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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Metal Ceramic and Zirconia?

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The main difference between metal ceramic and zirconia lies in their composition, aesthetics, and strength. Here is a comparison of the two materials:

Metal Ceramic:

  • Made of porcelain fused onto a metal base.
  • Has a solid connection between the masking ceramic and the metal.
  • Offers a permanent aesthetic quality.
  • More flexible in terms of application compared to zirconia.
  • Can achieve a very natural result with ideal space conditions.
  • Has a higher bending elasticity, making it less likely to break compared to zirconia.

Zirconia:

  • Made up of tiny white crystals known as zirconia crystals.
  • Lighter and stronger than metal ceramic.
  • More aesthetically pleasing due to its metal-free nature, allowing transmission and reflection of light like natural teeth.
  • Does not cause issues like black gum lines or unsightly metal bites.
  • More durable and suitable for molar teeth due to its high strength value.
  • Relatively more costly compared to metal ceramic crowns.

In summary, zirconia offers better aesthetics and strength compared to metal ceramic, but metal ceramic has more flexibility in terms of application and can achieve better results with ideal space conditions. The choice between the two materials depends on the specific needs and preferences of the patient and the dentist.

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  • What is the Difference Between Metal Ceramic and Zirconia?
  • Comparative Table: Metal Ceramic vs Zirconia

    • Comparative Table: Metal Ceramic vs Zirconia

    Here is a table comparing the differences between metal ceramic and zirconia dental restorative materials:

    Property Metal Ceramic Zirconia
    Definition Made of porcelain fused onto a metal base (usually cobalt-chromium, titanium, or gold). Made up of tiny white crystals known as zirconia crystals, often referred to as white gold.
    Strength Strong but not as strong as zirconia. More durable and stronger than most other dental restorative materials, including metal ceramic.
    Aesthetics Natural-looking restorations, but may not be as translucent as zirconia. A natural look due to its translucency, with no metallic edges when gums recede.
    Biocompatibility Can be highly biocompatible, depending on the specific metal used (CoCr, titanium, gold). Less biocompatible than some other dental restorative materials like ceramic.
    Cost Generally cost-effective compared to other materials like zirconia. More expensive than older materials like porcelain, but still relatively cost-effective compared to some modern materials.
    Applications Widely used for crowns in posterior regions and implant-supported restorations. Mostly used for molar and posterior tooth repair, as well as bridges and other stress-bearing restorations due to its strength.

    In summary, zirconia is lighter and stronger than traditional dental ceramics, with better aesthetics and translucency, while still being a relatively cost-effective option compared to some other modern restorative materials. However, it may not be the most biocompatible material choice when compared to ceramic.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.