Porcelain, Ceramic or Zirconia? A Simple Guide to Making the Right Choice
Getting a dental crown can be a great way to fix damaged teeth and restore teeth after root canals or damage from cracks and wear. Dental crowns also enhance the aesthetics of your smile.
But it can get confusing with so many types of crowns out there. Let’s break down the 3 primary types of dental crowns.
- Metal crowns
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) – Metal with a ceramic layer
- All Ceramic Crowns (with no metal at all)
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Discover more about the primary types of crowns by checking out our parent article on dental crowns in Tijuana, Mexico.
All Ceramic Crowns
All ceramic crowns are metal-free and made entirely from dental ceramics. This clay-like material primarily consists of silica and other components & is used in various dental restorations.
Like coffee mugs, they are manufactured by firing in special furnaces at high temperatures. This process melts the silica, creating a glossy, translucent layer and smooth finish.[1]
Over time, dental ceramics have evolved, leading to three popular types of ceramic crowns – Porcelain, Emax, and Zirconia.
Read on to learn more about each option.
| Feature | Porcelain | Zirconia | Emax |
| Composition | Feldspathic (Traditional) porcelain | Metal oxide – Zirconium Oxide | Lithium disilicate |
| Features | Excellent shade matching & natural appearance | Combination of strength with moderate aesthetics | Combination of strength with superior aesthetics |
| Indications | Front teeth where aesthetics are a priorityVeneered on metal in PFM crowns | Aesthetic cases, especially veneers.Posterior teeth – inlays & onlays. | Back teeth where strength is a priorityModern materials |
| Success or Survival Rate | Survival rate was 91.77% around 7 years.[2] | Overall success rate was 99.7% over six years.[3] | Cumulative 5-year survival rate was 94.22%.[4] |
| Pros | Look like real teeth – great for matching tooth color and translucency | Extremely strong and fracture-resistant & doesn’t damage opposing natural teeth | Excellent combination of strength & aesthetics |
| Cons | Brittle and crack or chip easily – not as strong as other types of crowns | Poor shade matching due to high opacity & expensive | Can be expensive & may require more tooth reduction compared to metal crowns |
| Brands | IPS Empress VITA Mark II (Feldspathic porcelain) | IPS e.max by Ivoclar | ZirCAD, BruxZir |
Source: ScienceDirect,[5]PeerJ,[6] BMC Oral Health,[7]
Note: Some websites refer to Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns as “porcelain crowns” due to the porcelain layer over metal. However, PFM crowns are a distinct category, while “porcelain crowns” usually refer to traditional feldspathic porcelain without metal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right dental crown depends on where it will be placed, how much strength it needs, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Comparing the Options
| Porcelain Crowns | Zirconia Crowns |
| Superior aesthetics – best for front teeth | Extremely durable – best for posterior teeth |
| Can break easily | Looks opaque |
Always consult your dentist to find the best option for your dental needs.