Zirconium crowns, or simply “zirconia” crowns, are very aesthetic teeth crowns that are hugely popular because of their superior strength. In fact, they are so strong and resistant to pressure, they can be used anywhere in the mouth; front, back, top and/or bottom. Most dentists still prefer to use porcelain for front teeth enhancements however. A custom color matching procedure makes zircon crowns very closely match the color of the surrounding, natural teeth; so close that it’s difficult to distinguish any difference.
What is zirconium?
Zirconium (Zr), atomic number 40, is one of the periodic chemical elements. It is classified as a metallic transitional element and yields a white/silver appearance. It is malleable and serves very effectively as a material well used for manufacturing dental crowns. It’s highly resistant to all forms of corrosion, non-conductive, very strong and demonstrates a high level of biocompatibility. It is highly safe for human use, demonstrating consistently positive success rates.
Benefits Of Zirconium Dental Crowns
- Will never decay or corrode;
- No gray/black lines on gums around crowns;
- No electrical conductivity means no hot/cold sensitivity as with other types of crowns;
- Strong enough to accommodate up to a 16-unit bridge;
- Very low maintenance; consistently good oral hygiene practices suffice;
Compared to solid porcelain crowns, zircon crowns are much less likely to chip or break. The actual crown is made from zirconium, a strong, lightweight derivative of the mineral zircon. The surface of the zirconium is layered with porcelain to give the appearance of natural enamel. Zirconium is also unique in that it allows the light to pass through, yielding a much more natural look. Other types of dental crowns are commonly made from metals and do not allow light to pass through, giving the teeth dark cores.
Who makes the best candidates for zirconium dental crowns?
Those with a tooth or teeth that have been chipped, cracked, broken or otherwise damaged. Zirconium dental crowns are placed over the existing damaged tooth to beautify and protect it.
Those with excessive tooth decay. When a tooth is too far decayed for filling, zircon crowns are an excellent solution. They restore the patient’s smile and confidence – and they also protect the tooth from sustaining further decay.
Zirconium dental crowns are also the choice for many emergency dental restoration procedures. Overall very safe and surprisingly affordable, zirconium crowns are one strong potential solution for various dental care needs.