Replacement of porcelain crowns

A question about : Replacement of porcelain crowns

I have an appointment in a weeks time to replace 3 crowns (my front teeth and one incisor). The crowns I have currently have been in place for the past 7/8 years and have broken at the back many times and been repaired.

After speaking to my dentist she suggested bonded crowns with metal backs. Thinking about it now I am concerned that the effect of the teeth will be grey. I am not saying that my teeth are white but I would like a good match.

Are there any other materials that can be used that have a similar strength? Obviously cost is an issue but I would sooner pay a bit more for something more cosmetic pleasing.

Best answers:

• There are various all-ceramic crowns that are much stronger than simple porcelain ones - and sometimes just as strong as bonded, but with much better aesthetics.
  But as you say - cost is the factor.
  Porcelain and bonded tend to be the NHS choices - but if you are private anyway, then it's worth asking your dentist about these options.