Zirconia & E.max all-ceramic vs PFM dental bridges
Irish dental clinics make fixed bridges from three main laboratory materials: monolithic or layered zirconia, lithium disilicate (E.max) all-ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Across a 3-unit bridge (€1,800 to €3,300), all-ceramic zirconia has overtaken PFM as the standard choice because it is virtually unbreakable under molar chewing forces and never shows a dark grey metal margin if your gum recedes.
Comparing strength, front-tooth translucency, gumline appearance and price across bridge materials.
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Calculate your dental bridge and 20% Med 2 tax relief
Pick the type of dental bridge, the ceramic or metal-porcelain material, and see your gross clinic fee alongside your net cost after 20% Form Med 2 tax relief.
Estimated cost guide
€1,680 to €2,640 after 20% relief
Clinic price: €2,100 to €3,300 · Form Med 2 refund: €420 to €660
Revenue explicitly lists all bridgework (enamel-retained Maryland bridges, tooth-supported fixed bridges and implant-supported bridges) as qualifying non-routine dental treatment on Form Med 2. On a 3-unit fixed bridge (replacing 1 missing tooth, anchored on 2 adjacent teeth) in all-ceramic zirconia / e-max (€2,100 to €3,300 at the clinic), claiming 20% back in Revenue myAccount brings your net cost to €1,680 to €2,640.
Ask a local clinic for a priceZirconia vs E.max vs PFM side by side
| Material | Flexural strength | Best position in mouth | Gumline & aesthetics | 3-unit gross guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monolithic / layered zirconia | 900 to 1,200 MPa (highest) | Back molars, premolars, 4-unit spans & implant bridges | 100% white ceramic core — never shows a dark metal line at the gum | €2,100 to €3,300 |
| Lithium disilicate (E.max ceramic) | 400 to 500 MPa | Front incisors & canines (up to 3-unit anterior bridges) | Highest natural enamel translucency and light transmission | €2,200 to €3,300 |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) | Metal core + porcelain veneer | Back or front teeth where budget is priority | Opaque metal core underneath can show as a thin dark line if gums recede with age | €1,800 to €2,850 |
Looking for cosmetic veneers on your visible front teeth alongside a bridge? See our sister guide at compositeveneers.ie.
Why dentists prefer CAD/CAM zirconia for multi-unit bridges
When you chew on a 3-unit or 4-unit bridge, the connector joining the false pontic tooth to the supporting crowns experiences intense flexing force. On older porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) bridges, the metal frame underneath stays intact, but a corner of the outer porcelain coating can chip off — exposing the dark grey metal beneath.
Monolithic zirconia is milled by computer from a solid block of tooth-coloured zirconium dioxide ceramic with no weak porcelain veneer layer to delaminate on the biting surface. For visible front teeth, technicians use multi-layered high-translucency zirconia or hand-layer feldspathic porcelain onto the front face only, combining back-tooth strength with front-tooth aesthetics.
Real examples and installation detail
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Dental bridges guides & price breakdowns
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Questions patients ask
Can an old PFM bridge with a dark grey line at the gum be replaced with zirconia?
Yes. Replacing an older porcelain-fused-to-metal bridge that has developed a visible dark margin at the gumline is one of the most common reasons patients upgrade to an all-ceramic zirconia or E.max bridge.
Is zirconia safe if I grind my teeth at night (bruxism)?
Zirconia is the strongest dental ceramic available for patients who clench or grind. Your dentist will polish the biting surface to a mirror finish so it does not wear the opposing natural teeth, and will recommend a protective nightguard.
Dental bridges across all 26 counties
Requests from all 26 counties go to one vetted local specialist who covers your county — from Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick to Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Waterford and Donegal. Pick your county below for local prices, specifications and advice. Compare all areas covered →
Want a written price for a dental bridge?
One Dental Council-registered clinic covering your county contacts you. Nothing is booked until you have an X-ray and a written treatment plan.