What are Zirconia Crowns?
Your natural teeth are strong, but they aren’t indestructible. Overtime, your teeth can wear down, or even crack. When this happens, your dentist may recommend repairing any damaged teeth with dental crowns. A dental crown is an effective treatment for a damaged tooth that can help maintain the size, shape, and appearance of the tooth. While there are many materials to choose from, zirconia is becoming one of the most popular choices of materials for artificial dental crowns. If you are deciding on which type of dental crown you want, you have many factors to consider, including how visible the tooth will be, the estimated cost of the treatment, the durability of the crown, and the final appearance. Here are some more details on the benefits and disadvantages of zirconia dental crowns.
Benefits of Zirconia Dental Crowns
Zirconia is a white ceramic material that provides the tooth-like appearance of porcelain and the strength of metal. Benefits of zirconia crowns include:
- Appearance: Due to their white color and the fact they can be easily shaped, zirconia crowns can be made to closely match the natural teeth.
- Durability: Zirconia crowns are almost as durable as metal crowns, and strong enough to withstand everyday use.
- Ease of installation: Zirconia crowns can be designed, custom-made, and fitted in just one appointment to your dental provider’s office.
- Customizable fit: Zirconia crowns can be securely installed and attached to your tooth with either dental bonding or cement, depending on what your provider decides is best for you.
- Biocompatible: Zirconia is biocompatible, reducing the likelihood that your body will have an adverse reaction to the crown.
Disadvantages of Zirconia Dental Crowns
There are a few disadvantages of zirconia crowns to consider:
- Transparency: zirconia is a less transparent material than real teeth, meaning the crown may be more noticeable than you would like, especially if you are replacing a tooth in the front of the mouth.
- Strength: there are times when zirconia crowns can be too strong. For example, if your dental provider wants to adjust the crown placement, the strength of zirconia could make this a challenge.
Oral Hygiene With a Zirconia Crown
Maintaining daily oral hygiene habits is essential to maintaining the life of the new dental crown and the health of the other natural teeth. Patients with dental crowns, regardless of their material, should brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and consider using antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular professional dental cleanings also play an essential role in keeping your new dental crown healthy.
If your dentist has recently suggested you consider a dental crown to fix a damaged or worn down tooth, you may be trying to decide which type of crown is right for you. You should start by having a conversation with your provider. You will want to discuss your oral health needs, where the damaged tooth is located in the mouth, the function of the damaged tooth, treatment costs, and the appearance you desire. Your provider will help you decide on a crown material that is right for you.