The three main crown types
| Zirconia | E-max (lithium disilicate) | Metal-ceramic (PFM) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Highest | High | High |
| Looks | Good; layered zirconia looks natural | Excellent translucency | Good, but a grey line can show at the gum |
| Metal | None | None | Yes, underneath |
| Best for | Back teeth, grinders, bridges | Front teeth, premolars | Back teeth, long bridges, lower budgets |
| Tooth removed for it | Least, for solid zirconia | Moderate | More |
| Relative cost | Higher | Higher | Lower |
What the research says
A 2026 systematic review of more than 11,500 tooth-supported crowns found five-year survival of 98.5% for solid lithium disilicate (E-max type), 97.3% for layered zirconia, 97.1% for metal-ceramic and 96.8% for solid zirconia. Solid (monolithic) designs chipped and fractured less than layered ones. In plain terms, all of these last well, and solid crowns are the most robust.
How we choose the material for each tooth
- Where the tooth is. Front teeth need light to pass through; back teeth need strength.
- Your bite. Grinding and clenching favour solid zirconia, and a night guard.
- The colour underneath. A dark or root-filled tooth may need a more opaque material to hide it.
- The teeth next to it. A single front crown has to match its neighbours, so shade matching is done carefully, sometimes with a photo for the lab.
- Space. Some materials need more room, which can mean removing more tooth.
What to ask about any crown
- Which material, and why for this tooth?
- Is it solid or layered?
- Which lab makes it?
- How many visits, and what happens if it chips?
Crowns at Petal Smiles
Crowns are planned by prosthodontist Dr. Adish Chaudhary, whose specialty includes crown and bridge work. He recommends a material for each tooth, not one for everybody, and you’ll see the options and fees in a written estimate. See dental crowns.
Questions patients ask us
Which crown is best for front teeth?
Usually E-max, or a layered zirconia, because they let light through like enamel. The best choice also depends on the colour of the tooth underneath and the teeth next to it.
Which crown is best for back teeth?
Usually monolithic (solid) zirconia, because it's very strong and resists chipping. E-max is also used on premolars and molars when the bite allows.
Is zirconia better than porcelain?
"Porcelain" covers several materials. Compared with older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, zirconia avoids the grey line at the gum and has no metal. Compared with glass ceramics like E-max, it is stronger but slightly less translucent.
Is zirconia more expensive than ceramic?
Zirconia and E-max usually cost more than metal-ceramic crowns. The fee also depends on the lab and how much the crown is customised, and your estimate shows it before treatment.
Does zirconia wear down the opposite teeth?
Well-polished zirconia is gentle on the opposite teeth. Rough or poorly finished surfaces of any ceramic cause more wear, which is why polishing and glazing matter.
Sources
Pjetursson et al., survival of metal-ceramic and all-ceramic single crowns: systematic review, Int J Prosthodont, 2026 ↗ADA MouthHealthy: crowns ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.