A dental crown is often used to bring back strength and look to a tooth that is broken or decayed. A lot of patients choose between zirconia and porcelain crowns when selecting their dental crown. Both have special benefits, but learning about their pros, cons, and how much they cost can help you choose the right one. Here, we’ll discuss the main differences between these two types of dental crowns and help you pick the best one for you.
Understanding Dental Crowns: Types and Costs
Dental crowns are tailor-made caps that fit over teeth which are damaged or not very strong. They provide strength, the correct shape, and proper function to a tooth, mostly after root canal treatment or when there is severe decay. Crown types exist in many materials, some of which include:
- Zirconia Crowns
- Porcelain Crowns
- Metal Crowns
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
There are good and bad points to each material used for crowns. People often pick zirconia and porcelain crowns because they are good-looking and strong.
How much you pay for dental crowns will vary with your location, the material you pick, and the clinic’s reputation. However, the Zirconium teeth cap price is usually a bit higher because of the material’s advanced properties.
Zirconia Crowns: The Benefits and Drawbacks
Pros of Zirconia Crowns
- Durability: Zirconia is very tough and resistant to breaking. Because it is strong, it is a good choice for molars that are subject to heavy biting.
- Aesthetic Appeal: These crowns are made to match your tooth colour, helping them look very natural.
- Long-lasting: Zirconia crowns tend to last longer than other types of crowns. You can enjoy their benefits for a long time due to their durability.
- Biocompatibility: Because zirconia gets along well with gum tissue, it minimises the chance of irritation or allergies.
- Stain Resistance: Unlike a few other types of dental crowns, zirconia is less likely to stain, so your smile will stay bright.
Cons of Zirconia Crowns
- More Expensive: Zirconia crowns tend to cost more than porcelain crowns.
- More Aggressive Preparation: The process for placing a zirconia crown often means your dentist will have to remove more teeth, as the material is harder to work with than porcelain.
- Opaque Appearance: Zirconia crowns are tough, but their colour may seem flatter than porcelain, mostly in the front teeth.
Porcelain Crowns: The Benefits and Drawbacks
Pros of Porcelain Crowns
- Natural Appearance: A lot of people think porcelain crowns look the best. The colour and translucency of porcelain crowns match that of natural teeth, so they are good for use with visible teeth.
- Good for Front Teeth: The great look of porcelain crowns makes them a popular pick for the front teeth, where looks really matter.
- Biocompatible: Porcelain, along with zirconia, is a material that is gentle for your gums and lowers the possibility of irritation.
- Conservative Preparation: Because less tooth preparation is required with porcelain crowns, they are often the better pick for keeping your natural tooth.
Cons of Porcelain Crowns
- Not as Durable as Zirconia: Porcelain crowns are strong, but they are more likely to crack or chip, especially in the back teeth, where chewing is most forceful.
- Stains Over Time: Unlike zirconia, porcelain crowns may absorb stains with time, mainly from dark foods or drinks.
- Higher Maintenance: Because porcelain crowns are not as durable as zirconia, you may need to get them replaced more often.
Zirconia vs. Porcelain Crowns: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Zirconia Crowns | Porcelain Crowns |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very strong and long-lasting | Moderate durability; may chip |
| Appearance | Highly aesthetic, but opaque | Excellent match to natural teeth |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | Higher cost | Moderate cost |
| Preparation | Requires more tooth reduction | Requires less tooth reduction |
| Stain Resistance | Stain-resistant | May stain over time |
| Suitability for Front Teeth | Moderate to low (due to opacity) | Ideal for visible teeth |
Which Crown Should You Go With?
Deciding between zirconia and porcelain crowns should be based on what you need and what you like. Here are several things you should think about:
- For Back Teeth: If you require a crown in your molars or premolars, zirconia might be the better option because of its strength and durability.
- For Front Teeth: If you are going to be concerned with the aesthetics and, especially, if you want visible teeth, porcelain crowns will most probably be the best choice, given their natural appearance.
- Budget Considerations: If cost is important, then porcelain crowns will usually be cheaper than zirconia crowns.
- Longevity: If you are in search of a crown that can last for a long period of time with little maintenance cost, then you might consider zirconia crowns, despite their higher initial cost.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Zirconia and porcelain crowns have unique advantages and are therefore appropriate for different dental needs. The price of dental crowns and the needs of your dental situation should be the determining factor. Dr. Sahni’s Dental Clinic offers professional advice and tailor-made solutions like Zirconium teeth cap price to all your dental crown requirements.
FAQs
1. Are zirconia crowns stronger than porcelain crowns?
Yes, zirconia crowns are more durable and cannot crack or chip easily, especially in the back teeth.
2. Which of the crown materials is better for front teeth?
Porcelain crowns are best for the front teeth because of their natural colour and translucence.
3. Is there a big difference in the cost of zirconia and porcelain crowns?
Yes, zirconia crowns are costlier than porcelain crowns on account of their strength and superior material properties.