Zirconium Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a covering (a cemented restoration) applied within a dental implant or even over a natural tooth to restore its functionality and aesthetics and to correct the patient's bite.

Dental crowns can also be installed for aesthetic purposes, particularly when a tooth does not meet the patient’s expectations, is discolored, fractured, or broken.

Regarding the material used for crowns serving an aesthetic purpose, zirconia is the most commonly employed due to its strength, exhibiting properties similar to those of titanium (the material foundational to dental implants). Additionally, zirconia is biocompatible with the human body, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions or infections.

Stages of Zirconium Crown Fabrication:

The first stage is the impression stage, conducted in the dental office. In this phase, the dentist prepares the tooth for impression by reshaping it. This reshaping is performed to convey specific information to the laboratory, both about the tooth for which the crown is being created and the positioning of the surrounding teeth. Additionally, a temporary acrylic dental crown is crafted during this stage.

The second stage is the laboratory phase, where the earlier taken impression is 3D scanned, and a working model is produced. The crown structure is then developed on this model, starting with the exterior and progressing to the interior.

The third stage involves sending the 3D model to the CAM CAD machine, which mills the crown, creating the finished piece. A final layer of glaze is added to complete the process.

The fourth stage occurs in the dental office after the crown has been finalized in the laboratory and sent back. The dentist reviews the work to ensure quality and subsequently performs the crown installation in the patient’s oral cavity. If necessary, adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit and optimal interaction with the other teeth.

Types of Zirconium Crowns:

Full Zirconium Crowns

A full zirconium crown is more durable and robust than its ceramic counterpart, exhibiting greater translucency, which provides a natural appearance, making it especially suitable for the frontal area of the teeth. Additionally, the production of these zirconium crowns is relatively quick, requiring only two sessions – one for impression and one for cementation.

Ceramic Crowns with Zirconium Support

This type of zirconium crown closely resembles a metal-ceramic crown, with the gray metal base being replaced by a white zirconia one. Besides the aesthetic advantage, a zirconia-supported crown is equally resistant and durable compared to a metal-ceramic crown.

When Is a Zirconium Crown Recommended?

  • Dental Implants: For the visible part of the implant, ensuring both an aesthetic appearance and functionality.
  • Dental Fractures: Following accidents, dental fractures may occur, and depending on the severity and location, a zirconium crown may be a suitable treatment option.
  • Reduced Tooth Vitality: Tooth vitality may diminish due to serious carious issues affecting the nerve or accidents leading to deep dental fractures. In such cases, a zirconium crown helps restore the tooth’s structure and aesthetics.
  • Dental Discoloration: In cases of dental discoloration that cannot be addressed through other dental techniques, a zirconium crown improves aesthetics by restoring normal tooth color.

Benefits of Zirconium Crowns

  • insensitivity to temperature variations
  • high fracture resistance
  • low risk of developing cavities on their surface
  • natural appearance identical to a real tooth
  • long lifespan of 10-15 years. Full zirconium crowns are highly resilient and nearly impossible to fracture. With optimal care, they can last a lifetime

The result of installing zirconium crowns? A beautiful, natural smile and increased self-esteem!