At PM KJB Dental Lab, we understand dentists need reliable crown options. Patients want crowns that look nice and last long. Two common choices are porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and zirconia crowns. Each has pros and cons. This guide compares them to help you decide. We’ll cover looks, strength, uses, costs, and more. Let’s get started!
What’s a PFM Crown?
PFM crowns have been used for decades. They have a metal base covered with porcelain. The metal makes them strong. The porcelain makes them look like real teeth. At our lab, we make PFM crowns with care to ensure they’re tough and attractive.
The metal can be of different types:
- Non-precious: Made with metals like nickel or cobalt. They’re cheaper but can cause allergies in some people.
- Semi-precious: Has some noble metals, like palladium, for better quality.
- High noble: Uses gold or platinum for the best compatibility with the body.
Porcelain is baked onto the metal at high heat. This bonds them tightly. But the porcelain can chip over time.
What’s a Zirconia Crown?
Zirconia crowns are newer and very popular. They’re made from zirconium dioxide, a super-strong ceramic. No metal is used, so they’re great for patients allergic to metals. At PM KJB Dental Lab, we offer different zirconia types, like strong or see-through versions, for various needs.
Zirconia comes in two forms:
- Solid zirconia: One solid piece, perfect for back teeth because it’s so tough.
- Layered zirconia: Has a zirconia base with porcelain on top for better looks, often used for front teeth.
Zirconia’s strength and natural appearance make it a favorite for many dentists. It works for crowns, bridges, and implants.
How Are They Made?
PFM crowns have two parts: metal inside and porcelain outside. The metal gives strength, but it can show as a gray line if gums shrink. Zirconia crowns are usually one solid piece, which avoids this issue. Some zirconia crowns have porcelain layered on top, but most are just zirconia.
At our lab, we use high-quality materials for both. Our zirconia crowns are made from top-notch zirconium dioxide. Our PFM crowns use safe metal alloys to reduce allergy risks.
Which Looks Better?
Looks are important, especially for front teeth. Zirconia crowns often look more natural. They let light pass through like real teeth, giving a lifelike shine. Our high-translucency zirconia at PM KJB Dental Lab is great for front teeth where appearance matters most.
PFM crowns can look good too, thanks to the porcelain. But the metal base can be a problem. If gums pull back, a gray line might show near the gums. We offer PFM crowns with porcelain edges to hide the metal and improve the look.
For the best aesthetics, zirconia is usually the winner. It avoids metal issues. But with skilled work, PFM crowns can still look great, especially for back teeth.
Which Is Stronger?
Crowns need to handle chewing, especially in the back. Zirconia is super strong. Solid zirconia is one of the toughest dental materials, resisting cracks even with heavy biting. It’s perfect for patients who grind their teeth.
PFM crowns are strong too, thanks to the metal inside. They’re great for long bridges or back teeth. But the porcelain on top can chip or break, especially if the patient grinds a lot. At our lab, we use strong porcelain to help prevent this.
Zirconia tends to last longer without issues. PFM crowns can last decades, but the porcelain might need fixing sooner.
When to Use Each
Choosing PFM or zirconia depends on the patient’s needs. Here’s when each works best:
PFM Crowns
- Back teeth: Great for molars where chewing is intense.
- Long bridges: The metal makes them sturdy for big gaps.
- Partial dentures: They connect well with denture frameworks.
- Tight budgets: PFMs cost less than zirconia.
Zirconia Crowns
- Front teeth: Look natural, perfect for smiles.
- Metal allergies: Safe for sensitive patients.
- Back teeth: Solid zirconia handles heavy chewing.
- Implants: Works well with implant posts.
- Full-arch bridges: Strong and pretty for big restorations.
We help dentists pick the right crown at PM KJB Dental Lab. We look at the tooth, patient needs, and other factors to suggest the best option.
Are They Safe?
