Ceramic crowns are dental restorations crafted from high-quality dental ceramics, typically porcelain or similar materials. These ceramics are specially engineered to mimic the appearance and properties of natural tooth enamel, offering a combination of aesthetics and functionality.

The primary material in zirconia crowns is zirconium dioxide, a ceramic material known for its strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and fracture.

Ceramic crowns closely mimic the natural translucency of tooth enamel, reflecting and transmitting light in a similar way.

Zirconia is one of the strongest dental materials available, with a strength rating of over 900–1200 MPa (megapascals). This makes it highly resistant to fractures, cracks, and wear.

Ceramic crowns are highly translucent and closely mimic natural tooth enamel, making them ideal for patients who want a natural-looking restoration, even for back teeth that are slightly visible when smiling.

Traditional zirconia crowns are more opaque compared to ceramic crowns, which can make them appear slightly artificial, especially when used for front teeth they are better suited for back teeth

Ceramic crowns, while durable, are more prone to chipping or cracking under excessive force Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, hard candies, or nuts to prevent damage to the crown.

Teeth grinding (bruxism), poor oral hygiene, and lack of regular dental check-ups may affect the crown’s longevity, but zirconia is generally more resilient to these issues than ceramic.

If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can protect both ceramic and zirconia crowns from wear.

The price may be influenced by whether the ceramic crown is made from porcelain (more affordable) or lithium disilicate (which is generally a bit more expensive but stronger and more durable).

Zirconia crowns are extremely durable, which makes them great for patients who have a strong bite or teeth grinding habits. However, their hardness can sometimes cause issues for patients with sensitive teeth.

In some cases, if the damage is minimal and only affects the surface, a bonding agent may be used to smooth the affected area. However, this is only effective for minor chips and will not restore the strength or appearance of the crown.