Advantages of Zirconia Dental Crowns
Dental crown treatment is commonly used to efficiently strengthen a natural tooth that has become weakened or fractured. Recently, zirconia dental crowns have become one of the most popular dental crown choices among dental providers for a successful dental crown treatment. This popularity is because zirconia crowns offer many advantages over the alternative dental crown choices. Below is more information on the many advantages of zirconia dental crowns.
What are Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium, an incredibly strong metal derivative. They are highly trusted among dental providers because they are long-lasting and incredible durable. Zirconia crowns are also popular for their biocompatibility, meaning the human body responds well to them. Unlike porcelain crowns that have a metal frame, zirconia crowns don’t need a metal frame for stability. This metal frame that is part of the porcelain crown often results in dark metal that may be visible near the gumline. Since they were first used in 2010, zirconia crowns have become increasingly popular due to their resistance to wear, indestructible qualities, and superior aesthetic.
The Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
You may be surprised to hear that dental crowns are used in a variety of dental procedures, from strengthening one tooth, anchoring a dental bridge, or completely replacing a tooth with a dental implant post. Porcelain and gold materials used to be the most common materials used to make dental crowns. Recently, zirconia crowns have become increasingly popular because they provide a natural look with unparalleled strength and durability. Here are some of the biggest advantages of zirconia dental crowns:
- Biocompatibility: The body will not reject zirconia like it may with some other materials, like metal crowns. Zirconia is biocompatible, meaning lower risk of infections, complications, pain, discomfort, and allergic reactions.
- Effectively cover damaged teeth: Zirconia crowns can be used to effectively cover a damaged, fractured, or stained tooth.
- Durability: Zirconia is incredibly strong, meaning it can handle even the most aggressive chewing and biting. In fact, zirconia crowns are believed to be three to five times as strong as porcelain crowns. Zirconia is also resistant to conducting extreme hot and cold temperatures, minimizing discomfort.
- Longevity: Many providers believe that zirconia crowns will last longer than porcelain crowns. With proper care, it is estimated that zirconia crowns can last at least 10 years up to several decades.
- Easy to work with: Zirconia is easy to shape and appropriately size to match the other natural teeth in the mouth. The right shape, size and color will result in a more natural looking tooth replacement.
- Less tooth preparation: Before a crown is installed, it is necessary for a layer of the original tooth to be filed down and removed to ensure the crown will fit properly. Because zirconia crowns are thinner, less of the original tooth will need to be removed to get the right fit.
- Natural appearance: Zirconia crowns have a naturally translucent appearance like natural teeth. Providers will be able to select the perfect tooth coloring to match the patient’s natural tooth color.