WHAT IS ZIRCONIUM CROWN ?
The name zirconium is from the name of the mineral zircon, the most important source of zirconium. The use of zirconia crowns is recommended for treating extended tooth decay or chipping. The tooth is generally salvageable despite the toothache and discolouration. Therefore the zirconia crown is a perfect solution for the restoration.
Zirconia is the choice of many dentists for its biocompatibility. It is less likely to provoke the body into producing a reaction or immunological response like inflammation.
When is zirconium used in dentistry?
Zirconia can be used as a structural material for dental bridges, crowns, inserts, and implants. Mostly because of its biocompatibility, high fracture toughness, and radiopacity.
Crowns are used in dentistry to replace damaged teeth. It is placed onto the remaining part of the tooth. Crowns also can be used to protect devitalized teeth from further damage. Crowns are often used for aesthetic reasons, too, correcting discolored, misshapen teeth. Their shape and color match perfectly with the patient’s natural teeth.
Impeccable strength: Zirconia is even stronger than porcelain. When compared to their porcelain counterparts, zirconia crowns offer 200 percent higher bending strength and flexibility.
Optimal comfort: Zirconia crowns do not transmit temperature fluctuations in the same way as traditional restorations.
What are the stages for this treatment?
- Local anesthesia is applied in the area of the treatment.
- After the patient gets numbed, the first step is the preparation and reduction of the tooth.
- The dentist takes an impression of the abutment and the surrounding teeth.
- A temporary crown is placed onto the tooth until the zirconia crown is prepared.
- The zirconia crown is prepared within a couple of days in the laboratory with conventional methods or with CAD-CAM technology.
- The dentist applies the zirconia crown onto the abutment teeth and fixes it with special dental cement.
What are the Benefits and Advantages of Zirconium Crown?
Zirconia crowns are made of robust and durable material, which makes them long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. Zirconia crowns are biocompatible, and they do not contain metal, so they are suitable for patients with metal allergies.
Zirconia crowns are made by a particular, computerized system using CAD-CAM technology. The process is almost entirely automatized, assuring excellent quality and minimal waiting time. In the laboratory, we only use high-quality materials for the zirconia crowns.
Differences Between Zirconium Veneers and Porcelain Veneers?
While porcelain crowns usually need replacement after a few years, zirconia crowns have shown a 99 percent survival rate after five years. Both porcelain and zirconia are custom-made to look very natural. However, zirconia is multicolored and highly translucent.
Zirconia veneers are more robust than porcelain veneers.
Zirconia veneers have been proven to last a lot longer if the patient has a sound oral hygiene routine.
With their translucent color, zirconia veneers are virtually invisible and blend in with your natural teeth.
All veneers (zirconia or porcelain) come in different shades, so you will be able to choose which color matches your natural teeth.
Who can get this treatment?
- Single posterior crowns.
- Multiple tooth restorations.
- Up to four-unit posterior bridges.
- As a replacement for gold crowns.
- When the patient has parafunctional issues.
- When you need to achieve maximum strength in an all-ceramic restoration.
- Masking of moderate to severe discoloration of underlying tooth structure.
- As an alternative to a metal occlusal surface when a patient desires a metal-free restoration.
Who can not get this treatment?
- When esthetic expectations are high, and the restorations must match surrounding natural dentition or other existing restorations.
- If bonding is necessary to retain the restoration, bond strength is weaker and less predictable than other ceramics.
This treatment from start to finish can be as long as one and a half weeks to three weeks.
The patients might have temporary discomfort after a procedure to place the crown. This pain shouldn’t last longer than two weeks or so. Talk to a dentist if you’re experiencing much pain following a crown procedure or if you have pain that doesn’t go away after two weeks.
Zirconia does not corrode due to the ceramic material, so that it can last for several years. Although it is not subject to decay, it is best to brush all the restorations and your natural teeth at least twice a day. For brushing, it is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste.
- Avoid sticky and hard foods. Crowns are durable and robust, but they can still be damaged, just like your natural teeth.
- Brush and floss to keep the tooth healthy.
- Kick your bad habits.
- Use a night guard.
- See the dentist regularly.
