We get asked so many times about Zirconia, what are the disadvantages and advantages of this material. We have been using Zirconia in our practice for a long time and we can confidently say that this is the best that can be used in the manufacture of crowns.
Zirconia crowns are orthopedic structures that are made from a unique material – zirconium dioxide. This material is obtained from the mineral zirconium, which has a bright white color and is extremely durable.
Let’s take a look at the main benefits
- Zirconia crowns are visually almost impossible to distinguish from adjacent, real teeth, they have a color and transparency as close as possible to natural tooth enamel
- It is the most durable material that can be used for crowns
- A wide range of colors, the ability to apply several layers and mix colors to give the tooth maximum naturalness
- Prosthetics with zirconia crowns allows you to qualitatively recreate the correct chewing load in the oral cavity and thereby avoid thinning of the jaw bone tissue
- Due to their light weight, they are ideal for implantation
- Suitable for patients with a tendency to allergic reactions
- You will not have to change the crown in the next 15-20 years
There are almost no disadvantages of zirconium dentures. Some people consider the high price to be a disadvantage of zirconium crowns, but it is fully justified by their quality, durability and is quite explainable by the high cost of the material itself and the complexity of the prosthesis production process.
When you need to get a crown
- If you have a badly decayed tooth that cannot be restored with a filling
- After root canal treatment. We highly recommend installing a crown, because your tooth will be very fragile and can break at any time
- During the implantation process, the final moments are the installation of the crown
- If you need to raise the bite because the chewing surface of your teeth is very worn
Types of zirconia crowns
Classic
The zirconia framework is milled using CAD/CAM technology and the facing layer of porcelain is sintered to it at high temperatures in a special furnace.
Classic zirconia crowns have excellent aesthetics, making them the best option for restoring anterior teeth in the smile zone. But the brittleness of the porcelain facing layer can lead to chipping or cracking. Once they are in place, you need to avoid biting into solid food or objects.
Monolithic
They are milled using CAD/CAM technology from a solid block of zirconium dioxide. A facing layer is not applied. Monolithic zirconia crowns are stronger than classic crowns, but worse in terms of aesthetics: they have an unnatural matte color. Recommended for dentures of masticatory teeth.
Multi-layer
Made of a 4-layer zirconium dioxide block. Each layer has its own gradient: opaque in the neck area, two transitional layers, and one translucent layer in the incisal edge area. Multi-layered zirconia crowns accurately mimic the transition of natural tooth enamel: from opaque at the apex to translucent (closer to the incisal edge).
Comparison table for dental crowns
| Options | Metal-ceramic | E-max ceramics | Zirconium dioxide |
| Aesthetics | Satisfactory | High | High |
| Strength | High | Enhanced | Enhanced |
| Service life | up to 10 years | up to 20 years | up to 20 years |
| Allergic reactions | Possible | No | No |
The process of installing crowns
- First of all, we need to clean your tooth and prepare it for a crown
- Next, we make an impression and send it to the laboratory
- No worries you won’t go home without a tooth. We will install a temporary crown for you, with which you can pass up to 2 weeks
- After 2 weeks, you need to visit our office again to install your Zirconia crown
Popular questions and answers
How long do zirconia crowns last?
On average up to 15 years, and with proper care up to 20 years.
How do I care for zirconia crowns?
The care for single restorations is simple: just brush twice a day, clean the interdental spaces with floss, rinse your mouth after each meal or snack.
A zirconia crown bridge requires special care: in addition to the above steps, you need to use an irrigator daily to remove food debris from hard-to-reach places.
The general rule is to have professional oral hygiene once every six months!
What is better for a chewing tooth: zirconia or E-max ceramic?
Lateral teeth carry almost all the chewing load, so they need a strong material for crowns. It is definitely better to restore a chewing tooth with a zirconium dioxide crown.
Which is better for the anterior tooth: zirconia or E-max?
For single restorations in the smile zone, the best choice is E-max pressed ceramic. If a bridge is to be installed on 3–5 anterior teeth, zirconia multi-layer is better.
Can complications arise?
If the prosthetics with zirconium is carried out with strict adherence to the rules of technology, and the teeth are properly prepared for the installation of the crown, no complications should be observed after the treatment. But if you suddenly have a tooth under the crown, your gums are swollen, your body temperature rises, you should urgently go to the clinic and see a doctor. Such signs may indicate the onset of the inflammatory process.
If you still have any questions please call our office at 954-457-8308 or fill out the information here.
