Zirconia crowns
What are Zirconia crowns?
Dentistry has evolved over the years in many different ways. Originally, the only type of dental caps available were full metal, usually made of gold, that covered over the tooth, or a metal framework with baked on porcelain, called a pfm (Porcelain Fused to Metal) crown. This was the standard procedure for years.
Over time, Cosmetic dentists looked for a way to have white crowns, to match the color of the tooth. Sometimes the metal of the pfm crown showed through to the outside.
The Zirconia Crown contains no metal, so there will be no black lines showing at the margin of the tooth, as was often the case with the earlier type of crowns.
In recent years, a material called zirconium oxide has been developed. A crown made with this is just as strong as the porcelain fused to metal crown, without necessitating the steps that were required to make the pfm crown ( waxing,casting,baking). Since zirconium is produced in blocks, it is now easier to produce a crown, using computerized technology to engineer the shape of the tooth, its contours, and its fit. The crown is then milled on a machine similar to the machine which duplicates keys. Using today’s technology, a crown is milled, tempered and stained in the lab and then cemented and bonded into a patient’s mouth using special cements.
This is the most exquisite form of cap or crowns especially when placing in” the aesthetic zone”, which is the front area in the upper and lower area of the mouth, from cuspid to cuspid.
Over time, cosmetic dentists looked for a way to have total “white” crowns, to match the color of the tooth. Sometimes the metal of the pfm crown showed through to the outside, and didn’t reflect the true translucency and color of the underlying tooth.
The Zirconia Crown contains no metal, so there will be no black lines showing at the margin of the teeth, as was often the case with the earlier type of crowns.
In recent years, a material called zirconium oxide has been developed. A crown made with this material is just as strong as the porcelain fused to metal crown, without necessitating the steps that were required to make the pfm crown (waxing, casting, baking). Since zirconium is produced in blocks, it is now easier to produce a crown, using computerized CAD/ CAM technology to engineer the shape of the tooth, its contours, and its fit. The crown is then milled on a machine similar to the machine which duplicates keys. Using today’s technology, a crown is milled, tempered and stained in the lab and then cemented and bonded into a patient’s mouth using special cements.
This is the most exquisite form of caps or crowns especially when placing it in “the aesthetic zone,” which is the front area of the upper and lower teeth, usually from cuspid to cuspid.
What are the benefits of zirconia crowns versus other alternatives?
Aesthetics: Zirconia crowns are the most beautiful material cosmetic dentistry has to offer at this time.
Strength: One of the greatest benefits of choosing Zirconia crowns is that the material used matches the natural tooth.
Two questions are usually asked: will this be strong enough for me, and will this be good for conventional crown and bridge? For a conventional crown, or a single crown or cap, we are looking for strength. Monolithic, or one layered, zirconium, is as strong, if not stronger, than a natural tooth. With the previous material of porcelain fused to metal, the porcelain could chip if something hard was chewed. With zirconium oxide crowns, it is important for the cosmetic dentist to confirm that the dental lab is using the highest-strength zirconium crowns. The technique of using Zirconia has been perfected to the point where we can make multiple units, and splint or bond them together. In general, these bridges are as strong as conventional bridges and they don’t break.
Has your office stopped using conventional Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns?
In our dental practice we still offer both conventional porcelains fused to metal crowns, as well as zirconia crowns. This is because it is less expensive to use this in the back area (posterior) of the mouth, where the second and back molars are not visible.
What is the procedure you use for implementing zirconia crowns?
We follow a double procedure. First, we take impressions here in the dental clinic. Then the laboratory technician scans and then mills it and sends it back shortly after. The procedure is fairly quick because it is digitized.
Aftercare for your Zirconia crowns:
The aftercare for zirconia crowns is very similar to the care after a regular conventional crown. Daily brushing and flossing should be carried out at home.
Patients will enjoy how much their new crown looks like their natural teeth
What is the cost for Zirconia crowns?
The cost and lab fees for Zirconia crowns is slightly higher than standard pfm crowns.
Why would a patient choose to have zirconia crowns performed by Dr. Prenzlau over another office?
First of all, in our office, only the best materials are used.
Second- because of the expertise of Dr. Prenzlau’s team. The teamwork of the dentist and the technician unit is extremely important when deciding on shading, choosing the types of zirconia needed for bonding, and for discussions with the laboratory. Dr. Prenzlau has worked with his technician for many years.
What do you mean by the term “shading”?
Science has now perfected the zirconia to where even multi-layered zirconia can present different shades as the tooth progresses from the gum line. The coloring appears lighter and lighter until the top of the tooth. This is called monolithic, one-piece multi-layered zirconia. As you can see, the science is just getting better and better, and zirconia creates lifelike, beautiful and exquisite caps for the teeth.
Is there any pain associated with getting Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia crown procedures are done under local anesthetic, and there’s absolutely no pain involved.
How long is the Zirconia Crown procedure?
This procedure is very similar to conventional crown and bridge procedures and takes a similar amount of time. Generally, the work is done in two visits- One visit is for the preparation of the tooth, the impression of the tooth, and the making of the temporary crown.
Want to improve your Cosmetic Dentistry?
Please call us at 02-566-0669 or fill out the form to request a dental appointment.
