Expert: Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD - 11/18/2008

Question
In your opinion is there a difference esthetically between Captek crowns and Lava..my dentist's secretary is pushing for Lava which costs almost 1/2 the price more than the Captek's (I've noticed the opposite on some of the questions asked on this website)   I am contemplating 3 front upper and lower the uppers have very old discolored caps that wore out the lowers.  I am very excited to finally get a new smile and have the option of both but still trying to stay in budget. I've been told the Lava are better because the Captek may eventually recede and show the brown line on the ridge which I have now on my older caps.  Thank you for any info.

Answer
Hi Dee,

Good question.
Often, dentists will push the materials they feel comfortable with. Both materials you mentioned are strong, and esthetic.

Here are the main differences;
Captek:
- Made with a gold inner layer
- Studies have shown that it is bacterial-resistant (a major plus!)
- Since it's a dark color inside, the overlaying porcelain needs to block out the darkness

Lava;
- A zirconia substrate
- A whitish inside, that needs to be blocked out with the overlaying porcelain
- No metal, and less chance of seeing a 'dark line' around the margins

Both are VERY strong materials, with great success rates.

I have placed both Lava and Captek restorations, and they both look great!

In the end, I am not sure if there is a big difference between the two. I would do whatever you, and your dentist feel more comfortable doing. In the end, this will make the biggest difference.

Please let me know if you need any more help.