What are Zirconia Crowns?

Zirconia crowns are a type of dental crown made from a strong, material called zirconium dioxide (zirconia). Dental crowns are used to cover or “cap” a tooth that has been damaged ,decayed and following a root canal treatment to provide a protective barrier and restore the tooth’s function and appearance. 

Zirconia crowns are a popular choice and also they offer a number of benefits over traditional crown materials, such as metal alloys or porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or ceramic crowns.

Benefits of Zirconia Crowns

  1. Natural appearance: One of the biggest advantages of zirconia crowns is their natural-looking appearance.

  2.  Zirconia crowns closely resemble the color and translucency of natural teeth. This makes them a good choice for visible front teeth, where a natural appearance is important.

  3. Strength and durability: Zirconia crowns are known for their strength and durability. They can withstand the same biting and chewing forces as natural teeth and are less likely to break or chip compared to other types of crowns.

  4. Bio -Compatible: Over the years there has been significant case of patients reporting allergic reactions to the metals used in ceramic crowns materials.Research suggest the allergic reactions is duoe to the nickel and chromium in the metal . Zirconia crowns, on the other hand, are metal-free and bio-compatible for people with metal allergies.

  5. Longevity: Zirconia crowns are also known for their longevity. With proper care, they can last for many years, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

  6. Warranty: At Jussmile Dental Clinic, Zirconia Crowns carry warranty ranging from 10years,15years,20years and life time.

Process of Getting a Zirconia Crown

The process of getting a zirconia crown typically involves the following steps:

  1. Consultation: On the first consultation visit,we do a thorough examination and hear your concern regarding your dental issue.Before deciding on Zirconia, we will try to explore other better options. Usually it is preffered that the tooth requiring Zirconia Crown is root canal treated.

  2. Impressions: Once root canal is done,next appointment is scheduled for tooth preparation i.e preparing your tooth  to recceive Zirconia crown. Once the tooth is prepared,Impressions are taken. These impressions will be used to make a  custom-made crown that fits your tooth perfectly.

  3. Temporary crown: In case of front tooth, we will provide temporary immediately.

  4. Placement of the permanent crown: When your permanent  Zirconia crown is ready,  we will schedule an appointment.Usually morning appointments are preffered for Zirconia crown. The natural sunlight is a great help to understand the shade of the natural tooth and Zirconia crown. Once patient is satisfied with the crown,Zirconia crown is fixed permanently.

Comparing Zirconia Crowns to Other  Materials

Zirconia crowns are not the only type of crown available. Other options include:

  • Metal crowns: Metal crowns, are known for their strength and durability. However, they may not be the best choice for front teeth because of their metallic  appearance.

  • Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns: PFM crowns are made of a metal base covered with porcelain. They offer a natural-looking appearance but may not be as strong as zirconia or metal crowns.

  • Composite resin crowns: Composite resin crowns are made from a mixture of plastic and glass particles. They are a more affordable option but are not as strong or durable as other crown materials.

But before you go to your dentist for Zirconia crowns, be aware that there are different types of zirconia crowns, not all Zirconia crowns are same. Choosing the right  zirconia is crucial for dentist.

There are several different types of zirconia crowns available, including:

  1. Full zirconia crowns: Full zirconia crowns are made entirely of zirconium dioxide and are known for their strength and durability. They may be a good choice for molars or other teeth that experience heavy biting and chewing forces.
  2. Layered zirconia crowns: Layered zirconia crowns are made by bonding a layer of porcelain to a zirconia base. This gives them a more natural-looking appearance while still maintaining the strength of zirconia.
  3. Pressable zirconia crowns: Pressable zirconia crowns are made by pressing a layer of zirconia into a mold. They offer a more affordable option but may not be as strong as full or layered zirconia crowns.
  4. CAD/CAM zirconia crowns: CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) zirconia crowns are made using advanced technology to create a custom-fit crown. They offer a precise fit and a natural-looking appearance.