If you’ve ever had a tooth that was weak, cracked, discolored or severely worn down, your dentist or endodontist may have recommended a crown as part of your dental treatment plan.
Dental crowns are simply tooth-shaped caps that cover a tooth or dental implant. Crowns can be both functional and aesthetic.
They can help restore your tooth so you can chew comfortably and enjoy the foods you love. Crowns can also help restore your bright smile.
What Types of Crowns Are Available?
Metal Crowns
When it comes to dental crowns, there are a handful of materials to choose from.
Some crowns are made of metals or metal alloys.
Gold or titanium crowns, for example, are known for their strength and durability.
However, many people prefer a crown that more closely resembles their natural teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are another option for patients.
They offer a natural look and can match your surrounding teeth in shape, size and color. Although porcelain crowns can last a long time, they are typically not as strong as metal crowns.
For someone who grinds their teeth, this can create an issue over time.
Porcelain crowns are biocompatible, which means they are unlikely to trigger a reaction or immunological response.
Some people experience inflammation or other adverse reactions in response to crowns made from metals.
Since porcelain crowns mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, they can be a good option to restore teeth in the front of your mouth. However, porcelain crowns are typically more expensive than other options.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural-looking appearance of porcelain crowns.
These crowns are made from a relatively new material: zirconium dioxide.
Although zirconia is categorized as a type of ceramic crown, it is actually a durable metal.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of zirconia crowns.
Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
Strength
One of the biggest advantages of zirconia is its strength and durability.
Zirconia is practically indestructible, making it an ideal choice for back teeth that are used for the majority of your chewing.
In fact, zirconia is so strong that your dentist or endodontist won’t need to do as much preparation to your existing tooth prior to adding your crown.
In some rare instances, the strength of zirconia can prove to be detrimental.
If the crown is fitted incorrectly or if the patient grinds their teeth excessively, the indestructible zirconia material can damage the surrounding teeth.
An experienced dentist can help you determine if a zirconia crown is right for you and ensure that the crown is placed correctly.
Biocompatibility
Zirconia crowns are incredibly safe. They present a level of biocompatibility higher than most other dental materials.
As we mentioned above, biocompatibility is an important consideration for many people.
Zirconia is a superior choice to metal or gold crowns for patients with sensitivities to certain metals.
Metals such as nickel or copper can cause inflammation, allergic reactions, or adverse immune responses in some people.
Zirconia offers biocompatibility and has not shown to cause any adverse effects.
Longevity
Long term, zirconia crowns are less likely to chip, break or wear down due to their strength.
In recent studies, zirconia-based crowns performed just as well as metal crowns over a 5-year time period.
Most crowns have an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years, but zirconia crowns may even last a lifetime.
Other materials run the risk of cracking or fracturing after years of use, especially when they are exposed to hard foods.
Zirconia has proven to be an excellent choice for patients who are looking for a long-term solution.
Zirconia Crowns
As you can see, zirconia crowns are a great option for many patients.
If you are looking for a strong, long-lasting solution with a simple treatment plan, zirconia might be right for you.
International Dental Arts (IDA) delivers high-quality dental products and dental laboratory services to clients nationwide.
We’ve been serving the dental industry since 1984.
Since our humble beginnings as a family-owned and operated business, we’ve grown to become one of the largest dental labs in the nation.
As we continue to expand, we remain committed to unrivaled customer service and support.
Contact us to learn more.
