Zirconia Vs Porcelain Crowns
If you have a tooth that has been severely compromised, you’ll need to consider different repair options. Without having the damaged tooth properly repaired, you risk further complications. It also will make it much more difficult to chew normally and eat your favorite foods.
One repair option that may be available to you is a dental crown.
A dental crown is a dental prosthetic that is used to replace a large portion of the tooth of a patient. With a crown, you will have the support you need, and you will improve the look of your tooth—in turn making your smile even more beautiful!
What’s the Difference Between Porcelain and Zirconia Crowns?
Once your dentist and you have decided that a dental crown is the right option for the repair of your tooth, you’ll need to consider which material is best to meet your preferences and needs. A couple of popular options for materials are porcelain and zirconia.
There are a couple of things that set porcelain and zirconia apart, with a major one being appearance. Porcelain has an advantage when it comes to replicating the appearance of a natural tooth more accurately. Although, if the porcelain is fused to metal, there may be a chance of the metal being visible at the gumline.
Why Zirconia?
There are a few different reasons why you may choose zirconia crowns over other types of crowns. Some of the advantages of zirconia crowns are:
- A natural look. While zirconia may not look as natural as porcelain, it does have a more natural appearance than other materials (such as gold). The metal that shows with porcelain fused to metal also isn’t a problem with zirconia crowns.
- Safety. Zirconia crowns have high biocompatibility when compared to other materials like porcelain. This makes them an excellent option for patients that are allergic to these types of materials.
- Strength. Zirconia is an extremely strong material, and it is around three times stronger than porcelain. It is a metal that is similar to titanium. Because of this, you can rest assured that your zirconia crown will last a long time. You’ll be able to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without worrying about damaging your crown. Zirconia also has more stabilizers than other materials, making it much more durable and reliable.
- Customizability. Zirconia is a highly customizable material, making it easier to design and place your crown without the problems that come with other materials.
Which Type of Crown is Right for Me?
While zirconia is an extremely durable and customizable option, there are also some disadvantages that you’ll want to consider. There are also advantages to materials like porcelain that may lead you to make the decision to go with that material.
Speak with your dentist about the advantages, disadvantages and costs of the different types of materials that are available. From there you can make a decision about the best material for your crown.