🆚 Zirconia vs. Metal-Ceramic Dental Crowns

Just as helmets protect our heads from harm, dental crowns act as shields for our teeth. If your tooth has been damaged, discolored, or weakened, a crown would be the best solution in such a case. Your dentist can be the best person to guide you. But the first thing that you need to do is to identify whether your tooth can be saved or if it is better to be taken out. Then comes the difficult decision. Zirconia vs. metal-ceramic crowns—which one is better?

From state-of-the-art zirconia crowns to full Hollywood Smile makeovers, Lema Dental Clinic unites the best of the best in dentistry with luxury and comfort. The specialist team produces personalized smiles that not only shine but also serve customers for an extended period. Whether you desire teeth that are ready for the camera or are simply seeking a solution that gives the same sensation as it looks, Lema Dental Clinic is the top part of the transformation of dental endeavors.

What Are Zirconia and Metal-Ceramic Dental Crowns?

Zirconia crowns are a product of zirconium dioxide, one of the strongest ceramics that is also used in the most high-tech area – aerospace engineering. Zirconia is the ceramic that looks the most like a tooth, is the strongest and so the most aesthetically pleasing, and also the most stable long-term. Zirconia-based crowns are usually made for people who have cognitive issues and burning sensations in certain areas of the mouth. These are light at the bottom and complicated and durable at the top, so they can bear the chewing pressure on the back and also be aesthetically pleasing for the front.

While ceramic crowns are a favorable option, metal-ceramic crowns are still a popular choice in the world of dentistry. The former is usually the first option for such cases where the tooth has been so occupied by cavities, part of the tooth has died, the tooth has had root canal treatment performed, and so forth. PFM-crowned teeth are the heaviest occlusal load recipients, and therefore, the crown material should possess the highest attractive, compressive, tensile, fatigue, and creep strengths. One of the major advantages of metal-ceramic is that being a hybrid is they inherent high strength and they have a good aesthetic choice as well.

Strength and Durability: Which Crown Lasts Longer?

Zirconia is unbreakable when it comes to the durability of a crown. It can endure the forces of occlusal grinding and biting that can be experienced during the life of the crown. Therefore, it is the best material for molar teeth and for people with parafunctional habits such as teeth clenching or bruxism. Zirconia crowns, with proper oral treatment and care, can remain in good condition up to 15-20 years or even longer.

Also, similar to zirconia, metal-ceramic crowns are as strong as the former. These crowns are most often designed with a metal base on which a layer of metal is superimposed. Nevertheless, the quality of this ceramic layer is subject to change by chipping or wear and tear, which can happen, especially when the patient is a hard chewer. Their average lifespan of these crowns is about 10-15 years, and they are probably not a good candidate when you want the crown to last for a long time.

There is no question that zirconia is the best in terms of sustainability if overall strength is the main concern.

Aesthetic Differences Between Zirconia and Metal-Ceramic

We are going to talk about the appearance, because no one wants a crown that is so obvious that everyone can see it’s artificial. The zirconia crowns are way ahead of the rest in the aesthetics of crowns. This is largely due to their natural translucency that can be easily mistaken for the actual tooth enamel and combines beautifully with your natural teeth. No ugly lines, no strange shadows, no doubt, and the smile is fresh and bright.

But the metal-ceramic crowns, although not as good as the zirconia ones, are not unsightly. The only downside of metal-ceramic crowns is that, because of the metal infrastructure, in some cases, the base of the crown remains visible at the gum line, generally as a consequence of periods of gum recession. Therefore, over time, you might unconsciously reveal the substance of the crown. Besides, the ceramic has the potential to be less than translucent, appearing more like a zirconia one, which not only looks less natural but also adds to the problem of appearance.

Zirconia is the go-to option for individuals who strive to have movie-star-worthy teeth, especially for their front teeth, as it is straightforwardly the leader in terms of aesthetics.

Cost Comparison: Is One More Affordable Than the Other?

So, there’s the issue of money and that. Metal-ceramic crowns are affordable, which is the primary reason for their extensive use among people who want to spare money as much as possible. They are being used for a longer time, and thus are accepted by most insurance plans.

On the other hand, zirconia crowns might be more pricey due to the employment of advanced technology and the materials used. Yet, let’s remember – usually, what you pay for is what you get. You are paying for the superior looks, higher durability, and bio-compatibility here (i.e., the lower probability of allergic reactions).

So, zirconia may cost you a lot in the beginning, but it may save you from buying a new crown in the future.

Which Crown Is Best for You? Dentist Recommendations

There is no one size for all. This is a difficult choice because choosing the right tooth crown depends on various aspects such as the location of the tooth, how much force it takes, and what your smile is like. Generally, dentists go for zirconia for front teeth because of its life-like feature. If you are on a budget and you need a crown for your back molar, metal-ceramic still suits you.

Your dentist will also consider the factors like gum health, bite alignment, and also pick habits (like if you bite your nails or chew ice. The majority of the latest clinics are using zirconia as the common metal because it is the strongest and the most fashionable.)

Are you still not sure what’s right for you? Fret not. At Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul, a clinic with a qualified staff, you will be able to make the right decision after the consultation.

FAQ: Zirconia vs. Metal-Ceramic Dental Crowns