Dental crowns are used to restore damaged and decayed teeth to provide strength, protection and aesthetics. Over the years, many restorations have introduced different materials like gold, porcelain and porcelain fused to metal. But Zirconia crowns have become the go-to choice because of their durability, aesthetics and biocompatibility. In this blog, we will discuss why dentists prefer Zirconia, how they are made, the benefits of them, and why they are the ideal solution for dental needs.
What are Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia crown is a dental restorations made of zirconium oxide. This is a type of metal oxide that has a crystalline structure, which provides high strength and durability. These properties make them ideal for crowns, bridges and other dental restoration. This is an advancement in porcelain crowns due to their durability and versatility. Even if Porcelain crowns are aesthetically pleasing, because of the strength of Zirconia Crowns are the ideal choice for back teeth as their bite pressure is higher.
How are Zirconia Crowns made?
The process of creating Zirconia crown starts with taking the impression of a patient’s tooth using traditional molds or digital scanning technology. The impressions are then given in a dental lab where the crown is crafted to fit over the patient’s tooth.
Zirconia crowns are mostly prepared with CAD/CAM technology, which ensures a high degree of precision. This technology uses the digital scan to create a 3D model, which is then sent to a milling machine that makes the crown out of the Zirconia block. After this, the material is heat-treated for strength and durability.
The crown fits properly, and the material is highly resistant to fracture and wear. The zirconia crowns can be stained or shaded to match the color of the surrounding teeth to give an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
Strength and durability– Zirconia crown’s main advantage is their exceptional strength. This material is one of the strongest materials in dental restoration. This makes zirconia crowns ideal for patients who need crowns in their back teeth, which tolerate high chew forces.
Aesthetics– Zirconia crowns are commonly known for their strength but are also aesthetically pleasing. Unlike other crowns, which appear opaque and unnatural, zirconia crowns can be customized to give color to natural teeth. Zirconia can also be layered with porcelain for a lifelike appearance.
Biocompatibility– Zirconia is biocompatible, which means they are less likely to cause allergy or irritation of the surrounding gum tissue, such as metals or porcelain to metal crowns. This makes it a favorable option for patients with sensitive gums.
Minimal tooth reduction– Zirconia crowns are thin and have high durability, which requires minimum removal of tooth structure during the process of preparation. This is a great advantage for patients who want to preserve their natural teeth and achieve durable and functional restoration.
No Metal Base– The most common complaint of patients with porcelain fused to metal crowns is visible metal edges near the gum line, especially seen in patients with receding gums. As zirconia crowns do not have metal bases, this avoids the exposure of the metal, making it look unaesthetic.
When are Zirconia crowns considered?
Zirconia crowns are suggested in various situations, which include
Severely Decayed or damaged teeth– A tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, the ideal way to restore its function and appearance is Zirconia crowns.
Cosmetic dental work– For patients looking to improve their smile, zirconia crowns are great options, even if the teeth are visible.
Restoring molar and premolars– Zirconia crowns are known for their durability and strength, which makes them an ideal choice for back teeth, which experience greater chewing pressure.
Bridges and other restoration– Zirconia can also be used to make dental bridges to replace the missing teeth by removing the gap between the natural teeth.
How to care for Zirconia crowns
To increase the lifespan of zirconia crowns, it’s important to take good care of the teeth. Here are some ways to maintain zirconia crowns.
Brush and Floss regularly– You should brush and Floss daily to prevent any plaque and bacterial buildup near the crown area.
Avoid chewing on hard objects– Try to avoid chewing on food that could damage or fracture the zirconia crown.
Use nightguard– You should include wearing nightguard if you grind your teeth in the night, this will protect the zirconia crown and increase the longevity of the dental restoration.
Conclusion: Why Zirconia Crowns are a Top Choice for Dental Restoration
Zirconia crowns are a combination of strength, durability, aesthetics and biocompatibility, which makes them ideal for dental restoration. It is a great choice when dealing with damaged teeth or improving cosmetics. They provide a reliable and long-lasting option.
With the ability to resist wear and pressure, this makes it a great choice as durable restoration. The cost of Zirconia is higher than that of traditional crowns, but the benefits of durability and aesthetics make it a worthwhile investment.
It’s important to talk to your dentist if you are considering a dental crown and ask about zirconia as an option. With so many advantages, it becomes the perfect solution that covers all your restorative needs, helping you achieve a healthy, functional and beautiful smile.