Zirconia is very safe. It’s metal-free, so no allergies. It’s gentle on gums and doesn’t irritate. PFM crowns are usually safe, but some metals, like nickel, can cause reactions in rare cases. We use high-noble metals, like gold, to avoid this.
Zirconia is better for gum health. Its smooth surface keeps plaque away, reducing gum problems. Studies show zirconia crowns cause less gum irritation than PFMs.
How Much Do They Cost?
PFM crowns are cheaper. The materials and process cost less, especially with basic metals. We keep PFM prices fair at our lab to help patients on a budget.
Zirconia crowns cost more. The material is pricier, and making them requires advanced tools. But they last longer, so they’re worth it for some patients. Costs depend on the case and location, but PFMs might save $100–$200 per crown.
Do They Harm Other Teeth?
Hard crowns can wear down opposing teeth. Zirconia is very hard and can cause wear if not polished well. We polish our zirconia crowns carefully to protect other teeth. PFM crowns can also wear teeth, especially if the porcelain chips and exposes metal. We use smooth porcelain to reduce this.
How Are They Made and Fitted?
Zirconia crowns are made with digital tools. Machines carve them precisely, so they fit perfectly. This saves time at the dentist’s office. PFM crowns are more hands-on. The metal is cast, and porcelain is added by hand. It’s a solid process, but not as exact as digital.
Zirconia needs less tooth drilling. It’s strong even when thin, saving more of the natural tooth. PFM crowns need more tooth removed for the metal and porcelain. At PM KJB Dental Lab, we ensure both types fit well.
How Long Do They Last?
Both crowns can last for years with good care. PFM crowns have been around forever and can last 30 years or more. But the porcelain might chip, needing fixes. Zirconia is newer, but studies show it lasts well, often over 95% intact after 10 years. They’re less likely to chip.
Patients need to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly to keep their crowns in top shape.
Real-Life Examples
Here’s how to choose in common cases:
- Back tooth crown: Zirconia is great for strength, especially for grinders.
- Front tooth crown: Zirconia looks best for a natural smile.
- Big bridge: PFM is better for long spans with small connectors.
- Implant crown: Zirconia hides metal posts well.
- Metal allergy: Zirconia is the only choice.
We work with dentists to pick the right material for every patient at our lab.
Quick Pros and Cons
PFM Crowns
Pros:
- Strong with metal inside.
- Cheaper than zirconia.
- Long history of success.
- Good for big bridges.
Cons:
- Metal might show at gums.
- Porcelain can chip.
- Some metals cause allergies.
- Needs more tooth drilling.
Zirconia Crowns
Pros:
- Very strong, especially solid zirconia.
- Looks natural.
- No metal, no allergies.
- Less tooth drilling.
- Good for gums.
Cons:
- More expensive.
- Can wear other teeth if not polished.
- Not ideal for some long bridges.
Why PM KJB Dental Lab?
We’re proud of our work at PM KJB Dental Lab. Our team has years of experience making PFM and zirconia crowns. We use the best materials and tools to create crowns that last and look great. Whether it’s a PFM for a budget case or a zirconia for a front tooth, we deliver.
We also offer personal support. Our team talks with dentists to plan cases and choose materials. Our fair prices and quick delivery make us a go-to lab.
How to Decide?
Consider these:
- Tooth location: Zirconia for front teeth; either for back teeth.
- Patient wishes: Looks, cost, or allergies matter.
- Case details: Bridges or implants lean toward one material.
- Cost: PFM saves money; zirconia lasts longer.
Talk to your patient about their needs and habits. We’re here to help you choose at PM KJB Dental Lab.
Wrapping Up
PFM and zirconia crowns both have strengths. PFMs are affordable and strong, with years of proven use. Zirconia looks better, lasts longer, and is safe for all patients. At PM KJB Dental Lab, we craft with care to help your patients smile confidently.
Need help with a case? Reach out to PM KJB Dental Lab today. Let’s create lasting smiles together!
