What Are Zirconia Crowns?
If you have a tooth that has been damaged and is chipped, cracked or worn down, you’ll want to consider different repair and even replacement options (depending on the severity of the damage). One effective repair option is a dental crown. Dental crowns can provide a similar aesthetic appearance to natural teeth and can provide the strength and shape of a natural tooth. Dental crowns are also made from long-lasting materials—meaning you won’t have to worry about repairs or replacements for a long time.
What Are Zirconia Crowns?
Once your dentist and you have decided that dental crowns are the best repair option to meet your needs, you’ll want to consider what type of dental crown to go with. There are quite a few different options that you’ll want to consider, including porcelain, gold, lithium disilicate, zirconia and more.
If you are looking for a crown option that resembles the look of a natural tooth while also providing a high level of protection, a zirconia crown may be the option you are looking for.
The Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
There are many advantages to zirconia crowns that make them an excellent repair option. These include:
- Durability. Zirconia is a strong material that provides excellent protection.
- Appearance. Zirconia crowns look similar to natural teeth, and can even resemble the color of natural teeth.
- Bonding. Zirconia crowns can be bonded to your tooth. They can also be layered with porcelain, which enhances the appearance of the crown.
- Ease of placement. Zirconia crowns are easy to prepare and place. Sometimes they can be produced and placed in a single appointment!
- Biocompatibility. Zirconia adapts well with most patients, limiting the chances of any adverse reactions.
Are Zirconia Crowns the Right Choice for Me?
While there are many excellent advantages of zirconia crowns, there are also some disadvantages that you’ll want to consider before you make your decision. These include:
- Damage to surrounding teeth. While the strength of zirconia is a major advantage, it can also serve as a disadvantage if the placement isn’t perfect. While a zirconia crown can be adjusted, if it is not initially placed perfectly there is a risk of damaging surrounding teeth.
- Appearance. While zirconia is less noticeable than a material like gold, it can still stick out more than an option like porcelain. Zirconia is often a different shade than the surrounding teeth, which makes it more noticeable when placed in the front of the mouth.
Ultimately, the decision of which repair is best to meet your needs is something that you’ll need to discuss with your dentist. Factors such as cost, durability, appearance and more are all things that you’ll want to take into consideration when you are making your final decision.
Whatever option you choose to go with, you’ll want to make sure to schedule your crown placement for as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. If you have any damage to a tooth or teeth, contact your dentist today and schedule an appointment.