Dental crowns are a popular type of restoration commonly used to cover a tooth which is damaged or weak. Crowns are often used on fractured, cracked or broken teeth. Dentists often use a dental crown made from zirconia. Zirconia crowns are incredibly strong, durable and appear similar to the natural teeth. When patients properly care for the crown and practice good oral hygiene, a zirconia crown can last for up to 15 years or more.

The dentist will perform an examination prior to the placement of the crown. A crown can be used on a mature adult tooth which is damaged or compromised. Below are some of the most common reasons for using a crown:

* A tooth that contains a large filling
* Protecting a tooth that recently had a root canal
* Teeth which are broken, cracked, fractured, or chipped
* Used with a dental implant for replacing a missing tooth

The crown placement procedure is completed in about an hour at the dentist. The procedure will typically include the use of a local anesthetic. Along with improving the tooth’s appearance, crowns can also aid in restoring the tooth’s function and preventing damage or movement of the adjacent teeth.

Zirconia restorations are created from zirconia dioxide, a metal oxide. This material is desirable for restorations as it is incredibly strong and durable. Unlike porcelain crowns which contain unattractive metal, the all-ceramic material of zirconia does not contain any metal. Key benefits of zirconia include its stability, resilience to wear, and prevention of cracking.

Zirconia crowns were first introduced in 2010. Prior to being used in crowns, zirconia was used for dental implants and endodontic posts. The material is in the form of a pressed solid block. The dental lab then mills these blocks into 3-dimensional crowns or framework using CAD/CAM production. This procedure gives the lab the ability to create exceptional restorations and meet the patient’s needs. Because these crowns do not require the use of metal, they are attractive and do not contain unsightly visible dark lines or shadows at the gum line.

Zirconia can be used for numerous types of restorations such as crowns, multi-unit bridges, frameworks for porcelain-fused-to-Zirconia crowns and bridges. Zirconia can also be used in veneers. Due to their many advantages, zirconia crowns are quickly gaining popularity.

Two of the greatest advantages of using zirconia in the creation of a crown are its strength and durability. In considering the great deal of force placed on back teeth, it is imperative that the crown can endure routine grinding and chewing. Crowns must be quite strong to endure these forces which makes zirconia an especially great material for crowns which are located in the back of the mouth. Because zirconia is so strong, the dentist is not required to complete a great deal of preparation prior to the placement of the crown.

In the comparison of metal-based crowns and zirconia crowns over five years, their longevity was similar. When a crown is made from monolithic zirconia, it is especially durable. Dentists may also chose to use zirconia for restorations due to its high level of biocompatibility. The material is well received by the body and rarely results in inflammation or an allergic reaction.

Advantages of Zirconia Crowns