What are Zirconia Crowns?
It's official. You noticed that one of your teeth was damaged and you made an appointment with the dentist to address it. The dentist told you that the tooth can’t be repaired with a simple filling; instead, the tooth needs something stronger to protect it. Depending on your preference and your needs for the dental crown, you have a choice of materials or combination of materials. Each material has its own aesthetic appeal, pricing, durability, and ability to work with the surrounding teeth.
Crowns That Look Like Teeth
Materials like gold and metal alloys have been used for crowns to create a more distinct look, but it is possible to have dental crowns that look like your other natural teeth. Porcelain can be personalized to match the color of your other teeth, but it is more fragile than gold and the other metal alloys. Porcelain is prone to chipping, cracking, and breaking. Zirconia is a more durable material and it is used in a number of dental treatments, like dental implants and crowns.
Zirconia And Its Benefits
The actual composition of zirconia is a combination of ceramic and other new materials that form a compound that is stronger than metal and has the appearance of porcelain. And like many other innovations in dental care, it is being refined and improved continuously. A few of the main reasons to choose zirconia when you are choosing what kind of dental crown you want to replace your damaged tooth are:
- The color can be matched to your surrounding teeth.
- The material is strong enough to treat just like your natural teeth.
- This type of dental crown can be fitted and placed in one appointment.
- The material can be layered with porcelain to give the crown a more tooth-like appearance.
- The crown can be cemented or bonded in place.
- It is metal free and biocompatible which means you should have less than a 1% chance of having a reaction to the new addition to your mouth.
Disadvantages of Zirconia
While it may seem that a zirconia dental crown may be the perfect option to consider for your situation, it is not without negatives to consider. Your natural teeth have a more transparent appearance then the zirconia crown so if you are replacing a tooth at the front of your mouth, it may be easier to note which one is the crown. Furthermore, zirconia is so strong that it may cause damage to the natural teeth around it or to the tooth opposite to your bite.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits With a Zirconia Crown
No matter what material you choose for your dental crown, it is imperative that you take care of your teeth and gums as best you can at home between dental appointments. You should take the time to brush your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush in a gentle circular motion two times a day. Follow the brushing with flossing between your teeth to loosen any remaining debris and finish with an oral rinse to remove whatever remains. The dentist may have specific suggestions for a toothpaste or an oral rinse to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.