All-Ceramic vs Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

What Makes All-Ceramic Crowns Unique?

All-ceramic crowns are formed from a ceramic material, and there’s no supportive underlying metal core. That may matter if the crown is going to be in a place people can see.

Light interacts differently with ceramic than it does with metals. As a result, a ceramic crown tends to look more like a natural tooth than its porcelain-fused-to-metal cousin. That can be important on a front tooth where the contrast could be distracting. I tend to prefer all-ceramic crowns in these cases, because the visual difference can really stand out.

Where All-Ceramic Crowns Excel

• Natural appearance, especially in how the light interacts with them to give a less artificial look.

• No underlying metal, so the darkness associated with metal crowns isn’t an issue.

• Modern ceramics are tough enough to handle most situations, but you need to talk to your dentist about how aggressively you chew.

The Other Kind of Crowns: Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a metal core that are layered with porcelain to give the final appearance of a natural tooth. Metal provides the needed strength, and the porcelain adds the natural look.

They’re not going anywhere soon. Porcelain-fused-to-metal have been around for a long time, and dentists continue to use them because they get the job done.

The Balance of Strength and Appearance

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have long been associated with areas of the mouth that are subjected to higher chewing forces. They were a popular choice for back teeth, where the biting forces are the highest.

• I’d go with all-ceramic crowns for front teeth. They just look more natural in these highly visible areas.

• But when it comes to back teeth that see heavy use, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns still have value.

Choosing Between Crowns: Consider Your Options

So you need to decide between porcelain-fused-to metal or all-ceramic crowns. The location of the crown within your mouth is the single most important consideration. The visual appeal of the crown versus the forces it would normally handle is the primary concern.

• Front teeth should be all-ceramic due to the natural appearance it provides.

• The chewing power exerted on back teeth needs consideration when choosing a crown.

The Often Forgotten Variables

The material the crown is made from isn’t the only consideration. There’s the fit, and the pressure you exert on the restored tooth with your chewing. The amount of tooth structure that remains after the tooth is prepared also plays a role.

A well-fitting porcelain-fused-to-metal crown could be just as attractive as an all-ceramic crown in the right situation.

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