Zirconia Crowns vs PFM Crowns – Which is better?

A sudden crack in a tooth or a dentist’s recommendation for a crown instantly brings one common question in front of most patients: Zirconia Crowns vs PFM Crowns. Both are widely used also both restore function and both protect your natural tooth. But choosing the right one depends on what you expect from your dental restoration. If you want strength, aesthetics, durability and long term value then the comparison becomes even more important.

This blog simplifies everything you need to know. Explore how each crown works, their pros and cons, long term performance and which one truly suits your needs. Continue reading to understand all key differences clearly.

Today, two major materials dominate the world of dental crowns: Zirconia and PFM each offering a different set of advantages depending on the case.

What Are Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium oxide a ceramic based material known for superior strength and natural translucency. They are metal free and highly biocompatible making them suitable even for patients with metal allergies. 

Key qualities of Zirconia crowns include:

• Extreme crack resistance.
• Natural teeth like appearance.
• Long lasting performance under heavy bite forces.
• No risk of metal allergy or gum discoloration.
• High precision when designed using CAD CAM technology.

These qualities have made Zirconia crowns one of the most preferred choices globally.

What Are PFM Crowns? 

PFM crowns combine two materials. The inner structure is metal while the outer layer is porcelain. This allows the crown to provide strength from the metal core and aesthetics from the porcelain.

PFM crowns have been used for several decades and remain a reliable choice for many dental restorations.

Typical features include:

• Strong metal foundation.
• Porcelain layered outer surface.
• Good durability with proper care.
• Suitable for both front and back teeth.

However, like every material PFMs come with limitations that may influence decision making.

Zirconia Crowns vs PFM Crowns: Detailed Comparison

Here is a complete, easy to understand breakdown of both options to help you make the right choice.

1. Strength and Durability

Strength plays a major role especially when restoring molars that handle heavy chewing pressure.

Zirconia Crowns:

• One of the strongest dental materials.
• Resistant to fractures and cracks.
• Ideal for patients with a heavy bite or teeth grinding habits.
• Can easily withstand long term wear.

PFM Crowns:

• Strong because of the metal base.
• Porcelain layering can chip over time.
• Less resistant to long term pressure compared to Zirconia.

Winner: Zirconia

The superior structural strength of Zirconia crowns makes them more durable in the long run.

2. Aesthetic Appearance

Appearance matters greatly for front teeth restorations.

Zirconia Crowns:

• Highly translucent and natural looking.
• Mimic real enamel very closely.
• No metal line near the gums.
• Do not cause gum discoloration.

PFM Crowns:

• Decent aesthetics but not as natural as Zirconia.
• Over time, the metal margin may show as a dark line.
• Porcelain can lose shine or chip after years.

Winner: Zirconia

 For a realistic appearance Zirconia crowns clearly stand out.

3. Comfort and Fit

A well fitting crown ensures better bite alignment and comfort.

Zirconia Crowns:

• Designed using CAD CAM digital technology.
• High precision and accurate fit.
• Better gum adaptation and comfort.

PFM Crowns:

• Traditional fabrication techniques can result in minor inconsistencies.
• Fit can vary depending on the metal and porcelain layering.

Winner: Zirconia

Digital precision gives Zirconia crowns a significant advantage.

4. Biocompatibility and Safety

Patients with metal allergies often face problems with PFM crowns.

Zirconia Crowns: 

• Metal free and biocompatible.
• No risk of allergic reactions.
• Safe for long term placement.

PFM Crowns:

• Metal allergies are possible for sensitive patients.
• Gum darkening may occur due to metal oxidation.

Winner: Zirconia

Zirconia crowns are more favorable from a biological safety perspective.

5. Longevity and Maintenance

How long a crown lasts depends on material quality and oral hygiene.

Zirconia Crowns:

• Last 15 to 20 years or more with proper care.
• Low maintenance requirements.
• High resistance to wear and plaque buildup.

PFM Crowns:

• Typically last 10 to 15 years.
• Porcelain chips may require repairs or replacement.
• More prone to wear at the gumline. 

Winner: Zirconia

Zirconia offers superior longevity with fewer complications.

6. Cost Considerations

One of the important factors patients look at is the dental crown cost in Chennai. Pricing depends on the clinic, material, digital technology used and the complexity of the case.

Zirconia Crowns:

• Usually more expensive due to advanced material and digital fabrication.
• Value for money because of long term durability and aesthetics.

PFM Crowns:

• Less expensive initially.
• May require replacement sooner compared to Zirconia.

Winner: Depends on your budget and expectations

 If long term value matters more then Zirconia is worth the investment.

