Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
It is common to use a dental crown in combination with a dental implant for the replacement of missing teeth or teeth which are damaged beyond repair. In addition, a crown can serve as an anchor for a dental bridge or partial dentures.
Traditionally, porcelain and gold have been commonly used as the material for a crown. A benefit of porcelain crowns is that they are more natural in their appearance, however, they are also more likely to chip. In comparison, gold crowns are more affordable, but do not look natural or match the existing natural teeth. In addition, some patients can experience negative allergic reactions to gold crowns.
Over the past few years, crowns made of zirconium have been introduced and gaining popularity. Zirconium crowns provide patients with a strong material, natural appearance and they are unlikely to produce an allergic reaction.
Zirconium is a type of crystal which is incredibly strong and has multiple benefits when used for dental products. Crystal is durable, has a long life expectancy and is nearly indestructible. Because zirconium is a crystal, it also contains these properties. In addition to its durability and strength, zirconium is also accepted by the human body. As a result, it is commonly used for dental and medical products.
The following are some of the key advantages associated with zirconium.
Biocompatible
Because zirconia is considered biocompatible, the body will not reject it. The acceptance of the material reduces the likelihood of infections, complications, pain, discomfort, and makes allergic reactions extremely rare.
Appearance
In most cases, zirconium is preferred over porcelain for restoring a tooth which has damage from a stain or fracture. Zirconia is quite successful in matching the natural teeth. Because they are made from crystal, zirconium crowns are translucent. The clear and translucent appearance of the material allows it to provide match for the coloring of the natural teeth. The appearance of these crowns even exceeds that of gold and porcelain.
No Metal
Contrary to crowns made from gold or porcelain, zirconium crowns do not require an unsightly metal base. The metal base it what often makes traditional crowns less desirable and more visible.
Durable
Because they are made of crystal, zirconium is virtually indestructible. Zirconium crowns are able to endure daily activities including chewing and biting. Zirconium is reported to have about five times the strength of porcelain. The method used to mill zirconium crowns makes them extremely difficult to damage and requires a great deal of force. The crowns are also resilient to hot and cold temperatures. This aids in preventing sensitivity of the tooth, which can be common in crowns made from other types of materials. Because zirconium is resistant to chipping and cracking, the crowns also last longer.
Customizable
Crowns made of zirconium are relatively easy to shape, size and adjust the color to ensure they are a close match to the natural teeth.
Low Impact to Natural Teeth
When a crown is typically being placed, a layer of the natural tooth is removed to accommodate a good fit for the crown. Because zirconium is extremely strong a durable, the dentist is able to remove a thin layer of the natural tooth in order to prepare it for the crown.
Zirconia crowns are an excellent solution as they provide patients with the durability, strength, comfort, and appearance of their natural teeth.