This question comes up almost daily at Picasso Dental Clinic, and I understand the confusion. I’m Dr. Emily Nguyen, and after treating over 70,000 patients from 65 nationalities, I can clear up this terminology and help you understand your actual crown options.
Understanding the Terminology
The dental industry uses these terms inconsistently, which creates confusion. Ceramic is the broad category that includes porcelain, zirconia, and other tooth colored materials. When dentists say “porcelain crown,” they usually mean an all ceramic crown made from feldspathic porcelain or lithium disilicate.
What matters for patients is understanding the two main categories: all ceramic crowns (made entirely from tooth colored materials) and porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM), which have a metal base covered with porcelain. These perform differently and suit different situations.
All Ceramic Crowns: The Natural Choice
All ceramic crowns are my top recommendation for front teeth and visible areas. They transmit light like natural teeth, creating that translucent quality you see in healthy enamel. At our Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City clinics, patients choosing these crowns for their smile zone consistently love the results.
Modern all ceramic materials are surprisingly strong. Zirconia crowns, a newer ceramic option, can handle the chewing forces on back teeth. Lithium disilicate (brand name e.max) offers excellent strength with beautiful aesthetics. I’ve seen these crowns last 15 to 20 years with proper care.
The main advantage is no metal, which means no gray line at the gumline if your gums recede over time. This happened frequently with older PFM crowns and bothered many patients.
Porcelain Fused to Metal: The Strength Option
PFM crowns have a metal shell underneath a porcelain exterior. They’re incredibly strong and can withstand heavy chewing forces on back molars. I still recommend them occasionally for patients who grind their teeth heavily or need maximum durability.
The downside is aesthetics. That metal base blocks light transmission, making the crown look slightly opaque compared to natural teeth. You might see a dark line at the gumline, especially if gums recede. For back teeth where appearance matters less, this trade off can be worthwhile.
At Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Da Nang and Da Lat, we discuss these options based on each patient’s specific needs. Cost is another factor: PFM crowns typically cost less than premium all ceramic options.
Making Your Choice
Location in your mouth guides the decision. For front six teeth (the ones visible when you smile), I almost always recommend all ceramic crowns. The aesthetic difference is significant, and modern ceramics provide enough strength for front teeth.
For back molars, either option works. If you grind your teeth at night or have an especially strong bite, the extra durability of PFM or zirconia crowns makes sense. If aesthetics matter even for back teeth, all ceramic is the better choice.
Your budget and insurance coverage also play a role. Some insurance plans cover different amounts for different crown types. I always review costs with patients before proceeding.
If you’d like to discuss which crown type suits your specific situation, I’m happy to evaluate your needs at any of our Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Lat.
