Zirconia vs Porcelain Dental Crowns: Which One Fits Your Tooth?
Zirconia Crowns Feel Built for Strength
Zirconia is a tough ceramic. It is resilient under the pressure of biting making it an appealing choice for crowns on the back molars where the force applied to the tooth is the strongest.
While it lacks metal, it still provides a tooth-coloured crown avoiding the tell-tale grey hue seen near the gum-line on some metal crowns.
Where Zirconia Shines
• Tougher to chew on, which matters more if the crown resides on the back of the mouth.
• A possibility for those who want to sacrifice subtlety for the sake of power.
• Some zirconia crowns have a more natural-looking surface than their predecessors, though it still comes down to the material and the craftsmanship involved.
Porcelain Has the Looks Edge
Porcelain crowns have become a favourite for their ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. The material has a deepness and translucence that give the crown a realistic feel. Especially when it comes to the replacement of highly visible front teeth.
However, porcelain isn’t always the obvious choice. Modern porcelain systems can vary greatly depending on the demands placed on the tooth, the space available, and how much strain is placed on it. Your dentist should be able to advise you on which material suits your tooth best.
Zirconia versus Porcelain: The Straight Scoop
The whole discussion surrounding the two materials becomes less confusing when taking into consideration that not all teeth are made to be the same. Front and back teeth serve different purposes.
• For the molar in the back of your mouth zirconia is often the obvious choice due to the power needed for chewing.
• For the front teeth, porcelain takes on the advantage due to its ability to create a natural appearance, especially if the replacement tooth needs to mimic the look of the surrounding teeth.
• If it comes to balancing between delicate aesthetics and power consider asking about newer porcelain options that provide a more natural appearance for teeth rather than defaulting to either zirconia or porcelain crowns.
So, What Crown Should I Go For?
If it’s power you seek, take a trip down the zirconia road. And if you’re planning on replacing a tooth, porcelain crowns deserve your consideration.
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The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face-to-face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.