If you are willing to treat your cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) and fractured tooth, dental crowns are undoubtedly the first thing that should come to your mind. They help you enhance your smile and offer strength and safety to your teeth.
Among the diverse range of materials, zirconia and porcelain truly shine, captivating attention with their elegance and resilience. Zirconia is visually appealing and extremely durable, making it the most favoured option for dental crowns. In contrast, dentists also call porcelain crowns stunning crowns because of their resemblance to natural teeth in appearance. Both of these crowns have specific benefits and uses, so it is important to know their differences to pick the best choice for your dental care.
If you need more thorough information to select the best zirconia and porcelain crowns, this blog helps you find a better solution to achieve the perfect smile that complements your personality.
The Significance of Dental Crowns
Modern dentistry has greatly improved and helped many people achieve their desired smiles. Dental crowns can enhance the look and functionality of teeth for those with severe tooth decay or damage. These treatments offer more than just better attractiveness; many studies show that good oral health is connected with higher confidence and well-being.
A Forbes study found that one in five adults participated in fewer social activities because of dental problems. Many felt their dental diseases prevented them from going to job interviews. This shows that dental issues can impact both personal and professional lives.
Understanding a Zirconia Crown
Zirconia, also known as zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), is a white crystalline ceramic material admired for its extraordinary strength and noticeable durability. Its biocompatibility makes it a suitable choice to be used for different purposes in the medical field, particularly dental crowns and surgical implants. Additionally, zirconia’s aesthetic qualities allow it to serve as an attractive diamond simulant called cubic zirconia. Due to its unique properties and benefits, this versatile material continues to gain popularity across several fields.
Purpose
They are used to cover or “cap” damaged, decayed, fractured, or misshapen teeth or to restore teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
Types of Zirconia
- Zirconia Crystal Structures: Zirconia can form three types of crystal structures: monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic. The tetragonal and cubic shapes are the most common in dental uses.
- Stabilised Zirconia: To prevent zirconia from transforming from the tetragonal phase to the monoclinic phase (which can cause cracks), zirconia is often stabilised with other oxides like yttria or magnesia.
- Monolithic Zirconia: A monolithic zirconia crown is made from one piece of zirconium dioxide. It is very strong and durable but may not be as translucent as some other types.
- Layered Zirconia: These crowns have a layer of porcelain on top of a zirconia core. This design balances strength and aesthetics.
- Porcelain Fused to Zirconia (PFZ): This dental restoration combines the strong properties of zirconia with the attractive look of porcelain.
- BruxZir: BruxZir is a solid zirconia material without a porcelain layer. Its most common use is for crowns, bridges, screw-retained implant crowns, inlays, and onlays. It is made for patients who have a habit of grinding or clenching their teeth, which is referred to as bruxism.
- Ivoclar Zirconia: Ivoclar zirconia is a specific type developed by Ivoclar, a company known for making strong and durable dental materials that look good.
- Transformed Toughened Zirconia: This type of zirconia ceramic is tougher and better at resisting cracks.
Understating a Porcelain Crown
A porcelain crown is a tooth-shaped cap made of porcelain (or porcelain fused to metal) that fits over a damaged tooth. It helps restore the tooth’s shape, size, function, and appearance, making it look and feel natural. By covering the tooth, the crown protects it from possible damage and helps it last longer while improving the smile’s overall appearance.
Purpose
Porcelain crowns are used to:
- Restore Function: They help restore a tooth’s function, strengthening a natural bite and improving chewing ability.
- Improve Appearance: They can improve the appearance of a tooth, making it look more natural.
- Protect Damaged Teeth: They can protect a tooth weakened by decay, a large filling, or a crack.
Types
- Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns have a durable metal base that offers strength, with a porcelain layer that looks like natural teeth. However, as the gums recede, they may show a black line at the gum line.
- E Max – Layered: E Max is a modern material for porcelain crowns and veneers, featuring a sturdy two-layered system. The inner coping provides support, while a ceramic artist coats the surface to match the surrounding teeth for a seamless look.
Advantages of Zirconia and Porcelain Crowns
For many years, porcelain crowns have worked well for patients, but zirconia crowns are becoming more popular because of their many advantages. Here are some perks of zirconia crowns to consider:
Zirconia Crowns
- Strength and Durability: Zirconia is much stronger and sturdier than porcelain. It doesn’t easily chip, crack, or wear down, even with heavy chewing.
- Long-Term Use: With proper care, Zirconia crowns can last long, often 15 years or more.
- Bite Force: Zirconia is a solid choice for individuals who have a habit of teeth grinding or have strong bites because it can handle those forces.
- Natural Appearance: Although zirconia crowns are not as glowing as some porcelain crowns, they can still look natural, particularly with modern layering methods.
- Biocompatibility: Zirconia is safe for the body and rarely causes allergic reactions.
- Stain Resistance: Zirconia is resistant to stains and discoloration, helping the crown look good over time.
