Porcelain Bonded Crowns vs Ceramic Crowns: Which Is Better for You?

Porcelain Bonded Crowns vs Ceramic Crowns: Which Is Better for You?

Post by : admin | 18 October 2024

Dental crowns are a cornerstone of modern dentistry, offering solutions to restore damaged teeth, enhance aesthetics, and provide long-term protection. If you’re considering a crown, understanding the differences between porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and all-ceramic crowns is crucial.

Both serve similar purposes but differ in materials, appearance, and durability. Studies have shown that the 5-year survival rates for PFM crowns range from 95.7% to 97.6%. On the other hand, all-ceramic crowns showed a survival rate between 90.7% and 96.6%. These results came from a report by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences, uses, and benefits of PFM and all-ceramic crowns, helping you make an informed decision to restore your smile.

What Are Dental Crowns and How Do They Work?

Dental crowns, often called ‘caps,’ are artificial restorations that fit over a damaged or weakened tooth. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used in cases of tooth decay, fractures, root canal treatments, or for cosmetic enhancements.

Crowns are usually recommended when a tooth is too weak to hold a filling or has been extensively damaged. They protect the remaining tooth structure and can also cover implants to replace missing teeth.

What Are Porcelain Bonded Crowns?

Porcelain bonded crowns, also known as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, are a trusted choice in dentistry for restoring and enhancing teeth. These crowns combine a strong metal foundation with a porcelain overlay to provide both durability and a natural look.

How Are They Made?

PFMs are constructed by layering porcelain over a metal core. The metal provides strength, while the porcelain is designed to replicate the colour and translucency of natural teeth. This combination makes them suitable for both functional and cosmetic dental needs.

Porcelain crowns are versatile and serve a wide range of purposes, such as:

• Strengthening teeth weakened by decay or large fillings.
• Protecting a tooth after root canal treatment.
• Covering dental implants to replace missing teeth.
• Enhancing the cosmetic appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth.
• Closing gaps between teeth for a more uniform smile.
• Masking internal stains that do not respond to whitening treatments.
• Correcting slight misalignments to create a straighter appearance.

These uses highlight the adaptability of porcelain bonded crowns in addressing both restorative and aesthetic concerns.

What Makes Porcelain Bonded Crowns Unique?

PFMs strike a balance between durability, affordability, and aesthetics. Now, ideally, you should consult with your dentist can help decide if they are the right choice for your specific dental needs. That said, let’s look at some of the pros and cons to consider when deciding.

Advantages of PFMs: Why Choose Them?

Durability: Porcelain bonded crowns are highly durable due to their metal core, which makes them resistant to breakage and cracking. This durability makes them suitable for both front and back teeth, where varying levels of biting force occur.

Aesthetic Appeal: The porcelain overlay provides a tooth-like appearance, allowing the crown to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. This is especially beneficial for front teeth, where aesthetics are particularly important.

Cost-Effective: Porcelain bonded crowns are typically more affordable than all-ceramic crowns, offering an excellent balance of aesthetics and durability at a lower cost.

Versatility: Porcelain bonded crowns are also versatile and can be used to address various dental issues, such as broken or decayed teeth, cosmetic enhancements, and covering dental implants.

Potential Drawbacks of Porcelain Bonded Crowns

Despite their durability and affordability, porcelain bonded crowns have a few potential drawbacks. A common concern is that over time, the gum line may recede, exposing the metal base beneath the porcelain. This can cause a dark shadow near the gum line, particularly on front teeth, which may be less desirable for patients seeking a highly aesthetic result. However, for back teeth, this is generally less of an issue, as they are not as visible.

What Are Ceramic Crowns?

A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, adding strength and providing a natural appearance. Crowns are commonly referred to as ‘caps,’ functioning as a tooth-shaped covering over the tooth. Typically, the tooth is prepared for a crown by reducing its circumference by approximately 1mm, creating enough space for the crown to fit securely over the remaining core.

Ceramic crowns are ideal for restoring teeth that have broken down or been weakened by decay or large fillings. Crowns may also be recommended for various other reasons, including:

• To improve the appearance of a tooth with discoloured fillings.
• To strengthen a tooth following root canal treatment.
• To enhance the cosmetic appearance of your smile.
• To fit a crown over a dental implant, replacing a missing tooth.
• To close gaps between teeth for a more uniform smile.
• To align a tooth that is slightly out of position with the rest of your teeth.
• To mask any internal staining of the teeth.
• To close gaps between teeth and prevent food from becoming trapped.

Benefits of Ceramic Crowns: Are They the Best Choice for Front Teeth

Outstanding Aesthetics: All ceramic crowns offer the highest level of aesthetics. With no metal substructure, these crowns are made entirely of ceramic, closely mimicking the translucency of natural tooth enamel. They are ideal for patients seeking a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Metal-Free: Because ceramic crowns are entirely metal-free, there’s no risk of a dark line forming near the gum line, making them an excellent choice for front teeth. This makes them ideal for patients focused on aesthetics.

Biocompatibility: Ceramic crowns are also known for their biocompatibility, meaning they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation. This makes them particularly beneficial for patients with metal sensitivities.

Strong and Functional: Although ceramic crowns are not as strong as porcelain bonded crowns, advancements in dental technology have made them durable enough for use on both front and back teeth.

Potential Drawbacks of Ceramic Crowns

While ceramic crowns are aesthetically superior, they can be slightly more expensive than porcelain bonded crowns. Additionally, although they are durable, they may not be as strong as PFM crowns in situations involving strong biting forces, such as on molars.

How to Choose Between Porcelain Bonded and Ceramic Crowns

When choosing between porcelain bonded crowns and ceramic crowns, there are several factors to consider:

Location of the Tooth: Location of the Tooth: If the crown is for a back tooth, where strength is more critical, porcelain-bonded crowns may be the better option. However, for front teeth where aesthetics are essential, ceramic crowns provide a more natural appearance.

Aesthetic Concerns: If you’re seeking the most natural-looking option, ceramic crowns offer superior aesthetics. However, porcelain bonded crowns remain a good choice for those looking for a balance between cost and appearance.

Budget: Porcelain bonded crowns are generally more affordable than ceramic crowns. If you’re working within a tighter budget, PFM crowns provide an excellent balance of durability and aesthetics.

Long-Term Aesthetic Impact: If you’re concerned about the potential for a dark line forming near the gum line, especially in visible areas, ceramic crowns may be the best option as they are metal-free and prevent this issue.

Conclusion: Achieving Your Best Smile with the Right Crown

Ultimately, whether you choose porcelain bonded crowns or ceramic crowns, both options provide durable and effective solutions for restoring damaged teeth and enhancing the appearance of your smile. The best choice depends on your individual needs, whether you prioritise strength, aesthetics, or budget.

At Surbiton Dental, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your smile. If you’d like to learn more about dental crowns or discuss your treatment options, call us on 0208 399 4311 or visit our practice to schedule a consultation.