramic layer.
Quick answers
Is a gold crown made from pure gold?
Such crowns generally use alloys containing several constituents. The actual composition should be checked in the material documentation.
Is it always better than ceramic?
No. Materials have different properties and requirements. A universal ranking cannot replace planning for the individual tooth.
Must an intact old metal crown be replaced?
Not solely because of its age or colour. Symptoms, margins, function and preferences are assessed before replacement is considered.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which material properties and clinical findings matter for my crown?
Is an existing crown noticeable or uncomfortable? Its condition can be checked before discussing replacement.
Have your crown assessedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Alloy
- A metallic material consisting of several constituents.
- Crown margin
- The junction between crown and prepared tooth.
- Facing
- An outer layer shaping the visible surface.
Make the distinction
Full-cast means metal without a tooth-coloured facing. Metal-ceramic combines a metal framework with an outer ceramic layer.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.