Dental crowns of one type or another have been used for centuries to protect or replace decayed, damaged, or missing teeth, and in the era of contemporary dentistry, they are also used to anchor dental bridges and partial dentures. Crowns can be made of gold or metal alloys, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and zirconia. Gold and metal alloy crowns are affordable but create obvious aesthetic disadvantages, and they are more likely to cause allergic reactions than non-metallic alternatives. Porcelain provides a more natural appearance, but the material isn’t particularly strong and can be prone to chipping. Porcelain fused to metal combines the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain, though the metal can show through and could be obviously visible if the gums recede, and the metal can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. Zirconia crowns are naturally durable and lifelike, offering an aesthetically superior, natural appearance, and they are highly biocompatible, which means they’re very unlikely to cause allergic reactions or other side effects.
Zirconia, a crystalline material derived from zirconium, has been used for decades in endodontic treatments and has proven its biocompatibility and durability. Zirconia dental crowns effectively hide the damage caused by fractures, staining, or decay, while maintaining a lowered risk of infections, pain, or complications. Zirconia is virtually indestructible and can be expected to withstand even the most zealous biting and chewing, and it is also resistant to the extreme temperatures that can cause sensitivity in damaged teeth and with other types of crowns. Because zirconia is highly resistant to cracks and fractures, zirconia has a longer life expectancy than porcelain, and because the luminous crystalline material is easily shaped and tinted, zirconia provides better aesthetic results than metal and porcelain fused to metal. The malleability of zirconia also allows crowns to be precisely and perfectly shaped and colored, enhancing their natural look and feel.
Normally, in order to place a dental crown, your dentist will first need to remove a layer of the original tooth so that the crown fits properly and is aligned with the other teeth. Because zirconia is so strong, the layer of material is thinner than with other types of crowns, which means that less of the natural tooth material needs to be removed to accommodate the crown. This helps maintain the health and strength of the natural teeth and supports the oral health as a whole. Zirconia is also preferable for patients who want a durable option but who wish to avoid having metal placed in their mouths, either because of an allergy or simply due to personal preference. Ideally, your dental crown will look and feel just like a natural, healthy tooth and will allow you to feel confident that it’s doing its job and will continue to do so, and with a zirconia crown, the outlook is favorable. Just like you need to take care of your teeth, you should take care of your zirconia crown, keeping your teeth and oral cavity clean and seeing your dentist regularly. With your collaboration, you can help reap the benefits of your zirconia crown for decades.