7. Suitability for Different Teeth

Choosing the right type of crown also depends on where it will be placed.

Zirconia Crowns:

• Ideal for molars that need strength.
• Excellent for front teeth due to natural look.
• Suitable for full mouth rehabilitation cases.

PFM Crowns:

• Commonly used in back teeth.
• Not ideal for patients with high aesthetic expectations.
• Less suitable for highly visible front teeth.

Winner: 

Zirconia for overall versatility. 

When Should You Choose Zirconia Crowns? 

A Zirconia crown is ideal if you prefer:

• Superior strength.
• Natural translucency for front teeth.
• Better long term value.
• A metal free restoration.
• Advanced digital precision.
• High durability for molars.

Most patients today prefer Zirconia crowns because they offer a combination of aesthetics and strength without compromising on comfort.

When Should You Choose PFM Crowns? 

Choose PFM crowns when you want:

• A relatively cost effective solution.
• A strong crown for the back teeth.
• An option that has been in use for several decades.
• Durability with moderate aesthetics.

They remain a good choice for cases where budget is a major concern.

How Dentists Determine the Right Crown for You? 

Your dentist evaluates multiple factors before suggesting the type of crown. These include:

• Location of the damaged tooth.
• Bite pressure and chewing habits.
• Aesthetic concerns.
• Gum condition.
• Allergies or sensitivity to metals.
• Condition of the remaining tooth structure.
• Long term oral health goals.
• Expectation regarding durability and appearance.

Personal requirements vary so recommendations are always case specific.

Understanding the Treatment Process

The crown placement procedure is generally performed in two visits.

Visit 1: Tooth Preparation and Designing

• The dentist numbs the tooth.
• A thin layer is removed to make space for the crown.
• Digital impressions are taken if Zirconia is chosen.
• A temporary crown is placed until the final crown is ready.

Visit 2: Crown Placement

• Temporary crown is removed.
• Fit, shape and bite alignment are checked.
• The final crown is cemented securely.
• The dentist instructs you about care and maintenance.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Proper maintenance ensures the crown lasts long and performs well.

Follow these simple tips:

• Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush.
• Floss regularly to avoid plaque buildup.
• Avoid chewing ice or hard objects.
• Visit your dentist for routine checkups.
• Maintain gum health to support the crown.
• If you have teeth grinding habits then use a night guard.

Zirconia Crowns vs PFM Crowns: Final Verdict

At Radiant Dental Care, we help patients choose the right crown every day and in most cases, Zirconia crowns come out on top. They offer superior strength, a natural look, long-lasting durability and excellent biocompatibility. While PFM crowns are still suitable for budget-focused or back-to-tooth restorations Zirconia provides better long-term value and aesthetics.

With our advanced digital technology we ensure Zirconia crowns are highly precise, lifelike and comfortable. The dental crown cost in Chennai varies by material and treatment needs and we guide every patient to find the best balance of quality and affordability.

As one of the most trusted dental hospitals in Chennai we are committed to giving you restorations that look great, feel natural and last for years.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1.​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Which crown is better for long term durability: Zirconia or PFM?

Answer. As a rule, zirconia crowns have a longer life span as they are composed of a single layer of high-strength ceramic material which is resistant to cracks and fractures. Metal-ceramic crowns are also powerful, but their porcelain layer may chip with the passage of time. If it is long-term strength that is of your utmost concern then the best choice would most likely be that of a zirconia crown.

2. Are Zirconia crowns more natural looking than PFM crowns?

Answer. The answer is yes. Zirconia crowns have better translucency which allows them to look more like the natural enamel of the teeth. Metal-ceramic crowns are less visual-pleasing as the metal layer underneath can sometimes reflect as a dark line near the gums. When it comes to the front teeth that are most visible the best option of the two would be a zirconia crown as it would provide a more convincing look.

3. How does the dental crown cost in Chennai vary between Zirconia and PFM?

Answer. The cost of a dental crown in Chennai depends on a number of factors such as the material used the technology employed and the requirements of the dental condition. In general, a zirconia crown is more costly due to its strength, beauty and digital CAD CAM fabrication. The initial cost of a PFM crown is lower, however, it may be the case that a replacement will be needed in a short period of time thus making zirconia a more cost-effective option in the long run.

4. Which is recommended by dentists at the best dental hospital in Chennai?

Answer. Normally, dentists would suggest the use of zirconia crowns to patients who opt for excellent aesthetics, long-lasting strength and biocompatibility. Although, in cases where money is the only factor to be considered or for some particular restorations of the back molars, the PFM anamnesis may be offered. The final decision is a combination of factors that include the state of your tooth, the biting force and your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌expectations.