Key takeaways:

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Zirconium crowns are one of the most durable and aesthetically pleasing options for tooth restoration.

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They are developed using cutting-edge technology and are comfortable and quickly received.

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A zirconia crown will blend in with all of your other teeth and last much longer than other materials.

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They are biocompatible and won't irritate your gums or any of the surrounding tissue.

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They can be more cost-effective than cheaper options due to their longevity.

Worn-down or damaged teeth can be aesthetically unpleasing and can develop into a serious medical concern. Zirconia crowns are an excellent solution.

From aesthetic issues to severe pain, a worn tooth can jeopardize your smile and functionality. Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used restoration methods for damaged teeth. If you’re wondering, “What are crowns?” A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is placed over a tooth that has deteriorated. It’s meant to protect it from further damage while restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Out of all the dental crowns on the market, zirconia crowns are considered to be one of the most durable, natural-looking and biocompatible options.

There has been a clear uptick in patients choosing zirconia crowns over regular ones for their strength, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. Whether it's a cracked tooth that needs fixing, a dental implant that needs support, or simply a more pleasing smile, zirconia crowns offer a reliable and attractive solution.

Table of Content

What is zirconia?

Zirconia, which is scientifically known as zirconium dioxide, is an extremely durable ceramic material that's typically utilized in various medical and dental applications. It's naturally white in color, which makes it ideal for dental restorations due to its inherent resemblance to natural teeth and superior strength.

Traditional crowns are usually made from porcelain that's fused to metal or composite materials. Zirconium crowns, on the other hand, are monolithic, meaning they are made entirely of a single solid block of zirconia. This entirely eliminates the risk of chipping or cracking that often affects layered porcelain crowns.

Additionally, zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning it is completely safe for your gums and the surrounding tissue. Patients who choose zirconia crowns benefit from a restoration that not only looks natural but is perfectly compatible with their oral biology.

Why are zirconia crowns used?

Zirconium crowns have numerous uses when it comes to dentistry. From restorative treatment to cosmetic improvement, and even as part of the dental implant process. Here is a detailed breakdown of some of their uses:

  • Restoring damaged teeth: Zirconium crowns are extremely effective when used to protect and strengthen cracked, broken, or weakened teeth. Dentists will often recommend them for cases where a patient's teeth have already undergone significant dental work, such as root canals or large fillings, as they provide long-lasting reinforcement.

  • Cosmetic improvements: In cases where a patient has discolored, worn-down down or misshapen teeth, zirconium crowns are an excellent choice. They are aesthetically pleasing, as they are typically custom shaded to match the color of the patient's natural teeth. This leads to a natural-looking, uniform smile, which is a huge confidence booster.

  • Implant restorations: Zirconium crowns are commonly used as the final stage of restoration for dental implants. They are perfect for withstanding pressure from chewing forces because of their strength and durability, while blending in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

Benefits of zirconia crowns

An image of a dental crown being placed on a tooth.

Choosing zirconia crowns comes with many benefits when compared to typical crowns. Here are some of them:

  • Durability: Zirconia crowns are extremely resistant to the issues other dental crowns face, such as fractures, cracks, and chipping. They are easily one of the most durable crown options available; patients using them can enjoy long-lasting protection for their teeth.

  • Natural appearance: Due to its inherent white color, a zirconia tooth cap is one of the most natural-looking dental prosthetics. The zirconia crown will be indistinguishable from your regular teeth, especially after it's been custom shaded to match the hue of your other teeth.

  • Biocompatibility: A zirconia crown is perfectly suited to patients with sensitivities to metals and other materials. Its biocompatibility allows it to remain unproblematic in your mouth, leaving your gums and the surrounding tissue unbothered.

  • Longevity: If maintained correctly, zirconia crowns can last fifteen to twenty years or even longer. Zirconium teeth are an excellent long-term solution for your tooth restoration needs. Keeping up with dentist appointments and regularly scheduling cleanings will ensure that your zirconium crowns remain in perfect condition.

