What are Zirconia Crowns?
A dental crown is a straightforward cap for a damaged or weakened tooth. It can be made with a variety of materials, including porcelain, zirconia, metal, composite, or a combination. If you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or wearing down, your dentist will recommend protecting it with a dental crown. A crown will help preserve the size, shape, strength, and appearance of your tooth and will be made from one of the materials mentioned earlier, with zirconia becoming a more popular choice. When choosing your crown material, you will consider some influencing factors such as the visibility of the tooth in your smile, the functional strength, the cost, and the overall appearance.
The History of Dental Crowns
The dental industry has been using crowns for hundreds of years, according to the ADA, or the American Dental Association. Gold alloys and other metals have been used most historically. These strong metals withstand the pressures of chewing, but they do not look natural. Today the closest thing to a natural tooth is your best choice. Porcelain was introduced to closely match the color and shade of your natural teeth, but a disadvantage of using porcelain is that it is more fragile. Sometimes it can chip, crack, or break. Zirconia is much stronger and also looks like your natural teeth.
The Reasons You Need a Dental Crown
If you have a cavity that is simply too large for a successful dental filling, it might be time for a crown to protect the tooth.
You could also benefit from a crown if your tooth is:
* Cracked, chipped broken, or fractured.
* It has become severely worn down.
* It is compromised or weakened from decay or disease.
Crowns are also often recommended after a root canal on a tooth because the tooth now has less structure, is more fragile, and will need additional protection.
You are also a viable candidate for a crown if you have lost a tooth, and your dentist fills the new space or gap with a dental bridge or a dental implant.
The Benefits and Advantages of a Zirconia Crown
Zirconia is an innovative material for dental restorations. It is a version of ceramic, or more specifically, zirconium oxide, which is physically stronger than porcelain and metal alloys yet still has the natural appearance of a porcelain crown.
Some of the benefits of zirconium crowns are:
* They can match the shade and color of your natural teeth.
* Zirconia can even be used in conjunction with porcelain for an even more natural appearance.
* They are incredibly durable.
* Zirconia is biocompatible, so there will be no adverse reactions with your body accepting it.
* They can be created in the dental office and need less preparation, meaning you could have it fitted and placed in just one appointment.
* These crowns can be either bonded or cemented to your tooth.
Considerations When Choosing Zirconia for Your Dental Crown
Several relative factors when choosing a zirconia crown:
* The location of the tooth in your mouth when it comes to the biting and chewing strength.
* The durability and the projected life expectancy.
* The final cost and your budget.
A natural appearance that can both maintain and restore your healthy smile might be your priority. Your dentist will review your options and help you decide if a zirconia crown is best for you.