Zirconia Crowns vs Porcelain Crowns
Choosing between zirconia and porcelain crowns is one of the most common decisions dental patients face. Both materials offer excellent aesthetics, but they differ in strength, appearance, and suitability for different teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is extremely strong and durable, making it ideal for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces. Modern translucent zirconia provides excellent aesthetics that closely mimic natural teeth. Zirconia crowns are milled from a single block using CAD/CAM technology.
Porcelain (Ceramic) Crowns
E-Max and other lithium disilicate ceramics offer the most natural-looking results, particularly for front teeth. They have excellent light transmission properties that replicate the translucency of natural tooth enamel.
Comparison
- Strength: Zirconia is 2-3 times stronger than porcelain
- Aesthetics: Porcelain offers slightly better translucency for front teeth
- Longevity: Both last 15-25 years with proper care
- Cost in Turkey: Zirconia £150-£250, E-Max £200-£350 per tooth