Zirconia vs Porcelain Crowns
Because of the strength and lifelike esthetics they provide, patients today often request porcelain and zirconia crowns instead of metal-based crowns. Increasingly, zirconia is chosen as an alternative to porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) options. In fact, certain dentists use zirconia or all-ceramic crowns exclusively, particularly when repairing a single tooth.
While PFM restorations have been successfully used for decades, the demand for zirconia exceeds that for PFMs. Patients that are evaluating the two options are likely curious if one is better than the other. Read on to learn a bit more about each option and the benefits provided.
What is Zirconia?
A metal oxide derived from zirconium, zirconia is a metal in the titanium family that can be found around the world. In addition to dental applications, zirconia can be found in common household items such as electrical fixtures, pipes, and dinnerware. Given its durability and natural strength, zirconia is a great option for dental crowns. Zirconia crowns are ideal for patients that require posterior crowns that require significant strength to hold up to the forces of grinding and chewing food.
What is PFM?
As indicated by the name, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns utilize both metal and porcelain. While the porcelain overlay is matched to the color of the natural teeth, it is possible for the dark metal to be visible at the gumline. This is especially true if the gums are receding. Dentists typically suggest PFM restorations for patients desiring a natural appearance and strength.
Advantages of Zirconia Over PFM
Superior Strength: Zirconia is at least three times stronger than PFM or porcelain options. And while porcelain restorations can wear down, zirconia can withstand the forces of grinding and chewing without chipping. The recent development of monolithic zirconia (a single block of zirconia), make crowns of this type nearly unbreakable and able to withstand the pressure placed on teeth towards the back of the mouth.
Natural Looking Appearance: As previously mentioned, PFM crowns rely on porcelain layered on metal that can be visible at the gumline when the patient smiles. Patients that seek a natural looking smile will likely find this embarrassing and instead may find zirconia crowns. Because they have no metal lining, zirconia crowns provide a more natural appearance and allow the patient so confidently smile.
Durable and Reliable: Zirconia offers greater degrees of reliability and durability compared to PFM. For example, the additional stabilizers in solid zirconia allow it to withstand grinding and chewing forces better. And if properly maintained by the patient, zirconia crowns can last for life.
Customizable: Because of a wide range of factors including processing requirements and chemical composition, zirconia can be manufactured in variety of ways to suit the patient’s needs. Such customization reduces the margin for error and helps ensure optimal fit for each patient.
Safer for the Patient: In very rare situations, the alloys in PFM restorations can cause allergic reactions in certain patients. Because zirconia is highly biocompatible, it does not cause adverse reactions and should be utilized for patients facing these allergies.