It’s funny, I’ve seen the same thing with crowns—people get so worked up about whether they picked the “right” material, and then something totally random happens, like a pita chip taking out a porcelain crown. I’ve actually had a few patients come back after a year or two with chipped porcelain, and honestly, it’s always a bummer (especially after all the color matching drama). But then, I’ve also seen zirconia crowns that look kind of dull or opaque, especially if the lab’s not really on their game with the layering.
Here’s what I keep wondering: is it more about the material, or is it really about where the crown is and how you use your teeth? Like, are we expecting too much from porcelain in certain spots, or is zirconia just not there yet for front teeth esthetics? I’ve noticed molar crowns in zirconia holding up really well, but I’m not sure I’d want one on my front tooth. Has anyone actually had a zirconia crown up front that looked natural, or do they always end up a bit off?
I’ve actually had a couple patients with zirconia crowns up front, and honestly, it’s hit or miss. One guy had a lateral incisor done—looked decent in normal light, but under certain angles you could tell it didn’t have that same “glow” as natural enamel. He was happy enough, but his wife noticed right away. On the other hand, I’ve seen some newer multilayered zirconias that are way better than the old stuff, especially if the lab tech really knows their craft.
Porcelain still wins for translucency and color matching, especially in the front. But yeah, it’s definitely more fragile. I’ve seen more chips and fractures in porcelain than I can count, and it always seems to be something silly like a tortilla chip or even biting a pen cap.
I think you’re right—it’s not just the material; it’s where the crown is and how people use their teeth. Molars? Zirconia all day. Front teeth? If someone’s super picky about esthetics, porcelain-fused-to-zirconia or even e.max might be safer. But nothing’s totally foolproof.
I’ve had both porcelain and zirconia crowns (lucky me, right?), and honestly, I get the whole esthetic vs. durability debate. My front tooth is porcelain-fused-to-zirconia, and I was super picky about how it looked because, well, it’s right there when I smile. It does look pretty natural, but yeah, I’m always a bit nervous about biting into anything crunchy—chips, apples, even pizza crust sometimes. My dentist warned me it’s more fragile than zirconia.
Now, my molars are all zirconia. Those things are basically tanks. I grind my teeth at night and chew on ice (bad habit, I know), and they’ve held up with zero issues for years. I will say, the upfront cost for zirconia was a little higher, but not by much once insurance kicked in.
If you’re watching your budget and want something that’ll last, especially for back teeth, zirconia is hard to beat. For front teeth, if you’re really particular about how it looks, maybe spend a bit more for a good lab or consider e.max. Just don’t expect any crown to be totally invincible... dental bills have taught me that the hard way.
Totally get where you’re coming from on the “not invincible” part—dental bills can be such a wake-up call. I’ve had to make those budget decisions myself, and it’s always a bit of a balancing act. Honestly, I think you made a pretty smart call: zirconia for the molars (where nobody sees, but you need the strength), and something more natural-looking up front.
I used to stress about the cost difference, too. At first, I thought I’d regret going with zirconia on my back teeth because of the price, but after a couple years of chewing through all kinds of snacks (and yes, ice sometimes... old habits die hard), I’m glad I didn’t cheap out there. My dentist said the same thing about e.max for front teeth if you want that extra bit of “realness.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the price tags, but in the long run, durability does save you from having to redo things. Anyway, you’re not alone worrying about biting into crunchy stuff—I still cut apples just to be safe.
Anyway, you’re not alone worrying about biting into crunchy stuff—I still cut apples just to be safe.
Ha, glad I’m not the only one! I swear, every time I eye a caramel apple, it’s like my crowns are whispering “don’t even think about it.” I went with zirconia for my molars too—no regrets. Those things are tanks. Porcelain looked prettier but my dentist said it chips easier, especially if you’re a grinder (guilty). The up-front cost stings but redoing a crown is way worse.
