Zirconia crown vs. porcelain: Which one is better?

A Comprehensive Solution for Tooth Replacement

You are considering having a dental crown fitted in Antalya and are torn between zirconia crowns and porcelain crowns. You are wondering which is the best treatment for you. First, identify your priorities, such as cost, durability, and aesthetics. Then make your choice. We have put together a guide to help you choose the right dental crown more easily.

Zirconia crown vs. porcelain in Antalya

What are zirconium crowns?

Zirconium crowns are dental crowns made from a highly durable and biocompatible material known as zirconia. As they contain no metal, they offer an aesthetic appearance. For this reason, they are safe for people with allergies. They are resistant to high pressure and can be used for many years.

Zirconia crowns have become a very popular treatment option in Antalya due to the many advantages they offer. Our patients from the UK also frequently opt for zirconia because of its aesthetic appeal and durability.

If you have dark yellow stains, large fillings, or cracks in your teeth, you may wish to opt for zirconia crowns. Zirconia crowns are particularly ideal for molars.

What are porcelain crowns?

Porcelain perfectly mimics natural teeth. For this reason, a metal framework is incorporated into the interior when porcelain crowns are manufactured. This metal is then covered with porcelain. Metal-porcelain crowns, also known as PFM crowns, are durable. However, due to the metal support, they do not offer the same translucency as zirconia. Porcelain crowns in Antalya are more suitable for use on front teeth; they may not provide the expected support for molars. This treatment is not suitable for people with a strong bite or those who clench their teeth.

Zirconium crown vs. porcelain: Main differences

1. Strength and durability

Zirconia crowns are stronger and more durable than porcelain crowns. They can withstand even very high chewing pressures. They are resistant to cracking and breaking. For this reason, they are frequently chosen for molars.

The fact that zirconia is very strong does not mean that porcelain crowns are weak. Porcelain crowns can also be used on both molars and front teeth. However, zirconia is a step ahead.

2. Appearance and natural look

Porcelain crowns reflect light and look just like natural teeth. They are among the best materials for achieving such a natural appearance. However, as they are metal-supported, the metal parts may become visible at the gum line over time. Alternatively, as they are not fully biocompatible, they may cause a greyish or dark discolouration of the gums in some people.

Antalya zirconia crowns, on the other hand, now offer a more natural and aesthetic appearance. Thanks to modern polishing and milling techniques, zirconia crowns in Antalya now produce more natural-looking results. As they are made from a single piece and are biocompatible, there is no discolouration of the gums or the crown itself.

3. Tooth preparation

Both types of dental crown treatment require tooth preparation. However, in some cases, more tooth reduction may be required because a thicker zirconia material is used.

4. Comfort and fit

Thanks to Digital smile design techniques, both treatments can be produced to fit the tooth perfectly. This means you can receive crown treatments that fit your teeth perfectly.

5. Resistance to staining

Both porcelain and zirconia crowns are resistant to discolouration. However, there are some differences due to their material composition. The pores on the surface of zirconia crowns are smaller than those on porcelain crowns. This prevents colour-causing substances from penetrating the crown. However, zirconia surfaces have a slight advantage over porcelain in terms of long-term resistance to discolouration.

6. Longevity

Zirconia crowns can last for more than 12 years. Porcelain crowns, on the other hand, have a lifespan of 10 years.

7. Costs

Porcelain crowns are a more economical option. In the UK, the cost of porcelain crowns ranges from £600 to £1,200 per tooth. In Turkey, zirconia crowns cost between £140 and £300 per tooth. At LD Clinic, monolithic zirconia crowns cost £165 per tooth. Porcelain crowns, on the other hand, cost between £95 and £250 per tooth. When you consider the advantages offered by zirconia crowns, you can view this treatment as an investment. If budget is a concern, rather than opting for a porcelain crown in the UK, you could choose a zirconia crown in Antalya at a more affordable price.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding zirconia crowns in Antalya.

FAQ

Is Turkey a good place for zirconium crowns?

Turkey is a well-developed country in terms of cosmetic dentistry and medical tourism. Thanks to the clinics’ high standards of hygiene, modern equipment, healthcare staff, and experienced dentists, dental treatments in Antalya have gained a reputation across Europe. Patients visiting here can receive treatment at very reasonable prices due to the low operating costs. Furthermore, patients do not have to wait long for appointments. Once the treatment plan has been prepared, the patient’s treatment can be completed without delays.

Are zirconium crowns better for sensitive teeth?

Patients usually report experiencing sensitivity for 1–3 days following dental crown treatment. This is normal. If the sensitivity persists for longer than 3 days, you must inform your dentist. This sensitivity is common with all types of dental crowns.

How do dentists choose between zirconium and porcelain?

The dentist assesses the patient’s needs and provides guidance accordingly. If the budget allows, zirconia crowns may be a better choice for the vast majority of patients. For this reason, zirconia crowns are very frequently chosen by patients from the UK.