Zirconia crowns are a popular choice for dental patients who are in need of a crown replacement. These crowns are made from a strong, durable, and natural-looking material that can improve the appearance, function, and longevity of your teeth.
Some dentists exclusively use zirconia over all-ceramic restorations, mainly when restoring a single tooth. Zirconia crowns require shoulder or chamfer margins for best results. They may be fabricated from solid full-contour zirconia, high translucent zirconia, or layered zirconia. High translucent zirconia and layered zirconia can be either screw-retained or cemented.
Most dental practices are switching from conventional PFM crowns and moving towards the use of zirconia for creating fixed dental restorations. Because zirconia restorations possess excellent aesthetics and are virtually indestructible, zirconia is becoming the most popular material for fabricating dental restorations.
Solid or Layered Zirconia?
Zirconia Solid | Dental BridgeSolid zirconia, or "monolithic zirconia," is opaque, so it's generally recommended for posterior crowns. Solid zirconia contains more stabilizers than high translucent zirconia, making it more durable to withstand the forces of mastication. This material is particularly suitable for patients who may grind their teeth. Only minimal clearance is required for this type of restoration, and there is low wear on the opposing teeth.
Layered zirconia is more translucent and opalescent, but it is especially suitable for anterior crowns, unlike solid zirconia. Although generally used for anterior crowns, layered zirconia may also be used for posterior crowns if there is sufficient clearance. When done skillfully, the very best aesthetic results can be achieved. Both solid and layered zirconia crowns have strength and consistency comparable with traditional PFM restorations, yet they provide far superior aesthetics.
The product is 100% metal-free, which prevents gingival darkening and removes the possibility of exposing metallic margins if gingival recession begins. They are naturally aesthetic, transmit the color of adjacent teeth, and can be matched to any shade, making high-translucent zirconia suitable for bridges up to 3 units in length.
Safer for your patients
The high biocompatibility of zirconia will not cause an allergic reaction in patients who have sensitivities to PFM restorations. Quite a few dental patients are allergic to the alloys used to fabric PFM crowns. If you have a patient who faces these allergies, this is an indication that zirconia should be used when making restorations. Zirconia possesses excellent biocompatibility, making the crowns and bridges prepared from zirconia highly safe for clinical use.
Zirconia dental crowns have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability, natural look, and biocompatibility. However, like any dental procedure, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider before choosing zirconia dental crowns.
Advantages of Zirconia Dental Crowns:
1. Durability: Zirconia dental crowns are extremely durable and often last longer than traditional porcelain or metal crowns. They can withstand heavy biting forces and are less prone to chipping or cracking.
2. Natural Look: Zirconia dental crowns are translucent in nature, which means they reflect light similarly to natural teeth. They offer a more natural-looking appearance than traditional metal crowns, which can be noticeable or unattractive in certain situations.
3. Biocompatibility: Unlike metal crowns, which can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some patients, zirconia dental crowns are biocompatible and are unlikely to cause negative reactions.
4. Minimal Tooth Reduction: Zirconia dental crowns require less tooth reduction than traditional crowns, which means more of the natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Disadvantages of Zirconia Dental Crowns:
1. Cost: Zirconia dental crowns are generally more expensive than traditional crowns, due to the advanced technology and materials used in their production.
2. Hardness: While their durability is an advantage, the hardness of zirconia crowns can also be a disadvantage. If not carefully placed and adjusted, they can cause excessive wear to natural teeth on the opposing arch.
3. Limited Shade Range: While zirconia crowns offer a natural-looking appearance, their shade range is limited compared to other materials. Patients with highly visible front teeth may opt for other materials that offer a wider range of shades.
4. High Technology: Zirconia dental crowns require advanced technology and precision during the production process, making it necessary to find a dental laboratory or provider with the proper equipment and expertise.
Conclusion
Zirconia dental crowns offer several advantages over traditional crowns, including increased durability and a more natural appearance. However, they also come with some disadvantages, such as higher cost and limited shade range. It's important to carefully weigh these factors with the help of a dental professional before deciding if zirconia dental crowns are right for you.