Porcelain Fused to Metal vs. Zirconia Crown in Malaysia

Keeping Your Smile Strong and Beautiful at Fresh Dental Care

Located conveniently in Kepong, Fresh Dental Care is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care services to our valued patients in the community. One of the procedures we offer is dental crown placement, a restoration option that strengthens and improves the appearance of damaged or weakened teeth.

When considering a dental crown, you’ll encounter two popular materials: Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) and Zirconia. This blog post aims to compare and contrast these two options to help you understand which might be the best fit for your needs.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap permanently cemented onto a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns restore functionality, prevent further damage, and enhance aesthetics. Here are some common situations where a dentist might recommend a crown:

Severely decayed tooth
Cracked or fractured tooth
Large cavity that cannot be filled with a traditional filling
Root canal-treated tooth
Cosmetic improvement for discoloured or misshapen teeth

It’s important to note that PFM and Zirconia are not the only crown materials available. While this blog post focuses on these two popular choices, Fresh Dental Care may also discuss other options, such as all-ceramic crowns, during your consultation.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM crowns consist of a metal substructure covered with a layer of porcelain. This combination offers several advantages:

Affordability: PFM crowns are generally less expensive than Zirconia crowns.
Proven Track Record: PFM crowns have a long history of successful use in dentistry, demonstrating their durability.
Versatility: Depending on the shade of porcelain used, PFM crowns can be suitable for both front and back teeth.

However, PFM crowns also have some drawbacks:

Aesthetics: The metal base can show through the porcelain over time, especially near the gum line, which might affect the crown’s natural look.
Gum Line Discoloration: The metal base can potentially cause a greyish hue along the gum line.
Metal Allergies: PFM crowns are not suitable for patients with allergies to metal.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are crafted from a solid zirconia material, offering several benefits:

Superior Aesthetics: Zirconia boasts exceptional aesthetics due to its natural tooth-like colour that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
Biocompatibility: Zirconia is biocompatible, making it an ideal choice for patients with metal allergies.
Strength and Durability: Zirconia is incredibly strong and durable, making it a great option for back teeth that endure significant chewing pressure.

While Zirconia offers many advantages, there are also some considerations:

Cost: Zirconia crowns are generally more expensive than PFM crowns.
Tooth Removal: In some cases, Zirconia crown placement might require slightly more tooth structure removal compared to PFM crowns.

PFM vs. Zirconia Crowns: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a table summarising the key features of PFM and Zirconia crowns:

Feature	PFM Crown	Zirconia Crown
Material	Metal substructure with porcelain overlay	Solid zirconia
Aesthetics	Good, but metal base might show through	Excellent, natural tooth-like appearance
Durability	Proven track record of durability	Very strong and durable
Biocompatibility	Not suitable for metal allergies	Biocompatible
Cost	Generally less expensive	Generally more expensive
Suitability (Front Teeth)	Can be suitable depending on porcelain shade	Ideal due to superior aesthetics
Suitability (Back Teeth)	Suitable	Ideal due to strength and durability

Choosing the Right Crown for You

Selecting the most suitable crown material depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here at Fresh Dental Care in Kepong, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. During the consultation, they will thoroughly examine your teeth, discuss the extent of damage, and consider factors like:

Location of the Damaged Tooth: The dentist will assess whether the damaged tooth is located in the front or back of your mouth, as this can influence material selection based on aesthetics and functionality.
Severity of Damage: The severity of the tooth damage will play a role in determining the most appropriate crown material.
Cosmetic Preferences: You can discuss your desired aesthetic outcome with the dentist to help guide material selection.
Budgetary Considerations: Dental crown costs can vary depending on the material chosen. The dentist will openly discuss the cost associated with each option.

Taking the Next Step Towards a Healthy Smile

At Fresh Dental Care, we prioritise providing our patients with personalised dental care solutions. We understand that choosing the right dental crown material requires careful consideration. We are confident that by scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced dentists, you’ll gain a clear understanding of your options and make an informed decision that best suits your oral health needs and cosmetic desires.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Don’t hesitate to contact Fresh Dental Care in Kepong to schedule a consultation and discuss your dental crown options. Our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions you might have and guide you through the process. We look forward to helping you restore your smile’s strength and beauty!