Zirconia vs Ceramic Dental Crowns: Which One Feels Right?

Comparing Crowns Made of Zirconia and Ceramic Material

Zirconia is a ceramic-like material made of zirconium dioxide. It has found its use in dentistry due to its high resistance to chewing pressure and relative thinness, allowing to make crowns that look natural but are strong enough at the same time.

Ceramic crowns, in their turn, are traditionally esthetically pleasing, have a natural transparency and are ideal for teeth visible when smiling. While zirconia crowns are usually stronger and can resist a significant chewing pressure, which makes them more suitable for back teeth, ceramic ones are more natural-looking and, therefore, preferred for the front teeth.

Strengths of Zirconia Crowns

• high strength allows to withstand a severe chewing pressure

• less susceptible to chipping compared to layered ceramic crowns (depending on the design)

• modern zirconia crowns have a natural transparency and do not look artificial anymore, which makes them desirable in many cases

When are Ceramic Crowns Better?

Crowns require translucency to mimic the natural transparency of enamel. Some types of ceramic are better at displaying this property and, thus, are more suitable for cosmetic dental procedures. For this reason, ceramic crowns are often chosen by patients who prioritize the esthetic outcome of their dental treatment.

Additionally, some people simply prefer the appearance of ceramic crowns: there is no shame in wanting to have a ceramic crown if one falls in love with its look after a trial session.

The choice of a dental crown material also depends on the location of the crown. For example, if one wants to have a ceramic crown placed on their front tooth, they will most probably go for a ceramic one since it will look the most natural out there.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the back molars, a person may want to have a stronger crown to resist a significant chewing pressure exerted on it.

The dentist should also consider the bite of a patient and whether they have a habit of grinding their teeth, which puts additional stress on the crown. A healthy tooth structure prior to a dental procedure is another factor that influences the choice of a crown.

Considering the Pros and Cons Above, When Should One Choose Ceramic and When Zirconia Crowns?

I think that the location of a crown and the priorities of a patient are the main factors that influence the decision. If a person breaks a front tooth and the prime goal is to have it restored in such a way that it cannot be distinguished from the other teeth, a ceramic crown is the best option.

On the contrary, if one breaks a molar and refuses to have a filling or other procedures to restore it, I think that a zirconia crown with a natural appearance is the most desirable choice. However, when choosing between zirconia and ceramic crowns, one should also take into account other factors, including the shape and size of a crown and the dental expertise of the dentist.

Therefore, my opinion on the choice between ceramic and zirconia crowns would depend considerably on the mentioned circumstances.

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