How Strong are Porcelain Crowns?

The porcelain crown strength makes them strong and durable dental restoration. They can repair damaged or weakened teeth. With proper care, most porcelain crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer while handling normal biting and chewing forces.

Porcelain crowns mimic natural enamel in look and function. They can restore cracked teeth, protect root-canal teeth, and improve shape or color. They are strong for daily chewing but may chip under excessive pressure.

Join us at Desert Lake Family Dentistry (4.8 stars on Google) as we explore everything you should know about porcelain crowns and how strong they are.

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Are Porcelain Crowns Strong?

Yes, porcelain crowns are strong enough to restore and protect damaged teeth. Modern dental porcelain is designed to handle the daily pressure from chewing and biting.

In terms of the porcelain crown strength, the material usually ranges from 80 MPa to about 1,100 MPa, depending on the type of porcelain used. For comparison, natural tooth enamel has a strength of about 350–400 MPa. This means many modern crowns can match or even exceed the strength of natural enamel.

Because of this strength, dentists often use these crowns to restore cracked teeth, worn teeth, or teeth weakened after a root canal.

Here is a table of common porcelain crown materials and their approximate strength (MPa):

Type of Porcelain Crown	Approximate Strength (MPa)
Feldspathic porcelain	60–120 MPa
Leucite-reinforced porcelain	120–180 MPa
Pressed ceramic (IPS Empress)	160–200 MPa
Lithium disilicate (IPS e.max)	360–500 MPa
Layered porcelain crowns	90–150 MPa (outer porcelain layer)
Monolithic ceramic crowns	350–500 MPa

However, porcelain is more brittle than metal-based crowns. This means the crown may chip or fracture if it is exposed to very strong forces, such as biting hard and sticky foods or grinding teeth.

Compared with other materials:

Zirconia crowns can reach 1,200 MPa or more, making them one of the strongest dental materials.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns use a metal base under porcelain, which increases their overall strength.

Even so, modern all-ceramic crowns still have excellent Avondale porcelain crown strength and can easily handle normal chewing forces, especially when used on front teeth or premolars.

Key Factors of Porcelain Crown Strength

Several factors affect the strength and how long the restoration lasts:

Some ceramics, such as lithium disilicate, are stronger and more durable than traditional porcelain materials.
Crowns placed on molars face higher chewing forces, which can affect their durability over time.
An uneven bite can place extra pressure on the crown and increase the risk of cracking or fracture.
Adequate crown thickness helps the material resist chewing pressure and improves overall durability.
Strong dental cement helps secure the crown and supports long-term stability.
Grinding or clenching your teeth can place repeated pressure on the crown and may cause chips or fractures.
High-quality dental lab design, firing, and glazing improve the crown’s durability and proper fit.

How Can You Make a Porcelain Crown Stronger?

While porcelain crown strength is high, proper care can make the crown last even longer. You can improve the durability of your porcelain crown by:

Avoiding hard foods such as ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels.
Wearing a protective night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
Maintaining good and suitable oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing.
Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and crown evaluations.
Avoiding using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
Treating bite issues early to prevent uneven pressure on the crown.
Choosing high-quality materials recommended by your dentist.

Restore Your Smile with Porcelain Crowns in Avondale, AZ

The porcelain crown strength, durability, and design can help you feel confident about restoring your damaged tooth. They can protect your teeth, restore chewing ability, and blend naturally with your smile.

At Desert Lake Family Dentistry, our local dentist in Avondale, Dr. Shayegan, treats patients of all ages. Dr. Shayegan, DMD, FICOI, has over 25 years of experience and leads a team that focuses on comfortable, patient-centered care and long-term oral health. Our clinic uses modern digital imaging and precise crown technology to ensure strong, natural-looking restorations.

Visit us at 10750 W McDowell Rd, Suite B200, Avondale, to learn more about porcelain crowns and restorative dentistry. You can also call 623-388-5888 today to schedule your first appointment.