What Is a Zirconia Crown?

There is a general misconception that teeth are indestructible because they are the sturdiest tissue in the body. Even though they are sturdy, they need extra love each day to ensure they will serve you for a long time. However, things might get out of hand, and your teeth get damaged due to decay or trauma. We recommend getting dental crowns near you to help repair the damaged tooth.

Different materials have been used since dental crowns hit the market, such as porcelain and porcelain fused to metal. But thanks to our great strides in dentistry, we have zirconia dental crowns in San Clemente, CA.

Zirconia has been around for some time but is not as common as porcelain. So, you might wonder if getting them will be any different. Well, let’s find out!

Zirconia Crowns, In a Nutshell

Zirconia crowns are aptly named so since they are fashioned from zirconium dioxide. Crowns made from zirconia have a solid white ceramic glaze. This material combines metal’s strength and the aesthetic appeal associated with porcelain. In other words, it gives you the best of both worlds.

The unique characteristics that zirconia crowns have make them a top pick for anyone seeking to repair damaged teeth. Most dentists are switching to zirconia as an alternative to the porcelain fused to metal crowns. Since they are virtually indestructible and have excellent aesthetics, zirconia is becoming popular daily.

Types of Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are further categorized into two:

• Monolithic or Solid Zirconia

This type of zirconia is opaque and the best option if you need to repair damaged back teeth. Monolithic zirconia has more stabilizers than its counterparts, which are translucent. Therefore, you can expect them to withstand the chewing forces of your back teeth. Our dentist near you recommends them to patients who grind their teeth.

Solid zirconia requires less clearance, so there will be low wear on the opposing teeth. They are also the best choice if previous dental restorations have darkened your teeth.

• Layered Zirconia

This type of translucent zirconia is the best choice for repairing your front teeth. Even though they are the best choice for front teeth, they can also be used to repair the back teeth if there is sufficient clearance. When they are done skillfully, they offer the best aesthetics.

• Zirconia High Translucent (HT)

Then, there is zirconia HT, which is much stronger than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and maintains a vibrant and natural translucency. You can also expect it not to cause gingival darkening and gingival recession. They transmit the color of the adjacent teeth.

You can save about three hours during your dental appointment since they don’t require drying time or shading liquids. There is no fluorescent glaze needed.

What Are the Benefits?

These crowns come with benefits such as:

They Are Sturdy

There is no doubt that zirconia crowns challenge metal-based crowns regarding strength and durability. They can withstand the chewing forces of the back teeth and maintain their shape since they don’t chip easily.

They Last Long

If they are sturdy, you can expect them last long; you are right! They can give you more than five years or more of quality service. If you care for them as you should, they will serve you much longer.

They Are Biocompatible

Zirconia dental crowns near you are winning dentists’ hearts because they are biocompatible. This means that patients will get a solution that will not cause allergies.

The Procedure Is Quick

You can get these crowns on the same day since CEREC can be used to create your crown. Our dentist can use a dental milling machine to fabricate the crown while you wait in the dental office.

They Have Excellent Aesthetics

The translucent and high translucent zirconia offers natural aesthetics. They have the sheen and translucency that natural teeth have. So, if they are fixed, no one but you and our dentist will know you have dental prosthetics.

What Are the Disadvantages?

Even though zirconia has its disadvantages, they are not so many, and they are:

It Can Be Challenging to Match Your Teeth

One potential issue with zirconia, especially solid zirconia, is that it might be hard to match your teeth since they could be unnaturally white. However, this could be less of an issue if placed at the back.

Can Cause Wear on the Other Teeth

Sometimes zirconia can cause wear and tear on the opposing teeth since they are very sturdy. So, some dentists may opt not to recommend this option, especially if they think your other teeth will be at risk.

Zirconia dental crowns can alter your smile for the better. Contact us at Seascape Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in San Clemente if you need these crowns.