What is the Main Difference Between These Crowns?

Let us look at some of the advances in dentistry that can regain self-esteem, enhance tooth functionality, and allow you to live the life you deserve now that we have established some context about how bad oral health can ruin one’s life. For a long time, porcelain fused to metal crowns became the remedy of choice for those with huge cavities that prevented the use of conventional fillings or onlays. However, there were a number of drawbacks to these types of crowns, including;

They needed an extra metal frame in some cases for added strength.

The metal alloy structure caused allergic reactions in some patients.

They discoloured the area around the gum line.

For a long time, porcelain fused to metal crowns became the only choice for those looking to change the appearance of their teeth. Modern dentistry has thankfully presented patients with a comparatively new option: Zirconia dental crowns. You may be wondering what they are. They look and feel like typical porcelain crowns, but they are made of zirconium, a silicate that can be fused or cemented, allowing dentists more flexibility when it comes to placement. Although there are some obvious similarities between Zirconia dental crowns and porcelain crowns, there are a few important distinctions that we will go through in detail later in this article.

If you have read this far, you are obviously considering your choices for the kind of treatment that would be more effective for you. Crowns (either porcelain or zirconia) are suitable for those with large cavities that cannot be filled with composite resin or amalgam, as previously mentioned.

Traditional porcelain crowns are a perfect choice for those looking for a cost-effective alternative, but they do have a few disadvantages, including discoloration, allergic reactions, and the need for an extra metal frame to hold them, as previously stated. Zirconia crowns, on the other hand, have similar advantages while being a much better choice.

Zirconia Crowns: How Much Better Are They?

There are many advantages, but for the sake of brevity, we will only discuss a couple of them. They are much tougher and have a non-porous nature, making them much more resistant to chipping, cracking, and staining than their PFM equivalent. Because of their smooth exterior, Zirconia crowns do not affect neighbouring teeth as porcelain fused metal crowns do. Finally, you will not have to think about discoloration with these crowns; instead, they are exceptionally reflective and closely resemble real teeth in appearance and feel.