Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
Crowns can be used to anchor bridges or partial dentures, but are typically used to replace broken or damaged teeth. The material that should be used will depend on your situation and best fit for your mouth, but a Zirconia Crown has a slew of beneficial advantages. Zirconia is comprised of a metal oxide created from Zirconium. Zirconia has incredible durability owing to its’ crystalline structure, is a ceramic construction, and will not show unsightly metal lines like Porcelain fisted-to-metal crowns. The plethora of benefits to choosing Zirconia crowns fall into several categories
- Appearance Zirconia has the appearance of a translucent crystal. This makes it naturally indiscernible for teeth in the back of the mouth. In conjunction with its’ durability, Zirconia is ideal for molars and chew-dominant teeth. Zirconia’s natural appearance will not stick out if it is layered with porcelain, like metal crowns. Zirconia can also be easily reshaped or colored as is necessary to match your teeth, and is a preferred option to cover up staining or damage on teeth.
- Durability Zirconia can be created from single, monolithic piece. This increases its’ durability significantly. Zirconia has the highest crown fracture strength of virtually any commercially available dental implant. Anything stronger could cause more potential complications for your mouth. Zirconia with a thickness of 1mm is stronger than porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) at 1.5mm thickness. Proper thickness, maintenance, and fitting will preserve your Zirconia crown for on average 10-20 years. Zirconia is also highly resistant and durable in temperature changes, which should prevent sensitive tooth pain or discomfort.
- Longevity On Average your Zirconia crown should last with no problems for 10-20 years. That is not to say it could not last for 20+ years without any problems. Given the durability, the lack of chipping or cracking, the easy to clean nature of the material, you should have no problems for years to come; if you have any at all.
- Safety Zirconia is highly biocompatible. There is nothing in the material to react with your body. This should leave much less chance of any sort of infections, allergies, or leeching of harmful metals or chemicals into your body.
Preserving the look and feel of your teeth
It is possible your Zirconia crown may function better than your original tooth. The material is malleable and can be easily shaped to fit the ergonomics of your mouth. It needs less tooth to bond to, and it can be shaped smaller to preserve the most of your original tooth. It is the best of both worlds. It can be colored to match your teeth, does not leave an unsightly metal line near your gums, and can withstand anything you can chew. There is no metal, which means no problems with your bodies reaction, and no double takes when you smile wide at parties. You want to pick whatever option gets you as close to your beautiful, natural smile as possible.
Whatever material you opt for, consult with your dental professional about your options. Being an informed consumer provides you autonomy in your dental health, and that should make you smile.