I've been reading through this thread because I'm supposed to get my first crown next month, and honestly, I'm pretty nervous about it. I grind my teeth too, though probably not as intensely as you described (chewing concrete, lol). My dentist mentioned zirconia briefly, but mostly talked about porcelain, so now I'm wondering if zirconia would be safer for someone anxious like me who worries about durability...
Did anyone here have issues with sensitivity or discomfort after getting zirconia crowns? Or is it pretty much the same as porcelain in terms of comfort? I know toughness matters, but comfort is a big deal for me too. Just trying to get a sense of what to expect...
I got zirconia crowns about a year ago because I grind my teeth too, and honestly, comfort-wise they're pretty similar to porcelain. Didn't notice any extra sensitivity or discomfort after the first week or so. Zirconia definitely feels sturdier though, which helps ease my anxiety about cracking them (and paying for replacements...). If durability is a big worry for you, zirconia might be worth considering—just double-check the cost difference with your dentist first.
Yeah, zirconia definitely has a reputation for being tougher, especially if you're prone to grinding. Did your dentist mention anything about the wear on opposing teeth though? I've heard zirconia can sometimes be a bit harsher on the teeth it comes into contact with compared to porcelain. My dentist mentioned that porcelain might be gentler in that regard, but of course, durability is a big factor too. Curious if anyone's noticed any differences in how their natural teeth hold up against zirconia crowns over time. I grind a lot at night, so I'm trying to weigh durability vs. potential wear on my other teeth...
That's a valid concern, but from my experience, the idea that zirconia is significantly harsher on opposing teeth might be a bit overstated. While it's true zirconia is harder, the wear on opposing teeth often depends more on how well the crown is polished and adjusted rather than just the material itself. I've seen patients with porcelain crowns that weren't properly finished, and those actually caused more wear than well-polished zirconia crowns.
Also, if you're grinding heavily at night, the durability factor of zirconia might outweigh the slight difference in abrasiveness. Porcelain can chip or fracture under heavy grinding pressure, leading to more frequent replacements or repairs. Zirconia tends to hold up better under these conditions, potentially saving you from repeated dental work down the line.
Of course, everyone's situation is unique, and proper bite adjustment and a good night guard can make a huge difference regardless of the crown material you choose. Just something else to consider...
I get what you're saying about zirconia holding up better, especially for grinders. But honestly, I've had porcelain crowns for over a decade now (and yep, I'm a grinder too...) and haven't had issues with chipping or excessive wear yet. Maybe I've just been lucky or my dentist nailed the adjustments, but I'd say porcelain durability might be underestimated sometimes. Like you said though, everyone's different—just thought I'd share another perspective.
