The defining feature of all-ceramic crowns is that they offer a natural look. Most of the ceramic dental crowns are made using CAD/CAM technology, with 3D design. While there are several benefits of getting an all-ceramic dental crown, it’s only fair to also highlight its disadvantages.
Here are the disadvantages you should know:
1. Less Durable
All-ceramic crowns can also last for many years, but they’re less durable as compared to other types of dental crowns. All-ceramic crowns are more prone to breaking or cracking. In terms of longevity and durability, nothing beats an all-metal crown.
In cases where the appearance of an all-metal crown is not acceptable, PFMs (porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns) are able to deliver both esthetic benefits and durability. Ceramic crowns are also less predictable. They don’t have the long-term track record of durability and longevity as PFM and all-metal crowns do. In fact, there are types of ceramic crowns that have inferior physical characteristics in terms of brittleness, hardness, and resistance to fracture.
2. No Repair Is Possible
No repair is possible if the full thickness of the all-ceramic crown has cracked. The restoration will have to be replaced, preferably before bacteria can penetrate to the tooth beneath and might cause problems such as tooth decay or even recontamination of the interior of a tooth that went through root canal treatment.
Minor chips can be smoothened with the use of a dental drill. Bigger defects can be repaired by bonding dental composite to the area, but the longevity of these repairs can even be more problematic.
3. Mediocre Appearance (Milled Ceramic Crowns)
In regard to milled crowns using CAD/CAM, since the dental crown is cut out from a block of ceramic, it might not possess the same translucency as compared to crowns handcrafted by a dental technician. Milled crowns are usually characterized by staining and glazing. But this is only done on the surface and doesn’t deliver the same enamel-like luster as the other ceramic crowns. In short, it’s likely going to look less natural.
This may not be much of a concern for a tooth that doesn’t show prominently, like molar and premolar tooth, but for upper front teeth (incisors and canines), this may be a problem.
Gathering information about the available dental crowns before visiting your dentist may help your decision making. By having an idea about dental crowns, you’ll know the right questions to ask your dentist.
FAQs
Increased Sensitivity and Discomfort: You may experience discomfort or sensitivity to hot and cold. Possibility of Crown Failure: Crowns can loosen or detach, potentially leading to infection risk. Aesthetic Concerns and Limitations: Issues like color mismatch and porcelain chips could affect your smile.
What is the disadvantage of all ceramic crowns? ›
Ceramic restorations need to be thicker than other materials to prevent them from breaking. For some patients, this means Dr. Newman must remove more of their natural tooth structure to accommodate the crown. In addition, if a fracture occurs, all-ceramic is more difficult to repair.
What is one of the main problems with all ceramic crowns? ›
All-ceramic crowns are more prone to breaking or cracking. In terms of longevity and durability, nothing beats an all-metal crown.
What are the contraindications for all ceramic crowns? ›
The disadvantages of these crowns is that compared to porcelain fused to metal crowns or all metal crowns, they are more susceptible to cracking or breaking. They are also contraindicated in patients with limited interoclusal distance due to a deep overbite, supraerupted opposing tooth, or short clinical crowns.
What is the survival rate of all ceramic crowns? ›
Polycrystalline ceramics tend to be relatively opaque compared to glassy ceramics, thus these stronger materials are esthetically unsuitable as monolithic materials (4, 9, 10). Typical survival rates for all-ceramic restorations range from 88-100% after 2-5 years in service and 84-97% after 5-14 years in service (11).
How long do all ceramic crowns last? ›
Factors Affecting the Longevity of All-Ceramic Crowns
In addition, habits like teeth grinding and jaw clenching shorten the lifespan of crowns. With proper care, they last between 10 to 15 years, and sometimes longer.
Can ceramic crowns chip? ›
The answer is yes, with some limitations. People frequently chip porcelain crowns. While dentists use several methods to make porcelain crowns, bridges, and veneers, each technique requires heating the porcelain to very high temperatures.
Are ceramic crowns safe? ›
Even simple wear and tear can alter the shape of your teeth, detracting from the appearance of your smile. Thankfully, advancements in technology and the use of biocompatible materials have allowed for ceramic crown dental restorations, which are a safer alternative to traditional metal restorations.
What is the safest material for dental crowns? ›
Just like porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns are custom-made for you and tinted to match your teeth to create a unique dental crown that blends in with your natural smile. They don't contain any metal, so they're safe for people with metal allergies or sensitivities.
What weakens crowns? ›
Over time, or with recurrent decay or due to an injury/trauma your crown can debond and come off your tooth. Solution: Stay away from really hard foods especially if your crown has been there for a number of years. Keep the tooth clean with good oral hygiene to minimize the risk of decay as this can weaken the crown.
While there is no exact number of crowns that is too many, your dental care treatment may need an overhaul if you've exceeded a limit set by your dentist. You may be able to avoid crowns in the future if you take better care of your teeth or if you undergo necessary oral surgery.
Is a ceramic crown the same as porcelain? ›
Porcelain crowns are more durable and tend to last longer. Ceramic dental crowns look more natural and don't have any metal edges, which can sometimes show if the gums recede. A ceramic crown is a preferred choice for front teeth.
What is better porcelain crown or ceramic crown? ›
This means porcelain crowns are generally stronger, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing. Both will blend well with your natural teeth, but ceramic crowns offer a slightly superior look.
What are the benefits of all ceramic crowns? ›
We've broken down what we see as the most significant plusses that ceramic crowns offer:
- Durability. ...
- Cosmetically superior. ...
- Tailored to you. ...
- Protective quality. ...
- Anti-allergy. ...
- Restorative capability. ...
- Front and center benefits. ...
- Convenience.
All Ceramic Crowns: is a crown that is made from different types of ceramic and provides a more natural coloring for the tooth. Porcelain Fused Metal Crowns (PFM): is a metal tooth crown that is covered with a thin layer of porcelain. Often the porcelain does not cover the bottom layer of the tooth.
What is an advantage of a metal ceramic crown over an all ceramic crown? ›
Metal dental crowns are stronger than ceramic dental crowns and porcelain fused to metal crowns. This makes them ideal for teeth that receive more daily pressure from chewing, such as the premolars and molars.
