Why Porcelain or All-Ceramic Crowns Are Better

Considering a crown, you might wonder whether porcelain or all ceramic is better. Here are three reasons why ceramic crowns are better. Let’s start with how ceramic crowns look better and last longer than PFM crowns.

All-ceramic crowns provide function, durability, and aesthetics.

The lustrous, glistening optical quality of natural teeth is created by how light passes through the tooth. A ceramic crown replicates this characteristic by applying translucent porcelain to the tooth. With no irritants or mercury, porcelain crowns offer the same beauty as metal crowns. Dental insurance programs generally cover all-ceramic crowns. Because Ken Caryl Dentist is an expert at making top-notch ceramic and porcelain repairs, you may trust them for tooth restoration.

Porcelain and zirconia crowns provide the best function, durability, and aesthetics among all-ceramic crown materials. They are the most aesthetic and natural teeth-looking options for front teeth. In addition, patients who are allergic to metals may benefit from them. They provide high reshapability and don’t require any metal in their care.

They are stronger than porcelain.

The difference between all-metal and all-porcelain crowns lies in their strength. Metal crowns are generally stronger, but they tend to be more fragile. As a result, metal crowns can show metal surrounding the porcelain, making color-matching with the teeth challenging. While this is an acceptable trade-off, most dentists prefer to use all-porcelain crowns for front teeth, as the latter are more aesthetic and can match the color of the teeth better.

While porcelain-metal crowns are strong, all-ceramic restorations are more durable. They can be made from engineered porcelain or high-strength ceramic materials and are more durable than their porcelain counterparts. Despite this drawback, the classic porcelain-metal crown has a long history of serving patients and is still the most popular type of dental restoration. A dental technician creates a thin metal thimble for the crown, cemented onto the tooth.

They look lifelike

The aesthetic benefits of porcelain/all-ceramic crowns are unsurpassed. They mimic natural teeth in appearance but can wear off the opposing tooth. If you grind your teeth, porcelain crowns may look unsightly. 

The beauty of porcelain is that it can be made to match the color of your natural teeth. It is also sculpted to emulate the characteristics of your teeth. Porcelain/All-Ceramic Crowns are made with premium reinforced porcelains. This material is more durable than standard ceramics and is lifelike in color and translucency. This material also resists staining, which is essential for a beautiful smile.

They last longer than PFM crowns.

All-Ceramic and porcelain/Fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are made of the same material. In addition, porcelain is biocompatible, which makes it ideal for patients who are allergic to metals. Nonetheless, PFM crowns are not recommended for patients with metal allergies, so porcelain/all-ceramic or zirconia crowns are the better options.

While PFM crowns are stronger and tend to last longer, they also degrade over time. PFM crowns can have a dark line near the gum line, especially if the gums recede and the tissue around the tooth neck is thin. All-ceramic crowns are more aesthetically pleasing and can last up to 15 years with proper care.

They are biocompatible

The advantages of porcelain/all-ceramic crowns are numerous. The material mimics the appearance and light handling properties of natural tooth enamel. They can be used to cover dental implants, hide tooth discoloration, or simply add width to a misshapen tooth. Biocompatible, biodegradable, and less bulky, all-ceramic crowns are much safer for patients with metal allergies. In addition to their biocompatibility, all-ceramic crowns are less likely to cause gingival irritation and recession. They also blend in better with a patient’s natural dentition. The popularity of porcelain/all-ceramic crowns stems from their biocompatibility and esthetic value.

Biocompatible ceramics do not react with the body’s natural materials and do not cause toxic reactions. They are strong enough to withstand dental surgery and better suited for indirect procedures. Since they do not interfere with MRIs, they are better for patients. Biocompatible materials are also better-looking than metal. Metal fillings and crowns do not look like natural teeth, while porcelain and composite resin blend well with the rest of the tooth.