Zirconia Crown vs Porcelain: Which Procedure To Choose?

Picture of Cosmedica Dental Team
Cosmedica Dental Team
We are an international team dedicated to providing the best dental care on the market and to informing and educating people around the world about restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
In this post

Your smile is your best accessory. This is a popular saying and for an excellent reason. If you are not confident in your smile, you may lose your sense of confidence altogether, which can lead to a range of issues. But there is an easy solution.

Dental crowns protect weakened teeth, improve your appearance, and restore full tooth functionality, but there is a catch. You need to pick the right type of dental crown for your teeth.

Today, we will look at the differences between zirconia and porcelain crowns. Let’s see which crown can give you the most confident smile.

dentist inspecting dental crown

Choosing the Right Dental Crown

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over a damaged or treated tooth. Their purpose is to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It doesn’t matter which type of procedure you had (a root canal, a large filling, or chipped enamel). The crown functions as a protective layer.

Acrylic temporary crowns and durable metal alternatives exist. However, the debate between zirconia crowns and porcelain crowns is still the most popular one online. Both materials are durable and look good, but they differ in their overall strength, total cost, and the way they shape your smile

Understanding these differences is the first step toward making the right choice.

What’s Zirconia?

In simple terms, it is a type of zirconium dioxide. This is a strong, white ceramic that is safe for the body and contains no metal.

Zirconia crowns stand out for their toughness in dentistry. Zirconia can handle strong biting pressure, making it great for back teeth. This is especially true for patients who often grind or clench their jaws.

Another cool fact is that dentists actually love zirconia because it combines strength and natural translucency. In short, it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing. Zirconia crowns are much stronger than metal-ceramic or resin crowns. They are also less likely to cause allergies or gum irritation.

What Are Porcelain Crowns?

Los dentistas diseñan coronas de porcelana para imitar el esmalte natural. They can reflect light in a way that makes them look exactly like real teeth. That’s why dentists often use them for front teeth restorations. Making everything look natural is crucial.

Porcelain may not be as strong as zirconia under heavy chewing forces. However, it is better for color matching and looks great.

Porcelain can be layered, tinted, and polished. This helps create a natural smile. Many people find this appealing for cosmetic dental work and veneers in Turkey.

Zirconia vs Porcelain Crown: Key Differences

You likely know the main differences between the two. To help you more, we created a comparison table. This table shows zirconia crowns and porcelain crowns side by side.

Feature

Zirconia Crown

Porcelain Crown

Strength and Durability

They are extremely strong and resistant to cracking or chipping, making them ideal for molars.

They are more fragile, making them ideal for low-pressure areas like front teeth.

Aesthetics

Slightly less translucent, though modern zirconia offers impressive natural looks.

Highly natural appearance with superior light reflection.

Longevity

They can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care.

They typically last 8 to 10 years.

Comfort

Smooth surface, biocompatible, and very gentle on your gums.

Also biocompatible, but more prone to minor wear and tear over time.

Cost

Slightly higher due to strength and longevity.

Usually more affordable but may require earlier replacement.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION!

Our team at Cosmedica Dental looks forward to hearing from you! Contact us now for a free consultation and a no-obligation analysis of your overbite situation.

Cost Considerations: Price of Dental Treatments in Turkey

To learn about dental treatment prices in Turkey, you are not alone. Many people are interested in this topic. Turkey is a popular destination for patients from around the world.

You might also be curious about zirconia vs porcelain crowns in Turkey. Clinics here offer world-class care at a fraction of the price you would pay in Western Europe or the US.

Here is a simple pricing breakdown.

  • Zirconia crowns: approximately between $215 and $325 per tooth
  • Porcelain crowns: around $160 and $270 per tooth
  • Porcelain-fused-to-zirconia crowns: between $270 and $380
  • Dental implants Turkey: usually $485 and $865 per implant, depending on the system and type of crown

These prices can change based on the clinic’s reputation, the crown’s design, and additional treatments like whitening or veneers. Many international patients find that getting crowns or implants in Turkey is much cheaper, even with travel costs.

Which Is Better for You? Zirconia vs Porcelain

Which one should you choose? The porcelain vs zirconia crown battle continues, and the right answer for you depends on your specific issue.

  • For the back teeth, for strength and durability, zirconia is the better option. It resists fractures and is ideal for individuals who prefer hard foods or grind their teeth.
  • For the front teeth, porcelain remains unbeatable for its natural beauty. It blends seamlessly with neighboring teeth and delivers a more natural look.
  • Mixed or layered options are also a thing. Some modern crowns combine the best of both worlds. They have a zirconia core for strength and a porcelain exterior that looks just like the real thing.

 

Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Crown for Your Smile

Choosing between zirconia and porcelain crowns is not simple. It isn’t just about which material is better. More about which one fits you better, but one thing is for sure.

Both options can help restore your confidence, comfort, and the natural beauty of your smile. Before making a decision, talk to a qualified dental professional. With the right help, you will leave the clinic smiling more than ever. Your crown will look and feel just like normal.

FAQ

Which is better, zirconia or porcelain?

Zirconia is stronger, and porcelain looks more natural.

Exceptional strength, biocompatibility, and a long lifespan.

Superior translucency, natural aesthetics, and customizable colors.

Porcelain usually offers the most natural look, especially for front teeth.

Zirconia lasts 15 years or more. Porcelain can last about 10 years.