Once you know you need a crown, the next question is which material — and it genuinely matters for both looks and how long the crown lasts. Here is an even-handed comparison of the three you will actually be offered.

PFM vs zirconia vs E-max

PFM crowns

PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns have a metal core under a ceramic coating. They are strong and the most affordable option, which makes them a sensible choice for molars that do the heavy chewing. The one drawback is cosmetic: over the years the metal can show as a faint dark line at the gum, so they are less ideal for teeth that show when you smile.

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia is an extremely strong, tooth-coloured ceramic with no metal at all. It balances strength and appearance better than almost anything else, which is why it has become the default recommendation for most patients — it works on front teeth and back teeth alike, and it resists chipping well. For most people asking which crown to get, zirconia is the safe, versatile answer.

E-max crowns

E-max (lithium disilicate) is prized for looking the most like a natural tooth, with a translucency that catches light the way enamel does. That makes it the top pick for a visible front tooth where appearance is everything. It is a touch less strong than zirconia, so it is used more selectively on front teeth rather than heavy-load molars.

How long crowns last and how to help

Whatever the material, a well-fitted crown commonly lasts 10 to 20 years, and the biggest factor in that range is not the ceramic — it is what happens at the gum line. The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth it caps still can, so brushing and flossing around it and keeping up regular check-ups is what makes a crown go the distance. Our guide on how long dental crowns last goes into this in more depth.

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, mention it — a thin night guard protects a crown (and the opposing teeth) from the forces that chip ceramic over time. And if the crown is going on a tooth that has had a root canal, it is doing an important structural job, not just a cosmetic one; our guide on needing a crown after a root canal explains why that combination matters.

Frequently asked questions

For the full picture on crown types and pricing, see our dental crown cost and types guide.

US dental codes translated to Indian pricing

If you’re comparing quotes using US dental procedure codes, here’s how they map to what you’d pay in India:

• D2740 (porcelain/ceramic crown, e.g. E-max): US average $1,200-$2,500 vs India ₹8,000-₹15,000 (~$95-$180)
• D2751 (porcelain fused to metal crown, predominantly base metal, i.e. PFM): US average $900-$1,700 vs India ₹4,000-₹9,000 (~$48-$108)
• D2752 (porcelain fused to noble metal crown): US average $1,100-$2,000 vs India ₹6,000-₹12,000 (~$72-$145, using higher-grade alloy)

Frequently asked questions

PFM vs E-max FPD (fixed partial denture / bridge) — which is better?

For a multi-unit bridge (FPD), PFM is generally stronger under heavy bite load and costs less, while E-max/zirconia gives a more natural, metal-free appearance. For back teeth bridges where strength matters most, many dentists still recommend PFM or zirconia; for front teeth, E-max is usually preferred for aesthetics.

What does a D2751 crown cost in India?

A D2751-equivalent PFM crown (porcelain fused to base metal) costs roughly ₹4,000-₹9,000 in India, compared to $900-$1,700 in the US — a saving of 80-90%.