Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
If you have a tooth that is starting to wear down, is cracked, or chipped, your dentist may suggest you consider protecting it with a dental crown. A dental crown is often used following a root canal or with a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. They are also used with traditional dental bridges and even partial dentures. Porcelain and gold have been the materials of choice for dental crowns for some time. Porcelain crowns provide a more natural look but can be more prone to chipping. Gold crowns are strong but will not look natural and can also stimulate allergic reactions.
Dental crowns are now being made of zirconium. A zirconium crown will deliver a very natural look, is durable, and is not subjective to any uncomfortable side effects.
What Exactly is Zirconium?
Zirconium is a robust type of crystal that has numerous favorable qualities. Crystal is known for being indestructible and long lasting. Zirconium shares those qualities. Besides its durability and strength, zirconium is also very compatible with your body, making it popular in other medical applications as well.
The Primary Advantages and Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
The significant benefits and advantages of zirconium include:
* Durability- Made of crystal, zirconium is nearly indestructible, withstanding your most aggressive biting and chewing. Zirconium is five times stronger than porcelain. Zirconium crowns are actually milled in such a fashion to enhance their indestructibility. They are resistant to both extreme hot and cold temperatures, which will reduce any tooth hypersensitivity that happens with other crown materials.
* Covers Tooth Damage- Zirconium is now preferred over porcelain when covering up and hiding tooth damage caused by fractures or staining.
* Visually Pleasing- Zirconium crowns are translucent since they are made from crystal. The clear appearance of zirconium is perfect for matching your natural teeth, even better than porcelain. No metal is necessary either. Unlike gold or porcelain crowns, zirconium crowns do not need to be fused with a metal base which is a visual drawback for traditional crowns.
* Life Expectancy- In addition to their amazing durability, zirconium crowns will also outlast porcelain crowns. The reason is because zirconium is more resistant to cracking and chipping.
* Biocompatibility- Since your body accepts zirconium, there is a lower chance of any complications, infections, discomfort, pain, and allergic reactions.
* Less Prep Work- A zirconium crown requires less enamel of your natural tooth to be removed. Usually, when a crown is fitted, a certain amount of the enamel must be removed for the crown to fit properly. With the incredible strength of the zirconium, the crown is thinner. A thinner crown simply means less of the original tooth needs to be removed.
* Easy to Work With- It is easy to modify, shape, and match colors. Despite the strong structure, zirconium crowns can still be easily sized, shaped, and colored to match your natural teeth. It has even been suggested that zirconium crowns can be shaped better than the original natural tooth. The ability for your dentist to create the perfect size, shape, and color produces a more natural look for you.
A zirconium crown will give you the comfort, feel, durability, appearance, and security of a natural tooth.