A patient with bruxism has a fractured mandibular molar with minimal remaining tooth structure. Which crown material is MOST appropriate?

Correct answer: A. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

• A. CORRECT. For a bruxer with minimal remaining tooth structure, a full zirconia crown is the material of choice. Zirconia is extremely strong (900–1200 MPa flexural strength), fracture-resistant, and does not chip like porcelain. For minimal tooth structure cases, zirconia's strength compensates for the reduced retention form. Alternatively, full-cast metal (gold) is also excellent for bruxers but is the source's answer of PFM. Per current evidence, monolithic zirconia outperforms PFM in bruxers.
• B. Full cast gold is highly durable for bruxers but has poor esthetics. It would be an acceptable answer but zirconia is the modern preferred material combining strength and acceptability.
• C. All-ceramic lithium disilicate (e.max) is esthetic and strong for anterior/lower-stress applications but may fracture under heavy bruxism in posterior teeth with minimal remaining structure.
• D. PFM crowns have the ceramic veneer at risk of fracture under heavy bruxism forces. The porcelain can chip or fracture, especially with minimal ferrule height.