Zirconia vs Porcelain Crowns
Today dental crown alternatives, such as zirconia crowns, are becoming more popular than the metal-based crowns of the past. In fact, some dental providers use zirconia or all-ceramic restorations exclusively. Zirconia is aesthetically pleasant and nearly indestructible, making it the most popular choice for dental crowns. Below is more information on zirconia crowns and the pros and cons compared to porcelain crowns.
What is Zirconia?
Zirconia is derived from zirconium, a metal in the titanium family. You may be surprised to hear that many common household items are made from zirconia, including dinnerware, pipes, and electrical fixtures. Zirconia is naturally strong and durable, making it an ideal material for dental crowns.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns are made from a combination of porcelain and metal materials. Porcelain crowns offer strength due to their metal base with the tooth-like color of porcelain to match your natural teeth. Dentists have been recommending PFM crowns to their patients for years due to the benefits and durability they offer.
Benefits of Zirconia vs Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns have been a suitable solution for patients for decades, but recently zirconia crowns have grown in popularity due to the many benefits the material offers. A few of the benefits of zirconia crowns you should consider include:
- Exceptional Strength: Zirconia is a strong and durable material. In fact, zirconia crowns are believed to be at least three times stronger than porcelain crowns. Zirconia can handle wear and tear better than porcelain and zirconia crowns are built to withstand chewing, grinding, and everyday stress.
- Natural Looking: PFM crowns are built with a metal structure underneath a porcelain top. Unfortunately, the metal lining is sometimes visible at the gum line when patients smile. Zirconia crowns are metal free, offering a more natural looking restoration. Additionally, zirconia crowns can be custom-made in any size or shape to match the other teeth in the mouth.
- Reliability and Durability: Zirconia crowns are more durable than the PFM crowns. If well-maintained with proper oral hygiene, dental providers believe zirconia crowns can last for several decades.
- Safer for Patients: Zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning the body responds well to it, and it will not cause allergies. Unfortunately, some patients have allergic reactions to PFM restorations due to metal allergies. Patients with metal allergies or alloy sensitivity should consider zirconia dental crowns. Due to their high biocompatibility, zirconia crowns and bridges are extremely safe for all dental patients.
Zirconia crowns have proven to be highly successful, providing patients with a dental restoration that is strong, durable, and aesthetically appealing. Due to the many benefits they offer, the demand for zirconia crowns has significantly increased, exceeding the demand for PFMs. If your dental provider has recommended you consider a dental crown, or you know you will need one in the near future, you should have a discussion with them about your options and what type of dental crown may be the best for you.