Zirconia crowns are metal-free: full-contour Ivoclar HT zirconia for strength, including posterior teeth and patients who grind, or multilayer Esthetic Zirconia with up to nine shade layers for visible teeth. PFM crowns have layered porcelain over a cobalt-chrome substructure, which ArtyCad prints by SLM instead of casting; printed metal fits accurately and suits cases that need stronger support or a longer span. Both take up to 5 business days.
ZirconiaOne solid piece, metal-free
PFMPorcelain over a metal substructure
| Zirconia | PFM (SLM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Full-contour zirconia, or multilayer zirconia. | Layered porcelain over a metal substructure. |
| Material | Ivoclar HT zirconia; Ivoclar multilayer (up to nine shade layers); Katana on request. | Cobalt-chrome printed by SLM; no casting. |
| Metal | None. | Cobalt-chrome substructure. |
| Typical choice | Single crowns and selected bridges; posterior teeth and bruxers; visible teeth in multilayer. | Longer spans and cases that need stronger support. |
| Esthetics | Multilayer shades from darker at the gum line to lighter at the edge. | Layered porcelain for shade depth. |
| Turnaround | Up to 5 business days. | Up to 5 business days. |
When zirconia makes sense
Choose zirconia when the case needs strength and a metal-free restoration. Full-contour Ivoclar HT zirconia is a dependable choice for posterior teeth and for patients who grind. For visible teeth, Esthetic Zirconia uses Ivoclar multilayer blocks with up to nine shade layers. See Zirconia Crowns.
When PFM makes sense
Choose PFM when the case needs a metal framework under layered porcelain, especially for longer spans or extra support, where zirconia may not be the safest choice. We print the cobalt-chrome substructure by SLM; we do not cast metal. See PFM Crowns.
What about PFZ?
PFZ (porcelain fused to zirconia) combines a zirconia substructure with hand-layered porcelain, for cases that need support, depth, and a more characterized finish with enough space for porcelain. See PFZ Crowns.
Choose zirconia when the case needs strength and a metal-free restoration; choose PFM for longer spans or extra support.
What to put on the RX
- Material choice (or alloy preference for PFM)
- Tooth number, shade, and margin design
- Photos for visible or shade-sensitive cases
- Due date and doctor contact
Download the RX on Download RX, or send scans through Submit Digital Case. Not sure which material fits? Send the case notes and we help confirm the choice before fabrication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is zirconia stronger than PFM?
Full-contour zirconia is a strong, metal-free option for posterior teeth and patients who grind. For longer spans or cases that need extra support, a PFM with a printed metal framework may be the safer choice. We help decide with the case details.
Is your PFM metal cast?
No. Our PFM substructures are cobalt-chrome printed by SLM (selective laser melting). We do not cast metal.
Which zirconia do you use?
Ivoclar HT for full-contour (monolithic) crowns, Ivoclar multilayer with up to nine shade layers for Esthetic Zirconia, and Katana zirconia on request.
Can zirconia be used for bridges?
Yes, for many bridge cases. Send the span, occlusion, shade, and preparation details so we can review the case.
How long do crowns take?
Up to 5 business days for zirconia, PFZ, and PFM. Rush service is available for $50 per unit.
