What are Zirconia Crowns
There are a number of restorations available to restore a tooth that is decayed or fractured. Depending on the extent of the decay, a simple filling may be able to Bring the tooth back to a healthy state. In the case of extensive decay or fracture, a dental crown may be advised to restore the tooth. A dental crown is a tooth colored “cap" that fits over the entire visible tooth structure. When is a great way to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted! There are a number of materials available for dental crowns, one of the most popular being zirconia. Other materials include base metals (such as gold), porcelain, or ceramic.
What are the benefits of a zirconia crown?
Zirconia is a metal oxide derived from zirconium, which is a metal in the titanium family. Even though it is derived from metal, patients with metal allergies are able to receive a zirconia crown without consequence. Zirconia is a highly biocompatible material and will not cause any adverse reactions in the patient's body.
There are a number of benefits that come along with zirconia crowns. The crowns are incredibly durable because they are milled from a solid block of zirconia and can be fabricated to match the size and shape of your natural teeth. Zirconia is also able to be color matched to your natural teeth so the crown will not be obvious!
Like any other type of restoration, a zirconia crown is permanently cemented onto the affected tooth.
What are the disadvantages of a zirconia crown?
Zirconia crowns are very strong and durable which can be a minor downfall if you ever need a bite adjustment. When your dentist provides a bite adjustment, they will take a small amount of structure off of the offending teeth and if that happens to be your zirconia crown, your dentist may have a hard time adjusting your bite.
The only other real downside of zirconia crowns is their opacity. Zirconia is much more opaque than our natural teeth so they are not ideal for anterior teeth. Our teeth are a little translucent on the Zirconia is a great material for posterior teeth that take a lot of abuse with your bite force.
Zirconia Crowns and Oral Hygiene
No matter what type of material your dental restorations are fabricated from, it is important to always practice good oral hygiene! Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and floss your teeth at least once a day to reach between your teeth and remove any plaque or bacteria buildup. There are also anti-microbial mouth rinses that can be very beneficial to removing bacteria and biofilm build-up.
If you have a tooth that has fractured or has severe decay, a zirconia dental crown may be a great option for you. Depending on the location of the affected tooth, your Dentist may use porcelain instead. Your dentist will discuss your options with you and help you determine which material will be the best option for your individual case.