What is Zirconia Crown?

Zirconia crowns are made from a material called zirconium and closely match the color of natural teeth. There are significant reasons why zirconium is a preferred material for dental veneers, including its close resemblance to natural teeth in terms of light transmittance, heat and impact resistance, and its lack of harm to oral health. Zirconium-based dental veneers are a popular choice in many dental cosmetic treatments.

What are the benefits of zirconia crowns?

With dental veneers, it’s crucial to obtain a natural-looking, attractive appearance. With its beauty and longevity, zirconium crowns are commonly employed in dental aesthetics and smile design. What are the benefits of zirconium crowns, then?

• One major benefit is its ability to transmit light and its aesthetic appearance.
• It can be produced in any color desired by the patient.
• The color of the tooth being covered can be completely masked if desired.
• It is suitable for individuals with metal allergies.
• It is biocompatible and has no negative effects on the health of teeth and oral tissues.
• It has a smooth and shiny surface.
• It can be made thinner than metal-supported systems, resulting in less tooth preparation.
• It can improve the appearance of protruding and crooked teeth in cases where orthodontic treatment is not an option.
• It is the superior alternative to metal-supported porcelain for bridge restorations in cases of tooth loss. • Zirconium application can be completed in one appointment for posterior teeth, but it may take around 5-7 days for aesthetic treatments.

When to prefer zirconia crowns?

Zirconia dental crowns are a treatment option for teeth with inherited or acquired cosmetic issues. Zirconium crowns provide for the removal of tooth-related pain brought on by tooth discolouration. So, when are zirconium crowns prefered?

• When old veneers need to be replaced and an aesthetic outcome is desired,
• In cases of enamel loss,
• In cases of inherent tooth discoloration or structural enamel defects,
• In teeth with large, fractured, or discolored fillings,
• In cases of dental misalignment or spacing where orthodontic treatment is not feasible or appropriate,
• As bridges or veneers on posterior teeth (excluding long toothless gaps),
• In cases of excessive substance loss or wear on teeth,
• In implant-supported prostheses,
• Veneers made of zirconium, like Emax, Empress, Laminate veneer, and Bonding, can be preferred for the above reasons. However, information obtained over the internet without examination can be misleading. There are many treatment options available, including zirconium crowns, Emax, Empress, Laminate veneer, and Bonding. Your physician will provide the most accurate information on which treatment is right for you.

How does zirconium crown treatment process work?

Patients who request zirconium crowns first go through a thorough examination. At this point, we use CT or X-ray techniques to gather data regarding the patient’s oral and dental health. We thoroughly describe the ways in which the patient’s dental issues can be resolved to them, as well as the full range of treatment options. With the patient’s consent, we begin the therapeutic procedure.

• Firstly, we address any other dental issues that the patient may have.
• Next, we make minor adjustments to the teeth that will receive the veneers to ensure a precise fit.
• Once the necessary adjustments are completed, we take digital measurements of the teeth.
• We then order the teeth in the required measurements from the laboratory and apply temporary veneers to the patient.
• The zirconium crowns are typically received approximately one week later.
• Once we receive the actual zirconium crowns, we remove the temporary veneers and install the zirconium crowns on the teeth.
• We make final tweaks to ensure a perfect fit and then bond the veneers to the teeth.
• In this way, we can provide our patients with a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile that they can feel confident about.

How much is the tooth reduced in zirconium crown treatment?

For zirconium crowns, each tooth requires a different degree of abrasion (cutting) from the tooth. If it is compared to the identical teeth, the abrasion created for porcelain lamina is more appropriate. In comparison to veneers supported by metal, less cutting is necessary. The treatment strategy and level of amputation depend on the intended outcome.

How long does the Zirconium Crown treatment take?

When the teeth are reduced in size and imprints are obtained, smile aesthetics can be finished in around 4–7 days. Temporary teeth are used throughout this treatment to prevent sensitivity issues and cosmetic issues. Although temporary teeth are not as attractive as permanent teeth, they are nevertheless highly useful since they lessen tooth discomfort while they are in place and prevent the patient from seeming as though they are missing teeth.

Is there pain during the procedure in zirconium crown treatment?

