PFM Crowns vs. Zirconia Crowns: What’s the Difference & Why Zirconia Is the Modern Standard of Care

When a tooth needs a crown, choosing the right material is essential for long-term success, comfort, and appearance. At Phoenix Dental in Carrollwood/Tampa, we primarily recommend zirconia crowns because they offer outstanding strength, natural esthetics, and long-term durability.

Zirconia has become the modern standard for most crown treatments — replacing older PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) designs used for decades.

Here’s what you need to know about both options:

What Is a PFM Crown?

A PFM crown (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal) has two layers:

• Metal inner core for strength
  
• Porcelain outer layer for esthetics
  

PFM Advantages:

• Strong inner metal layer
  
• Decent esthetics
  
• Long-standing use in dentistry
  

PFM Limitations:

• Porcelain can chip or fracture
  
• Dark metal line may appear near the gumline over time
  
• Less translucent and less natural-looking
  
• Potential for gum discoloration or irritation
  
• Not as strong in thinner sections
  
• Requires removal of more natural tooth structure
  

PFMs work, but they are now considered outdated compared to newer material options.

What Is a Zirconia Crown?

A zirconia crown is made entirely from high-strength ceramic called zirconium dioxide.

Zirconia Benefits:

• Exceptional fracture resistance
  
• Long-term durability (even for grinders)
  
• Fully tooth-colored — no metal
  
• Superior esthetics
  
• Biocompatible and gentle on gums
  
• Reduced risk of chips or breakage
  
• Less wear on opposing teeth with polished zirconia
  
• More conservative tooth preparation
  

Zirconia has become the standard of care in modern dentistry.

Why Zirconia Is the Modern Standard of Care

Zirconia outperforms PFM crowns in almost every category:

1. Strength & Durability

• Zirconia is one of the strongest dental materials available
  
• Ideal for patients with bruxism
  
• Performs well in high bite pressure areas (like molars)
  
• PFMs often chip at the porcelain layer
  

2. Esthetics

• PFM crowns may show:
  
  
  • A gray line at the gumline
    
  • Poor translucency
    
  • Metallic tones through thin gums
    
    
• Zirconia is fully tooth-colored and offers excellent shade matching
  

3. Gum Health & Biocompatibility

• Zirconia:
  
  
  • Is gentle on gums
    
  • Won’t cause tissue darkening
    
  • Is free from metals and allergens
    
    
• PFMs may contain alloys that cause gum irritation in some patients
  
  

4. Longevity

• With good care, zirconia crowns last many years
  
• PFMs may chip at the porcelain layer, leading to:
  
  
  • Sharp edges
    
  • Food traps
    
  • Replacement of the entire crown
    
    
• Zirconia rarely chips or breaks
  

5. Conservative Tooth Preparation

• Zirconia allows for:
  
  
  • Less drilling
    
  • More preserved natural tooth structure
    
  • Less post-op sensitivity
    
    
• PFM crowns require more aggressive preparation
  

When Are PFMs Still Used?

While zirconia is the go-to for most situations, PFMs may still be used in rare cases involving:

• Special bridge designs needing a metal core
  
• Limited space requiring a thinner restoration
  
• Specific bonding requirements where metal may be preferred
  

In general, zirconia is the recommended option for nearly all crown procedures today.

How Phoenix Dental Determines the Best Crown for You

We evaluate:

• Tooth location
  
• Bite force and grinding habits
  
• Existing dental work
  
• Gum and bone health
  
• Cosmetic goals
  
• Potential allergies or sensitivities
  

Most patients benefit from zirconia crowns because they combine strength, comfort, and esthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do zirconia crowns break?

They’re extremely durable and resistant to fractures.

Will a zirconia crown look natural?

Yes — we can match your natural tooth shade and translucency very closely.

Is zirconia safe for people with metal allergies?

Yes — zirconia contains no metal and is fully biocompatible.

Are zirconia crowns good for grinders?

Absolutely — they’re ideal for bruxism, especially when paired with a night guard.

Why Choose Phoenix Dental for Crown Treatment?

• High-quality zirconia materials
  
• Conservative and gentle tooth prep
  
• Custom shade-matching for natural esthetics
  
• Advanced digital imaging
  
• Honest guidance on material selection
  
• Preservation-first treatment philosophy
  
• Long-term focus on strength, function, and beauty
  

We restore your smile with materials that look great, last long, and feel natural.

Conclusion

While PFM crowns were once the standard, modern dentistry has embraced zirconia for its superior strength, beauty, and longevity. If you need a crown, Phoenix Dental will help you choose the best material — and for most patients, zirconia is the top choice.

Call us at (813) 419-3808 or schedule online to restore your tooth with a natural-looking, durable zirconia crown.