Zirconia’s like the tank of crowns—doesn’t always match the tooth next to it perfectly, but it’ll take a beating.
Totally get what you mean. I’ve seen folks who grind their teeth just shred porcelain crowns in a year or two, but their zirconia ones are still chugging along. Porcelain does look more natural though, especially up front. Sometimes I wish there was a middle ground—something that looks as good as porcelain but holds up like zirconia. Maybe one day... For now, it’s all about picking your battles, I guess.
Zirconia’s like the tank of crowns—doesn’t always match the tooth next to it perfectly, but it’ll take a beating.
That “tank” description cracked me up, but it’s true. I went with zirconia for my back molar because my dentist said it’d hold up better if I ever needed to crunch ice (guilty). Honestly, I was a little bummed at first since it doesn’t blend in quite as well as porcelain, but after seeing what happened to my cousin’s porcelain crown—she chipped it on a popcorn kernel within six months—I’m glad I picked the sturdy option.
I get what you mean about wishing there was a perfect in-between. For me, it came down to cost too. Insurance covered more of the zirconia, and I didn’t want to risk paying out-of-pocket for a replacement down the line. If it’s a front tooth, I might’ve thought twice, but for molars? I’ll take “tank” over “pretty” any day.
- Love the “tank” comparison, it really fits.
- I’m still new to this whole crown thing, but I keep hearing zirconia’s tougher, especially for people who chew ice or hard stuff (guilty here too).
- The color mismatch is something I worry about, though. Has anyone had a zirconia crown that actually blended in well, or is it always a little off?
- Also, does anyone regret not going with porcelain for a back tooth, or is the strength just worth it?
I totally get the worry about color—honestly, my zirconia crown on a molar is just a shade off from my other teeth, but it’s way in the back so I don’t notice unless I’m really looking for it. The strength has been a huge plus, though. I do chew ice (bad habit, I know), and so far, no chips or cracks. I debated porcelain too, but my dentist said for back teeth, the extra durability of zirconia usually wins out. If it was a front tooth, I’d probably lean porcelain for the aesthetics, but for chewing power? Zirconia’s been solid.
Did your dentist say anything about zirconia being safe for kids? My daughter needs a crown on a molar and I’m worried about her biting down too hard or chewing gum. Also, did you notice any sensitivity after getting it? I keep hearing mixed things about that.
