That Lego block edge... yeah, that’s a rite of passage, right? I kept poking at it for weeks until my tongue finally gave up. As for color, I had two crowns done within a year—one zirconia, one porcelain—and the match was way better on the porcelain. The lab actually did a custom shade and some layering, which made a huge difference. The zirconia was more of a “close enough” situation, but honestly, unless you’re staring at my molars under bright lights, it’s not super obvious.
Sensitivity-wise, you nailed it. The zirconia crown is way less reactive to cold stuff. I used to wince just thinking about ice cream—now I can eat it without doing that weird half-mouth thing. But here’s something funny: the porcelain crown feels smoother to my tongue even now, while the zirconia still has this faint “edge” sensation if I really focus on it. Maybe that’s just me being weirdly aware of my teeth.
About wear on opposing teeth—I actually grind my teeth at night (thanks, stress), so that was a concern. My dentist mentioned zirconia can be rougher on whatever it chews against if you’re a hardcore grinder. They did some polishing and told me to keep using a night guard. So far, no major issues after two years, but I do check for little chips or cracks in the opposing tooth every time I go in.
Honestly, if I had to choose again and it was for a front tooth? Probably porcelain for the look. For back teeth where nobody sees them? Zirconia wins for durability and how chill it is with hot/cold drinks. Did anyone else have insurance drama with these? Mine barely covered anything—felt like buying a tiny piece of jewelry for my mouth...
Insurance barely covered mine too—felt like a joke, honestly. I’ve got both types as well and I still worry about the zirconia being too hard on my other teeth, especially since I clench at night. My dentist said zirconia should last longer, but I get anxious about chipping or cracks either way. Porcelain looks nicer for sure, but I’m always scared it’ll break if I bite wrong. I keep checking in the mirror... probably overthinking it.
I’ve got both types as well and I still worry about the zirconia being too hard on my other teeth, especially since I clench at night.
I hear you on that one. Nighttime clenching is a real issue, and it’s one of those things that makes the whole “which crown is better” debate a lot less clear-cut. I know zirconia has this reputation for being nearly indestructible, but I’ve actually seen a few cases where it wore down the opposing tooth faster than expected—especially for people who grind or clench. My own lower molar, which has a zirconia crown, has held up, but the upper tooth across from it is showing more wear than I’d like. Maybe it’s just me, but I sometimes wonder if the extra durability is worth it if it means risking other teeth.
On the flip side, I get the appeal of porcelain. It really does look more like a natural tooth, and for front teeth I’d probably always pick it. But yeah, it’s not as tough—my cousin managed to chip her porcelain crown on a popcorn kernel, which pretty much confirmed my paranoia. Still, I think with a good bite guard at night (if you’re not already using one), you can reduce the risk quite a bit for both materials.
I guess my main point is: I don’t totally buy that zirconia is the obvious winner for everyone. For people who clench or grind, sometimes a slightly softer material might actually be safer in the long run, even if it means replacing it sooner. And honestly, the anxiety of constantly checking your crowns in the mirror? Been there. It’s easy to overthink it, but at the end of the day, nothing’s totally bulletproof—sometimes it just comes down to what helps you sleep better (literally and figuratively).
Insurance coverage is a whole other headache. Mine barely put a dent in the cost either. Makes you question what you’re even paying for half the time...
Totally relate to the popcorn paranoia—my dad cracked his porcelain crown on a pistachio, so now I’m weirdly nervous around nuts. Honestly, I’ve got one zirconia and one porcelain too, and sometimes it feels like a lose-lose. Bite guard’s been a lifesaver for me, though. Insurance barely covered anything here either... almost makes you want to skip the dentist altogether (kidding... mostly).
almost makes you want to skip the dentist altogether (kidding... mostly).
Honestly, I get where you're coming from. The costs are wild, and I’m always holding my breath at the front desk. But skipping the dentist actually made things worse for me—ended up with a cracked molar that needed a crown in the first place. I do think zirconia’s a bit tougher than porcelain (mine’s survived my accidental popcorn binge), but I still chew on the other side out of habit. Bite guard’s helped, but I sometimes wonder if I’m just being overly cautious...
