Zirconia vs metal-ceramic crowns
June 20, 2026 · Dilshod Rakhimov · 1 min read
The price gap is roughly double. When the extra cost is worth it — and when it isn't.
Metal-ceramic is reliable and cheaper, but the metal core blocks light — on front teeth the crown looks flat, and a bluish line can appear at the gum margin over the years.
Zirconia transmits light like natural enamel and is kinder to the gum. It's the recommended choice for the smile zone.
On back teeth, where chewing load matters more than looks, both perform well — metal-ceramic is the sensible pick there.
In short: zirconia where it shows, metal-ceramic where it doesn't.