Prior to the restoration procedure, anesthesia is administered to numb all the teeth that will be worked on. Temporary restorations are then placed on the teeth before the anesthetic wears off, ensuring that the patient does not experience any pain and can maintain their standard of living with the temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready.

Can zirconium be placed on the implant?

Yes, it is possible. This method is especially preferred in aesthetic areas. Veneers are attached or screwed to the part of the implant called the abutment. In order to create the emergence profile of the gum, a structure known as t-base or emergence profile structure is preferred for the abutment part of the implant to prevent gray reflections. Natural results can be achieved in aesthetic areas with zirconium implant emergence profiles. In this way, zirconium teeth that do not show any reflection or incompatibility aesthetically and are difficult to distinguish from natural teeth are created.

Does zirconia crown cause bad taste or odor in the mouth?

Zirconiums, when made with precision and in accordance with the teeth, do not cause bad taste or odor. However, good oral care and tooth brushing are essential for maintaining oral health. For people with healthy gums and good oral hygiene, zirconiums do not result in bad breath odor.

Do zirconium crowns change color?

Zirconiums have shiny, smooth, and glassy surfaces, which do not cause any discoloration. While food debris may stick to the surface, it can be easily removed with the first brushing, and the same is true for tea, coffee, and cigarettes. However, the lack of discoloration should not encourage us to reduce our tooth brushing and oral care, but rather motivate us to take even better care of our teeth.

How to Care for Zirconia Crowns?

Ceramic veneers have the advantage of being stain-resistant and gum-compatible, making them highly attractive. However, to maintain this advantage over time, good oral care is crucial. Brushing teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, using mouthwash, and seeking dental checkups on a regular basis are essential to ensure longevity and prevent potential issues.

What is the lifespan of zirconium crowns?

It is difficult to provide a definite lifespan for intraoral restorations. Patients who receive regular dental check-ups and take good care of their dental health can expect them to last for many years. Zirconium is known for its resistance and durability. However, if a patient neglects their oral care, they may experience gingival recession or other problems, which can lead to aesthetic issues within 1-2 years. Similarly, if maintenance is neglected over the course of many years, the underlying abutment teeth may also become damaged.

Is zirconia crown treatment applicable for those who are allergic to metal?

Allergies were common with old-style metal-backed dental crowns. Compared to metal-backed crowns, zirconium allergy is quite rare, although it varies from patient to patient. Therefore, zirconia is a priority option for allergic individuals.

Is it common for zirconium crown to break or fall off?

With the correct design that considers the patient’s chewing movements and jaw relationship,

zirconium crowns are not expected to fracture during normal use. Zirconia is actually more resistant to fractures compared to natural teeth. However, severe trauma or accidents can still cause the tooth to break. The adhesives used to bond zirconium crowns, called “cement,” have ideal chemical properties for adhesion to both the tooth and zirconia. Techniques that enhance adhesion are used during tooth abrasion, so it is unlikely for the veneers to come off the teeth.

Is zirconia crown applicable for those with gum disease?

Applying veneers is not a recommended procedure when the gums are inflamed. If gingivitis is present, the first step is to treat the gums and give them a healthy appearance. Once the gums are healthy, a suitable zirconium crown that is gentle on the gums can be planned and applied.

What is monolithic zirconia?

Monolithic zirconium is a type of zirconium crown that is a monoblock with very high fracture strength and has the appearance of having porcelain on it, without actually having porcelain. It is an excellent option for patients with bruxism, vertical dimension (worn teeth), and the need for long bridges. With much less material loss, more robust restorations can be created. Scientific studies indicate that even a thickness of 0.5 mm of monolithic zirconium can withstand maximum bite forces in the mouth.

Crowns and bridges made with monolithic zirconium can be completed in as few as 2 sessions, eliminating the need for many treatment steps that metal or zirconium substructures or porcelain require. Patients can have new teeth in a short time without the need for frequent rehearsals, making this an ideal option for those with limited time for treatment, especially those from abroad.

Prices of zirconium crowns

Dental veneer prices vary depending on the type of material used for the veneer. Zirconium crown prices are more affordable compared to laminate veneers. Similarly, the prices of metal-backed veneers are also more affordable compared to zirconium crowns.

Dental veneer fees may also vary according to the province and other treatments that the patient may need before the zirconium crown application. Clear information about zirconium crown prices can only be determined after a dental examination by the dentist.