What is a PFM Crown and Why Has It Been Popular?
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns have served as dental workhorses for decades. They feature an internal metal thimble that provides mechanical strength, covered by an outer layer of tooth-colored ceramic. While strong and budget-friendly (₹2,500 per cap), they have notable aesthetic drawbacks: the porcelain layer can chip under heavy grinding, and as gums recede naturally with age, the dark metal collar often peeks out as an unsightly black line.
Why Zirconia Has Become the Premier Standard
Zirconium dioxide (Zirconia) is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium. Milled with computer-aided design (CAD/CAM), monolithic zirconia crowns contain zero metal. They are completely biocompatible, meaning your gums love them and will not develop allergies or dark discolorations.
Which Should You Choose?
For rear molars where budget is the main concern, high-quality PFM crowns remain a reliable choice. However, for front smile-line teeth and for patients who want maximum longevity and natural light translucency, Zirconia (₹5,000 per cap) is undeniably the superior investment.
