Porcelain vs Zirconia for Front Teeth
For front teeth, porcelain still typically wins on aesthetics. Zirconia wins on strength. Here's the nuance.
Dr. Sofia Petrova
Lead Cosmetic Dentist
Porcelain (E.max, feldspathic)
- Higher translucency
- Better shade variation possible
- More natural incisal edges
- Strength: adequate for front teeth
Zirconia
- Much higher strength
- Less translucent (more opaque)
- Can be masked but less naturalistic
- Better for heavy grinders
For front teeth, typical choice
- First 6 upper teeth: porcelain
- Premolars and molars: zirconia or porcelain
- Heavy grinders: zirconia even for front
When zirconia looks okay up front
- Layered zirconia (porcelain over zirconia)
- High-translucency zirconia (newer generation)
- Patient with darker underlying tooth needing masking
Cost difference
Usually similar in Dubai (AED 2,500–6,000 per tooth either way).
References
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Referenced sources
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Medical disclaimer. This article is informational and does not replace professional clinical advice. For a plan specific to your situation, book a consultation with a Paradise Dental specialist.
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