In modern dental practice, there are many cosmetic procedures that can help improve your smile, and among them, the installation of zirconia crowns plays an important role.
Usually, zirconium, or more precisely, zirconium dioxide, is not the first thing that comes to clients’ minds when they turn to a dental clinic to install a dental crown. However, this material is becoming increasingly popular due to the perfect combination of its structural properties and aesthetic qualities. You might be surprised, but zirconium has been widely used in medicine since the 1960s.
Why Zirconium Is Ideal for Your Teeth
Zirconium, or more specifically, zirconium dioxide, is a type of ceramic, a white powder-like material that is stronger than porcelain and some metal alloys. Thanks to modern technology, the physical properties of zirconium closely resemble the natural properties of teeth.
Zirconia crowns, in particular, typically impose less stress on opposing teeth and minimize their damage compared to porcelain alternatives. This is one of the many reasons why dentists may recommend zirconia for dental procedures.
According to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) research in 2021, it was revealed that 99% of dentists in the United States already use this crystalline mineral for natural tooth restoration. It is primarily used for the restoration of posterior teeth, molars that endure much more load during chewing and require a material of increased strength. The fact that zirconia crowns are milled from a solid piece of zirconia makes them stronger than other alternatives. Zirconium dioxide is also used for restoring front teeth and making both anterior and posterior bridges.
Strength, Biocompatibility, and Natural Color
At Yarema Dental, we use premium zirconia from Amann Girrbach, a company with extensive experience in the development and production of zirconium dioxide. Rigorous quality control and advanced Amann Girrbach technologies ensure the efficiency of dental technicians during crown fabrication and for the dentist during restoration. This multi-layered, semi-translucent zirconium dioxide offers a palette of 16 different shades on the VITA scale, including two Bleach shades, providing the necessary aesthetic appearance to your smile. Its strength allows for thinner dental crowns than metal alternatives, preserving a minimal amount of healthy tooth tissue during placement.
Zirconia crowns do not contain metals, making them biocompatible. This means that the likelihood of the crown causing irritation to the surrounding tissues or being rejected by the body is very low.
Restoring a Tooth in Two Dental Visits
Restoring a damaged tooth using zirconia crowns requires two dental visits. During the first visit, the dentist will assess your needs and evaluate the overall condition of your oral cavity. Then, they will prepare the tooth by removing unhealthy tissue and, if necessary, a small amount of healthy tissue. Afterward, at Yarema Dental, we scan the tooth and send its digital impression to a laboratory for the direct fabrication of the crown. A temporary protective crown is placed on the tooth.
It’s worth noting that some laboratories specialize more in achieving the maximum aesthetic appearance of the crown, while others have technicians specializing in functional dentistry. Therefore, we choose a laboratory depending on the patient’s specific needs.
Once the laboratory manufactures the zirconia crown, you’ll be scheduled for a second visit to have it installed. The dentist will first prepare the tooth, remove the temporary crown, and clean the necessary area. The permanent crown is then attached to the tooth using dental cement. After installation, the dentist will ensure that nothing interferes with your bite, and, if necessary, make minor adjustments.
That’s it! You are free to return to your regular life, now showcasing your new, healthy smile.
It’s important to remember that the lifespan of a zirconia crown can range from five to fifteen years or more, depending on proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and your daily habits.
If you are interested in this method of tooth restoration, please contact the specialists at Yarema Dental. After a professional consultation, we will determine the most optimal treatment process for your case.