Zirconia Crown or zirconia dental crown is one of the most popular dental solutions today in dentistry. They boast durability and are also pleasing to the eye. Whether you need dental crowns for cosmetic purposes or as a restorative procedure, here is everything you need to know about zirconia crowns: their advantages, their price, the process for setting them, and how to take care of them.
What are Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia crown are made from zirconium dioxide, a type of ceramic material that is both durable and biocompatible. Due to their durability and natural look, zirconia crowns can cap teeth that are damaged, decayed, or unappealing. These natural-colored crowns can be quite suitable for both the front and the back teeth on account of their strength and resemblance to the color of natural teeth.
Types of Zirconia Crown
Depending on the needs of the patient, there are different kinds and types of zirconia dental crowns. The different types are as follows:
- Solid Zirconia: This is known for strength. The dental professional uses it at the back since that is where durability may be an issue. It is less translucent than other types; it can nonetheless produce a natural look.
- High-Translucent Zirconia: This is more translucent as compared to solid zirconia and hence is used for the front teeth, where the aesthetics play a crucial role. It can replicate the natural translucency of tooth enamel.
- Layered Zirconia: In this kind, a layer of zirconia is veneered or overlaid with a more aesthetic material, usually porcelain. This provides great aesthetic results to the crown it forms. It embodies strength from the zirconia core and aesthetic quality from the porcelain layer.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Zirconia Crown?
Everything in the world has its advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, the Zirconia crown also has its advantages and disadvantages. Below are shown the pros and cons of it:
Advantages of Zirconia Crown
There are several benefits of zirconia crown. Some of the benefits of having it are as follows:
- Strength: Zirconia is very hard and rarely chips or breaks; thus, these crowns last longer than crowns made from traditional crown materials like porcelain.
- Biocompatibility: Since zirconia is toxic-free, it does not irritate the gum tissues and has fewer chances of allergic reactions.
- Aesthetic Appearance: The color and translucency of zirconia crowns are closer to natural teeth, which presents a better aesthetic result.
- Minimum Reduction of Tooth Structure: Zirconia crowns require the least reduction in tooth structure compared to other materials, which preserves more of the nature of the tooth structure.
- Resistance to Stains: Unlike some of the materials used in building crowns, zirconia does not stain. Therefore, it will look good for a longer period of time.
Possible Problems with Zirconia Dental Crown
Generally speaking, zirconia dental crowns are safe and non-detrimental. However, there are a couple of considerations that are worthy of awareness:
- Wear of Opposing Teeth: The zirconia dental crowns are quite hard and might wear out the opposing natural teeth while functioning, especially if one has a habit of grinding the teeth.
- Poor Fit: Sometimes, the crown may not fit well and must be adjusted. The dentist will sort it at the fitting stage.
- Sensitivity: Patients may be in a state of temporary sensitivity in the tooth following the placement of the crown.
What is the procedure to get a zirconia crown?
The procedure to get zirconia crown is as follows:
- Consultation and Exam: Your dentist will initially examine your teeth and X-rays in order to make the proper diagnosis of whether a zirconia crown will be the best way to treat your dental problem.
- Tooth Preparation: This involves the removal of the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth, then shaping the rest of your tooth so that your crown will be able to fit.
- Impressions: Impressions of your teeth, whether digital or physical, will be made to create a model for the crown to ensure an ideal fit.
- Crown Fabrication: The dentist sends the impressions to a dental laboratory. Then in the laboratory the dentist will fabricate the zirconia crown. The same-day crown may be available at some clinics with CAD/CAM.
- Temporary Crown Placement: If the crown is fabricated in a lab, a temporary crown is placed to keep the tooth safe until the permanent crown is ready.
- Fitting and Bonding: When the zirconia crown is available, a dentist will check the fit and make any alterations before bonding the crown to the tooth with dental cement.
Cost of Zirconia Crown
The cost of zirconia crown will also greatly vary depending on your location, the experience of the dentist, and how complex the case is. The average cost of zirconia dental crown is between $800 to $2,500 per crown. Although a bit more costly than most other crowns, zirconia crowns are resilient and aesthetically pleasing. This often makes them well worth the investment.
Cost-Influencing Factors of Zirconia Crowns
Different factors influence the cost of zirconia crowns. Some of the factors are:
- Location: Cost of these crowns are different in different locations. The cost is higher in the city or advanced places when compared to rural and under developed places.
- The experience of the dentist: The more experience the dentist has, the more they will charge.
- Insurance or not: Your dental insurance plan can cover part of the fee, especially if the crown is not placed for cosmetic reasons but as a restorative one.
- Lab fees: If the lab used is of a high-end nature, the fee might be higher.
How to Take Care of Your Zirconia Crowns
Good care of your zirconia crowns will require you to remember a few points, such as the following.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing will keep your gums and teeth around it in a healthy state.
- Non-abrasive Toothpaste: The surface of the crown will scratch much less when using non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing hard things like ice and hard candies may lead to possible damage to your crown.
- Regular dental follow-up: Regular dental follow-up will follow up on the status of the crown and the detection of problems in their early stage.
Who are the candidates eligible to get the Zirconia Crown?
Zirconia crowns are ideal for the people as follows:
- Need a strong yet natural-looking solution for their damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth.
- Looking for a metal-free dental restoration.
- I prefer a crown, which will be more resistant to stains and retain its appearance longer.
- If sensitivity or allergic reactions to metals are one of their concerns.
Conclusion
Zirconia crowns are reliable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. They may be a bit more expensive than some other varieties, but the benefits they offer often make them well worth investing in. If you are considering a zirconia crown, it is always best to speak with your dentist and weigh all of your options to see if this will be the right solution for your dental needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zirconia Crowns
How long do zirconia crowns last?
It can last as long as 10-15 years and even more when properly cared for. It may affect the longevity of the crowns, depending on oral hygiene, dietary, or grinding habits of the patient.
Which one is better, zirconia or porcelain crowns?
Zirconia crowns are stronger and more resistant than porcelain crowns. Therefore the dentist will place this crown at the back. However, in the case of the front teeth, a natural look is the main purpose, and there, porcelain crowns may look a little more natural.
Is whitening possible with a zirconia crown?
No, it is not possible to whiten these crowns. It is essential to choose the right shade before making a crown.
What is a zirconia crown, according to the American Dental Association?
According to ADA, zirconia crowns are durable and compatible dental restorations. These crowns are made from a type of ceramic material called zirconium dioxide, which is known for its strength and natural resemblance. Generally, they are used for covering teeth that are damaged, decayed, or not visually appealing.
Is a zirconia crown good for a dental implant?
Yes, crowns of zirconia can be used in conjunction with dental implants when there is the need for the restoration of a missing tooth. Their durability and natural look make them quite suitable for capping a dental implant abutment to provide one with a long-lasting and aesthetic result.
