What are Zirconia Crowns?
A crown is basically a cap for a damaged tooth. It can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, composite, or a combination of materials. If you have a tooth that is wearing down, cracked, or chipped, your dentist will probably recommend capping it with a dental crown. A crown will help maintain the shape, size, strength, and appearance of your tooth and will be made from one, or a mixture, of various materials, a popular choice being zirconia. When choosing the material that will be best for you, you will want to consider multiple factors like the visibility of the tooth, the cost, the strength, and how it looks.
The History of Dental Crowns
According to the ADA, American Dental Association, crowns have been around since before 200 AD. In recent history, gold alloys and other metals had been popular choices for crowns. These metals are strong enough to withstand the pressures of chewing, but they do not look like natural teeth. For most people today the closest thing to a real tooth is the optimal choice. Eventually, the dental industry began to use porcelain to match the color of the natural teeth, but a downfall of porcelain is that it is more fragile than gold and the other metal options. Sometimes it can chip, crack, or break. Zirconia, however, is a much stronger, more durable material that also looks like a natural tooth and can be too strong and durable as well.
The Reasons for Needing a Dental Crown
If you have a large cavity that is too big for a filling, it may be time for a crown.
You may also need a crown if your tooth is:
- severely worn down.
- cracked, chipped, broken, or fractured.
- Weakened from decay or disease.
Crowns are also recommended after a root canal on a tooth because the tooth is now more fragile and needs protection.
You may be a candidate for a crown if you are missing a tooth, and the dentist needs to put in a dental bridge or a dental implant.
The Benefits of a Zirconia Crown
Zirconia is a white solid ceramic glaze and one of several newer materials that combines the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. And zirconia crowns are continually being developed to further improve their performance.
Some of the benefits of zirconium crowns are:
- They can resemble the color of your natural teeth.
- They are quite durable.
- They can be shaped in the dental office and need less preparation, meaning you could be fitted for your crown and have it placed in one appointment.
Zirconia can be layered with porcelain for an even more tooth-like appearance.
These crowns can be bonded or cemented to your tooth, giving your dentist more options.
Zirconia is biocompatible, it will not cause any adverse reactions in your body.
Considerations When Choosing Zirconia for Your Dental Crown
Several factors are important to consider when choosing a zirconia crown, including:
- The final cost.
- The biting and chewing strength.
- Overall durability and life expectancy.
A natural appearance that does not detract from your healthy smile may also be a priority for you. A dentist will discuss the various options and help you determine what best meets your needs.