Porcelain is the most important material to make dental crowns. There are two kinds of dental crowns in terms of materials: all-ceramic crown and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns (or PFM crowns) can be referred to as full-cast crowns which has porcelain fused on most or all parts of the tooth. Metal alloys with a high melting temperature are used to fuse porcelain to the surface and preventing the metal from melting. This ensures the porcelain to bond without changing its color. All-ceramic crown is a type of cosmetic crown which are made purely from ceramic and no other material.

They both have their own advantages and disadvantages. All-ceramic crown is made from a thinner material which results in a lighter crown. Plus the material used is bio-compatible which is kind to natural gum tissue and enables it to grow back alongside the crown. There is no risk of an allergic reaction or sensitivity to hot or cold foods. All-ceramic crown has more appealing appearance and looks more like natural teeth compared with porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. But all-ceramic crown is more fragile due to its pure porcelain material, while porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is more stable and powerful. PFM crown can remedy the fragile deficiencies of the purely porcelain crown. However, with the application of porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, some problems have arisen, such as black metal line around the gum line and gingival inflammation, etc.

Along with the disadvantages of all ceramic crown and porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, CAD/CAM zirconium all-ceramic crown is developed and has been applied widely. Thanks to its extreme durability and natural look, zirconium crown is getting more and more popular. Zirconium is becoming one of the most chosen materials for dental crowns.

The advantages of zirconium all-ceramic crown are

Ⅰ.Extraordinarily tough

Ⅱ.Can withstand wear and tear

Ⅲ.Translucent enough to be similar to natural teeth

Ⅳ.Less tooth removal

Ⅴ.No Metal fuse

Ⅵ.Modifiable size, shape and color

Ⅶ.Biocompatible 

The porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can be used in the back teeth with its stability and strength; the all-ceramic crown can be used in the front teeth; the zirconium all-ceramic crown can be used in the front or back teeth. However, the price of zirconium all-ceramic crown is also high.

Zirconium crown prices greatly vary depending on the country you live in, the experience of the dentist and the dental technician providing the treatment, the size of the crown/tooth. However in general it is true that zirconium is the most expensive type of dental crown. Unfortunately the increased durability, the natural look and biocompatibility comes with a price tag.