That’s exactly what’s making me hesitate about getting zirconia for my kid’s next crown. I keep reading how tough they are, but then I picture her grinding away at night and wonder if it’s just going to wreck the tooth above. Our dentist acted like it’s mostly a “worst case scenario” thing, but I’m not convinced—kids are hard on their teeth. I haven’t heard of anyone actually needing to replace an opposing tooth yet, but honestly, the idea nags at me. Peace of mind is great, but not if it means more dental work down the line...
That’s a really valid concern, especially since kids can be pretty rough on their teeth, and night grinding isn’t uncommon. Zirconia is definitely tough—sometimes almost too tough, which is where the worry about the opposing tooth comes in. In my experience, it’s rare to see real damage unless there’s already heavy grinding going on, but I get why that would stick in your mind. Sometimes we’ll use a softer material or recommend a night guard if we know a kid grinds a lot, just to play it safe. It’s always a bit of a balancing act—durability versus being gentle on the rest of the mouth.
That’s such a relatable point about balancing strength and being gentle on the rest of the teeth. I’ve seen a few cases where a super tough crown like zirconia held up perfectly, but the tooth opposite started to show wear after a while—especially with kids who grind their teeth at night. On the flip side, my niece had a porcelain crown that chipped after just a couple years, but it never bothered her other teeth. It really does feel like there’s no perfect answer, just what works best for each situation. You’re not overthinking it at all—these are tricky choices.
I totally relate to the struggle of figuring out which crown material is better. I’ve had both porcelain and zirconia crowns over the years (unfortunately, my teeth seem to love drama), and it’s honestly been a mixed bag. My first porcelain crown looked amazing—it matched my other teeth so well, no one could tell it was fake. But within about three years, I noticed a little chip on the edge. It didn’t hurt, but every time I ran my tongue over it, it bugged me. The dentist said it wasn’t urgent, just cosmetic, but still… kind of annoying.
A few years later, I switched to zirconia for a molar that takes most of the chewing. That thing is like a tank—no chips or cracks after five years. But weirdly, my bottom tooth started feeling sensitive about a year in. The dentist mentioned that sometimes super hard crowns can wear down the opposing tooth if you grind your teeth at night (which I apparently do… news to me). Now I sleep with a night guard, which helps, but it’s an extra step I never had with the porcelain one.
Has anyone else noticed that crowns feel different when you bite down? My zirconia one feels almost too solid compared to my natural teeth. Maybe it’s just me being hyper-aware after going through so many dental procedures.
Honestly, I wish there was a perfect answer—like some magic crown that’s strong but not too tough on the rest of your mouth. For now, I guess it’s just picking what fits your habits and hoping for the best. Did insurance cover much for anyone else? My plan barely chipped in (no pun intended), which was another headache altogether.
You nailed a lot of the key differences. Porcelain crowns really do blend in better, but yeah, chipping is a common complaint, especially if you’re someone who grinds or clenches. They’re more forgiving on the opposing teeth, though, which is nice if you’ve got a strong bite or a history of sensitivity.
Zirconia is definitely the “tank” of crowns—super durable, but that hardness can be a double-edged sword. I’ve seen patients with worn-down opposing teeth or new sensitivity, just like you described. Night guards help, but I get that it’s annoying to add another thing to your routine.
Insurance coverage is all over the place. Some plans treat crowns as “major work” and only cover 50% (or less), and others barely help at all. It’s frustrating, especially with how expensive these things get.
There’s no perfect crown material, honestly. It’s a trade-off between strength, looks, and how your bite works. I wish there was a magic option too… maybe someday. For now, it really does come down to your habits and priorities.
