COLUMN · Treatment
Zirconia vs Porcelain Crown
Which Is Right for Front and Back Teeth?
"Should I get a zirconia crown or a porcelain crown?" is one of the most common questions we hear. The short answer: porcelain (all-ceramic) looks more translucent, zirconia is stronger, and the right choice depends on which tooth it is. Here is how the materials differ and how we decide.
The main materials used for esthetic crowns
- All-ceramic (porcelain, such as e.max): glass-ceramic that lets light through in a way that looks close to a natural tooth.
- Zirconia: a very strong ceramic. Newer types are more translucent than older ones.
- PFZ (porcelain fused to zirconia): a zirconia core layered with porcelain, used when strength and appearance both matter.
- PFM (porcelain fused to metal): a metal core with porcelain on top.
Zirconia vs porcelain: what is the difference?
Translucency and appearance
All-ceramic crowns let light pass through softly, which is why they are often chosen where appearance matters most. Zirconia is more opaque, which can actually help when it needs to hide a dark tooth or a metal post underneath.
Strength and resistance to chipping
Zirconia is the stronger material and suits teeth that take heavy biting forces. All-ceramic is strong enough for many front-tooth cases, but habits such as grinding or biting hard objects raise the risk of chipping with any material.
Front teeth vs back teeth
Front teeth (where appearance matters)
For front teeth we use all-ceramic, zirconia or PFZ. We do not use PFM on front teeth. When the tooth underneath is dark, PFZ is usually the better choice because the zirconia core helps block the dark color.
Back teeth (where biting force is highest)
For molars, zirconia is our usual choice because of its strength. PFM is also an option for back teeth.
Zirconia vs porcelain crown price
| Crown | KRW per tooth | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth, all-ceramic | KRW 700,000 | about $528 |
| Front tooth, zirconia | KRW 700,000 | about $528 |
| Front tooth, PFZ | KRW 800,000 | about $603 |
| Back tooth, zirconia | KRW 600,000 | about $452 |
| Back tooth, PFM | KRW 450,000 | about $339 |
A post (KRW 150,000, about $113) or core build-up (KRW 100,000, about $75) is added only if the tooth needs it.
How to choose
- Which tooth is it, and how much does it show when you smile?
- How strong is your bite, and do you grind your teeth?
- What color is the tooth underneath?
- How will the new crown match the teeth next to it?
No material is right for every tooth. The choice should come from an examination of your bite, gums and the tooth itself. Results differ from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between zirconia and porcelain crowns?
Is zirconia or porcelain better for front teeth?
Does a zirconia crown look fake?
How much is a zirconia crown in Korea?
Questions about your own teeth?
Send us photos of your teeth for a preliminary opinion. A final plan and quote are given after an in-person examination.
Ask on WhatsAppThis article is for general information and does not promise any particular result or cost. Suitability, treatment plan, results and how long restorations last differ from person to person. Please have a consultation and examination with a dentist before treatment. Prices are standard list prices as of 2026-10-22 and may change.