What are Zirconia Crowns

The dentist may suggest a dental crown to cap for teeth which display signs of wear, cracks, or chips. Crowns help to maintaining the size, strength, shape, and appearance of the natural tooth. Crowns can be created from various materials such as zirconia. There are multiple factors which should be considered in the selection of what material to use for a crown. This can include the tooth’s location, cost, durability, and appearance. In this article, we will discuss benefits, challenges and other details related to zirconia crowns.

Because of their ability to closely match the color of the natural teeth, dentists started using porcelain for creating crowns. The dentists quickly realized that porcelain is unfortunately less durable compared to gold and other metal materials. While zirconia can chip, crack, and break, it has a similar appearance to the natural teeth. It is an incredibly strong and durable material for use in creating crowns.

Key Advantages

Zirconia is a material which is white solid ceramic glaze. It is a newer material and has the unique ability to combine metal-like strength with the natural tooth-like appearance of porcelain. Through modern dentistry and industry enhancements, zirconia crowns continue to change, develop and have improved overall performance.

Some of the main benefits associated with zirconium crowns include:

* A color quite similar to the natural teeth
* Durability
* Dentists can easily shape the crown, allowing them to fit and place the crown in a single appointment
* Appearance can be enhanced with layering zirconia and porcelain
* Crowns are bonded or cemented to the tooth, this allows dentists to provide patients with flexibility in their treatment options
* Zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning it will not cause an adverse reaction

Key Disadvantages

Unfortunately, zirconia crowns also have some disadvantages which should be considered. The material is a close resemblance of the natural teeth and provides a better compared to gold or other metals. However, it is also more opaque than these alternative materials. When a tooth located in the front of the mouth requires a crown, materials other than zirconia may be a more optimal solution. It can be challenging for zirconia to closely match the natural teeth when they are visible and located in the front of the mouth. One of the key benefits of zirconia is its strength, however, in can sometimes be too strong. In cases where the crown requires an adjustment for an even bite or must be filed down, the extremely strong material can cause some challenges and be difficult to work with.

Hygiene

No matter which material is selected for use, it is imperative for patients with crowns to practice good oral hygiene. Good hygiene includes twice daily brushing of the teeth and daily flossing. It is also important for patients to consume a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Patients should continue making regular visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and thorough examination. During the examination, the dentist will review the crown to ensure it is healthy and does not have any issues.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to help determine a zirconia crown may be a good solution in treating a damaged tooth. In order to determine the optimal material for the crown, the dentist will evaluate the location of the damaged tooth, the estimated treatment cost, treatment expectations, and other details.

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