Porcelain Crowns
- Aesthetics: Porcelain crowns look similar to natural teeth, making them ideal for teeth present at the mouth’s front.
- Cost-Effectiveness: These crowns usually cost less than zirconia crowns.
- Translucency: Porcelain crowns are more transparent than zirconia, helping them blend in better with surrounding teeth.
Differences and Limitations of Zirconia Vs Porcelain Crowns
Zirconia crowns offer superior strength and durability compared to porcelain crowns, making them ideal for high-stress areas of the mouth, while porcelain crowns are more aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective.
Zirconia Crowns
Strengths
- High Strength and Durability: Zirconia is a very robust ceramic material which resists chipping and cracking, even under significant biting forces.
- Excellent for Back Teeth: Due to their strength, zirconia crowns are well-suited for posterior teeth that experience heavy chewing pressure.
- Biocompatibility: Zirconia is a biocompatible material, minimising the risk of allergic reactions or tissue irritation.
- Natural Translucency: Modern zirconia materials offer a natural, translucent appearance, enhancing aesthetics.
Limitations
- Cost: Zirconia crowns are more expensive than porcelain crowns due to their advanced materials and manufacturing procedures.
- Aesthetics: While modern zirconia materials have improved aesthetics, they may not match the natural translucency of porcelain crowns, especially for front teeth.
- Potential for Wear on Opposing Teeth: The hardness of zirconia can potentially lead to wear on opposing natural teeth. However, this can be mitigated with proper crown design and regular check-ups.
- Thickness: Zirconia crowns have historically been thicker than other types of crowns, though modern materials and techniques have addressed this issue.
Porcelain Crowns
Strengths
- Aesthetics: Porcelain crowns offer excellent aesthetics, mimicking the natural appearance of teeth, especially for front teeth.
- Color Matching: Porcelain can be precisely color-matched to surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural-looking restoration.
Limitations
- Strength and Durability: Porcelain crowns are less durable than zirconia crowns and may be more prone to chipping or cracking, especially in the back teeth.
- Metal Allergy Concerns: Porcelain crowns often have a metal core, which can cause metal allergies or discoloration near the gum line.
- Not Ideal for Bruxism: Patients who grind or clench their teeth may experience issues with porcelain crowns due to their lower strength compared to zirconia.
- Wear and Tear: Porcelain crowns may show signs of wear and get faded over time.
- Back Teeth: Because they are less strong, porcelain crowns are not usually recommended for molars or teeth requiring much chewing strength.
How to Choose the Right Crown Between Zirconia and Porcelain?
Choosing a dental crown is a significant decision that deserves careful consideration. Now that you’re familiar with both types of crowns, you can confidently select the crown that suits you best. As you weigh your options between zirconia and porcelain crowns, take a moment to review the important factors that will assist you in making the right decision.
To select between zirconia and porcelain crowns, there are multiple factors to keep in mind:
Location of the Tooth
Front Teeth: Porcelain crowns are preferred for front teeth because they look and feel like real teeth, blending well with your smile.
Back Teeth: Zirconia crowns are better for back teeth since they can handle more pressure when chewing. Zirconia is strong and resists wear, making it a great choice for these mouth areas.
Bite Force
If you bite hard or grind your teeth, zirconia is a better option because it’s strong and durable. Meanwhile, porcelain crowns look nice but might chip or crack under pressure.
Aesthetic Preferences
Both materials can create beautiful results, but porcelain is known for its natural translucency and ability to mimic the look of real teeth. Zirconia can have a natural look but it lacks translucent appearance as porcelain.
Budget
Porcelain crowns are typically more affordable than zirconia crowns. While zirconia crowns cost more, their price showcases their high durability and attractive appearance, making them a good choice for those looking for strength and beauty.
Durability
Zirconia crowns are recognised for their remarkable strength and robustness, making them an excellent choice for teeth that experience significant chewing forces. While porcelain crowns are also long-lasting, they may be more prone to chips or cracks than zirconia crowns.
Consult Your Dentist
It is essential to consult your dentist, who can assess your condition, discuss your preferences, and recommend the most appropriate crown option. Your dentist will also evaluate your oral health, bite force, and aesthetic goals to assist you in making an informed decision.
Bottom Line
Porcelain and zirconia crowns each have their benefits and are used for their special purposes. You can choose between them depending on your requirements, preferences, and budget. Porcelain crowns are economical and have a better appearance, but they may not be as durable over time as zirconia crowns. In contrast, zirconia crowns are stronger and more suitable for the body. They are a great option for patients who require a long-lasting, attractive solution.
Are You Ready to Improve Your Smile? Contact Cantt Dental Care
Whether you are anticipating about dental crowns or seeking guidance on whether porcelain or zirconia crowns are the perfect fit, look no further—reach out to us today! At Cantt Dental Care, we take immense pride in delivering tailored dental care that aligns with your unique needs. Do not skip a second; schedule an appointment with us and embark on your journey towards a wholesome smile. Your dream smile awaits!