How zirconia crowns are made

Modern-day advancements in the field of dentistry have totally streamlined the process of producing zirconia crowns. CAD/CAM technology (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) has massively increased the efficiency with which zirconia crowns are produced. Here's how it works:

  • Digital scanning: Firstly, a dentist will perform a highly accurate digital scan of your tooth or the implant site.

  • Design: Specialized software is then utilized to create a digital model of the crown that perfectly matches the tooth's shape, size, and bite alignment.

  • Milling: The crown is then milled from a solid block of zirconia using extremely accurate machinery.

  • Finishing: Lastly, the crown is polished and custom shaded to match your other teeth.

This process is highly precise and allows for quickly produced, better-fitting crowns. Some clinics even offer same-day zirconia crowns. Using this process leads to a high degree of patient satisfaction as they receive comfortable, aesthetically pleasing crowns that require minimal adjustment.

Zirconia crowns vs other types

When choosing a dental crown, it's helpful to compare zirconia with other common materials:

  • Porcelain crowns: Aesthetically pleasing but far less durable, these are very prone to chipping and breakage.

  • Ceramic crowns: These look natural but typically falter under heavy bite force, making them impractical for chewing harder foods.

  • Metal crowns: A metal crown is extremely durable but does not look natural at all; they are very noticeable, especially on front teeth.

Zirconia is the full package, especially when compared to other types of dental crown material, offering high durability and a natural look without any obvious caveats. It's perfect for both front and back teeth. The only issue may be their cost, for patients with budgetary restrictions, it may be worth looking into the alternatives, especially if they don't have high bite force needs.

Things to consider before getting zirconia crowns

An image of a woman consulting with her dentist.

Before you settle on zirconia crowns, there are multiple important factors to consider. They include:

  • Cost vs longevity: Zirconia crowns may have a higher upfront cost, but their durability can make them more economical in the long run. One extremely solid set of crowns will be more cost-effective than multiple replacements.

  • Consult a qualified dentist: A thorough dental assessment will ensure that the zirconia crown is the right fit for your needs.

  • Maintenance: You have to be ready to commit to a proper oral hygiene routine to maintain any sort of crown. Regular brushing and flossing are a given, but you also have to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist.

  • Conflicting conditions: If you are suffering from conditions that conflict with crown treatment, such as bruxism, you should look into a set of nightguards. Constant tooth grinding can quickly wear down crowns, forcing you to spend money on costly replacements.

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The bottom line on zirconia crowns

Zirconia crowns are an excellent solution for patients who are seeking a durable, natural-looking, and long-lasting dental restoration. They will restore functionality to damaged teeth without compromising your appearance and support dental implants. Utilizing cutting-edge dental technology in their production process, zirconia crowns are almost always quickly received and perfectly fitting. When put next to other dental prosthetics, a zirconium tooth cap is quite hard to beat; however, it's still a good idea to thoroughly consult with your dentist to ensure that getting one fits your budget and dental needs.

Frequently asked questions

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Zirconia crowns have a pretty high upfront cost when compared to other materials, though their longevity may end up being more cost-effective over time.
If properly maintained, a zirconia crown can last fifteen to twenty years with ease, sometimes even longer.
The average cost of a zirconia crown in the UK is £650 - £1,300 per crown.
Zirconia crowns are generally stronger and more durable than porcelain ones, though porcelain crowns may be slightly more translucent, which is better for very visible teeth.
Yes, zirconia crowns do not interfere with eating at all; you can chew and bite comfortably with them just like normal teeth.
Zirconia crowns are often considered the best due to their durability, longevity, and natural appearance.
No, zirconium teeth are stain-resistant and can maintain their natural color over extended periods of time.
Some alternatives include porcelain, ceramic, or metal crowns, each with its own set of upsides and downsides.
In most cases, zirconium is the best option due to its durability, natural look, and biocompatibility.

References

L, N., M, G., R, R., P, M., M, S., H, M., A, I., & I, M. (2019). Zirconia use in dentistry - manufacturing and
properties. PubMed, 45(1), 28–35. https://doi.org/10.12865/chsj.45.01.03

Zirconia Crowns: The Facts that You Need to Know - STOMADENT. (n.d.). STOMADENT.
https://stomadentlab.com/zirconia-crowns-best/