Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
A dental crown is a permanent dental restoration that covers most of or the entire exposed portion of a tooth. If a tooth has extensive decay, has fractured, or had a root canal, a dental crown is typically placed to preserve the remaining tooth structure. Dental crowns are also used to restore a dental implant with a fake tooth or maybe used as the anchor for a dental bridge. The traditional materials used to fabricate dental crowns have long been porcelain and base metals such as gold. Porcelain is more natural looking but it can be printed shipping. Metal crowns are less expensive but cannot be color matched to the rest of the teeth and are usually only appropriate for back teeth that do not show when the patient smiles. Some patients may have a metal allergy, making gold or other metal crowns a poor choice.
Another material option for patients who need a dental crown is zirconia. Zirconia is a crystal material derived from zirconium, which is a metal in the titanium family and has great biocompatibility even for patients that suffer from metal allergies. Zirconia crowns can be color matched just like porcelain and are more durable.
What advantages do zirconia crowns offer?
Some of the major advantages of having a crown made from zirconia include but are not limited to:
- Biocompatibility: Biocompatibility is a material's ability to work within our body. Zirconia has high biocompatibility and provides a lower chance of complications, infection, discomfort, and allergic reactions for all patients, especially those who suffer from metal allergies.
- Lifespan and Durability: Zirconia is almost indestructible and can easily withstand the force applied with eating as well as any additional force it may incur due to bruxism. Bruxism is the clenching and/or grinding many of us do in our sleep. Zirconia is also resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures, which lowers the frequency of tooth hypersensitivity that can be common with other types of dental crowns. Zirconia crowns are more resistant to chipping and cracking that porcelain and therefore can last a lifetime without needing to be replaced!
- Aesthetics: Zirconia is easily shaped and colored to match the surrounding natural teeth to give the patient the most natural results possible,
Zirconia crowns are a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for patients who need a crown to restore a tooth. They can be fabricated in a way that allows for less natural tooth structure loss and even though they are thin, they can still withstand chewing and bruxing. Patients that require this type of restoration can have great success opting for zirconia for their crown.
Tooth problems do not resolve themselves so if your Dentist advises a dental crown to save a tooth from further damage, it is important to receive treatment as soon as possible. Untreated fracture or decay can lead to a hopeless tooth that only has one option for treatment, extraction. A dental crown can save a tooth for years, even a lifetime! Speak with your Dentist to decide what material will best suit your individual needs.