You’ve heard about different types of dental crowns and want to make the best choice for your smile. Maybe you’re dealing with a damaged tooth or need a complete restoration.
Our dental team has helped hundreds of patients navigate crown options. We’ll break down everything you need to know about zirconia and porcelain crowns in a way that’s easy to understand.
What Are Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia crowns are an advanced option for dental restoration. Made from a super-strong ceramic material, these crowns are designed to take on the toughest dental challenges.
We have seen far too many patients for whom we have performed crown restorations in conjunction with root canals who were shocked at how weak and inadequate their all-porcelain crowns turned out to be.
That said, there is no guarantee that the science behind the all-ceramic crown is any better than it was five or ten years ago, when we avoided these crowns for serious dental applications.
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
For a long time, dental restoration has favored porcelain crowns. These crowns blend easily with teeth, making them the top choice for patients whose restorative work has the added requirement of being aesthetically perfect.
They even fool dentists in terms of how well they mimic the natural tooth’s appearance. Porcelain is a relatively newer option in terms of the materials from which crowns are made, but unlike most other modern dental materials, it hasn’t lost ground in being a non-metal option that looks good.
Strength Comparison: Zirconia vs. Porcelain
Now, let’s examine durability more closely. When it comes to strength, zirconia is the heavyweight champion. Compared to traditional porcelain, these crowns are nearly indestructible and offer exceptional long-term value.
For patients who have heavy bite pressure or otherwise tend to be hard on their teeth, zirconia provides peace of mind in our Houston, TX dental practice.
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Strength Considerations:
1. Zirconia is significantly more resistant to chips and cracks.
2. Ideal for back teeth that endure more intense chewing pressure.
3. Fewer replacements mean long-term cost savings.
Aesthetic Considerations
It might surprise you to discover that looks are just as important as muscle when it comes to dental materials. Porcelain is still number one for creating results that look as close to natural teeth as anything can look.
As for zirconia, well, it’s made great strides (and is still making them) in the direction of aesthetics. But it ain’t there yet. And porcelain, my friends, is still the gold standard.
Tooth Restoration Recommendations:
– For teeth at the front: Porcelain is the usual favorite.
– For teeth at the back: The strength of zirconia plays a larger role.
Cost Factors to Consider
Here is the reason that pricing matters. Zirconia tends to be more expensive at first; however, its durability means that you might need fewer replacements over time.
Porcelain tends to cost less but may require more repairs. When it comes down to it, think of the price as an investment in your dental health. Visit our dental clinic to learn more.
Which Crown is Right for You?
The most important thing to hold onto is that a universal solution does not exist. Your individual requirements, finances, and dental health are the actual deciding influences.
An expert evaluation can help point to the best choice for your unusual circumstances. We recommend scheduling a consultation at our dental office.
Final Thoughts
A safety note: If dental discomfort is being experienced or a crown is under consideration, it is best to consult a dental professional who can offer personalized advice.
In the end, both zirconia and porcelain crowns provide outstanding answers for dental restoration. The secret is identifying the proper match for your unique circumstances.
Both zirconia and porcelain have their strengths. The right choice depends on your individual dental needs. Our team at Lifeworks Dental can help you make the best decision.
