Material guide
When a full-cast gold crown is still the best prescription
| Alloy | Composition | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Noble-Cast 45 | 40% Au | Yellow noble |
| Noble-Cast 60 | 57.5% Au | Yellow high noble |
| Noble-Cast 67 | 64% Au | Yellow high noble |
| White high noble | 45% | White high noble |
| White noble | 79% Pd | White noble |
| Non-precious | Base metal | Economical |
Why do gold crowns still earn their place?
A well-made full-cast crown is kind to opposing dentition, practically immune to fracture, and needs less occlusal clearance than ceramic — which is exactly what second molars and worn dentitions ask for. Gold's marginal adaptation and longevity records are still the benchmark other materials chase.
Which cases favor full-cast?
Second molars out of the smile line, short clinical crowns and tight occlusal clearance, patients with a history of fracturing ceramic, and heavy bruxers who have already been through other materials. When the patient doesn't mind the color, gold is often the longest-serving option you can prescribe.
How do I choose the alloy?
Higher gold content buys burnishability and biocompatibility; white noble and non-precious options manage cost. Note your preference on the Rx or leave it to us with the clinical picture and budget — we cast all six alloys in-house.
Quick answers
Are gold crowns better than zirconia for molars?
How fast is a full-cast crown at MARS USA Dental Lab?
Do you publish alloy pricing?
Related: Full-cast restorations · PFM crowns
Written by the MARS USA Dental Lab team · Last updated: August 2026
Not sure which material fits the case?
Call the lab and describe the prep, the bite and the smile line — we'll recommend the material and plan the case with you.