WHAT ARE ZIRCONIUM CROWN TREATMENTS?

Zirconium crowns, crafted from a ceramic material known as zirconia, are highly valued in dentistry for their robustness, resilience, and lifelike appearance. They serve as effective solutions for repairing teeth that have been damaged or affected by decay.

Tailored to each individual patient, zirconium crown treatments are customized to perfectly match the shape and size of the tooth in need of restoration. Unlike their metallic counterparts, these crowns seamlessly integrate with the natural teeth, thanks to their ability to reflect light in a manner that closely resembles natural tooth enamel. Additionally, zirconia’s biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion make it an excellent choice for dental applications.

Zirconium crowns are frequently chosen when patients require a restoration that offers superior durability and longevity compared to traditional porcelain crowns. Moreover, for individuals with metal allergies, zirconium crowns present a safe alternative, being composed of non-metallic and non-reactive zirconia material.

ADVANTAGES OF ZIRCONIUM CROWN TREATMENTS

Zirconia crowns offer numerous advantages for dental patients in Turkey:

  1. Exceptional Durability: Zirconium, being a sturdy material, can endure the rigors of daily oral function, making it highly suitable for dental crowns and bridges.
  2. Natural Aesthetic: Zirconia crowns are crafted to mimic the appearance and texture of natural teeth, seamlessly blending with adjacent teeth for a lifelike smile.
  3. Biocompatibility: Zirconia exhibits excellent biocompatibility, ensuring it is well-tolerated by the body, thus serving as a safe option for dental restorations.
  4. Resistance to Corrosion: Zirconia’s inherent resistance to corrosion prevents rusting or decay, ensuring the longevity of dental crowns.
  5. Minimal Tooth Preparation: Zirconia crowns require minimal removal of natural tooth structure, preserving more of the tooth’s integrity during the restoration process.
  6. Hypoallergenic Properties: As a non-metallic material devoid of metal alloys, zirconia eliminates concerns regarding metal allergies, offering a worry-free solution for patients.
  7. Customized Precision: Zirconia crowns are individually tailored to match the contours and size of each patient’s tooth, ensuring a precise fit and minimizing the likelihood of complications.

ZIRCONIUM CROWN PROCEDURE

The stages of getting zirconium crowns are similar to other dental PFM crowns, but some specific stages are unique. Here are the stages distinct only to zirconium crowns:

  • Digital impressions: Zirconium crowns require precise measurements and a perfect fit. Therefore, digital prints are taken using a special scanner to create a 3D image of the teeth. That eliminates the need for traditional dental prints, which can be messy and uncomfortable.
  • Computer aided design (CAD): The digital print is used to create a computer generated zirconium crown design. The design is based on the specific size and shape of the tooth and considers the patient’s bite and other factors.
  • Computer aided manufacturing (CAM): Once the CAD design is complete, the zirconia crown is manufactured. A special milling machine uses the CAD design to create a precise and accurate crown. This process can take several hours to complete.
  • Color matching: Zirconium crowns can be color-matched to the patient’s natural teeth. Which involves selecting the appropriate shade and clarity to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
  • Final fitting: Once the zirconium crown is manufactured. It is carefully fitted and adjusted to ensure a perfect fit and comfortable bite. The crown is then permanently bonded to the tooth using special dental cement.

The stages involved in getting zirconium crowns are similar to other types of dental crowns in dental clinics. However, digital impressions, computer aided design and manufacturing, and color matching are newer materials for zirconium crowns. And they contribute to their precise fit and natural appearance.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ZIRCONIUM CROWNS AND OTHERS?

Zirconium crowns stand apart from other dental crown options in several respects:

 

Composition: Zirconium crowns are crafted from zirconia, a ceramic material. Unlike alternatives like metal, porcelain, or resin, zirconia offers unique properties.

Strength: Zirconia boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal choice for individuals requiring crowns capable of withstanding the rigors of chewing and biting, a level of resilience temporary crowns can’t match.

Appearance: Renowned for their lifelike look, zirconium crowns can be seamlessly color-matched to natural teeth, contrasting with other options that may lack in aesthetic realism.

Biocompatibility: Zirconia’s biocompatibility ensures it won’t provoke allergic reactions or adverse bodily responses, unlike some materials employed in traditional crowns.

Tooth Preservation: Zirconia crowns often necessitate less tooth reduction, preserving more of the natural tooth structure compared to alternatives.

Manufacturing Precision: Utilizing CAD/CAM technology in zirconium crown fabrication ensures precise fits, minimizing errors and inaccuracies during production.

Color Matching Expertise: Tailoring zirconium crowns to blend harmoniously with a patient’s natural teeth involves meticulous selection of shade and clarity.

Installation: Zirconium crowns undergo meticulous fitting and adjustment before being permanently affixed to the tooth using specialized dental cement, mirroring the final steps in the installation process for other crown types.

While the procedural stages for obtaining zirconium crowns mirror those for other types of dental crowns, the utilization of digital impressions, CAD/CAM technology, and advanced color-matching techniques represent innovative enhancements in the creation of zirconium crowns, ensuring a precise fit and natural appearance.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF ZIRCONIUM CROWN TREATMENTS?

Taking proper care of your zirconium crowns is essential in maintaining their strength, durability, and appearance. Here are some tips on how to care for your zirconium crowns:

  • Brush and floss regularly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth twice with fluoride toothpaste.  Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles around your zirconium crowns.
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods: Refrain from hard or sticky foods. It can damage your zirconium crowns or pull them off your teeth.
  • Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth: Grinding or clenching your teeth can put extra pressure on your zirconium crowns. This can cause them to crack or break.
  • Visit your dentist regularly: Visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning. This will ensure that your zirconium crowns and overall dental health are in good condition.
  • Refrain from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and alcohol consumption can cause discoloration and damage your zirconium crowns.

     

WHAT IS THE COST OF ZIRCONIUM CROWNS?

The expense associated with zirconia crowns can fluctuate based on various factors, such as:

  • The geographical location of the dental clinic.
  • The level of experience of the dentist.
  • The quantity of teeth undergoing restoration.

Zirconium crowns can range from $800 to $2,000 per tooth. This cost disparity is influenced by the materials’ expense and the technology employed in their fabrication.

Nevertheless, zirconia crowns present numerous advantages compared to alternative dental crowns, including their robustness, resilience, and natural appearance. Consequently, they represent a worthwhile investment in both the long-term health and aesthetic appeal of your smile.