Zirconia crown is the cap used to cover your damaged or decayed teeth. They help to support the root canal-treated tooth and replace your missing tooth by covering your implant body and are also used to make dental bridges.
They help to:
give your damaged tooth support,
restore function,
strengthen multiple teeth in case of bridges,
and give a natural teeth appearance.
What material is used to make your zirconia teeth?
Zirconium dioxide, which is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium, is used to make your zirconia crown.
What are the advantages of the Zirconia crown?
1. Strength: Zirconia teeth last long and do not wear and chip off.
2. Appearance: Zirconia almost looks like natural teeth in colour, which offers you a more natural-looking smile.
3. Biocompatibility: it won’t cause allergic reactions or damaging effects in the mouth.
4. Stain Resistance: resistant to stain.
5. Less Tooth Cutting: Requires less tooth cutting of tooth structure. This allows your dentist to conserve more of your natural tooth.
What are the drawbacks of the Zirconia Crown?
1. Cost: Zirconia teeth are a little expensive due to the high-quality material and its making process.
2. Brittle: They might lead to fractures if you put extra force under a few conditions.
3. Difficult Adjustments: They are hard to adjust after being fixed into your mouth.
4. Thickness: Zirconia Crown may require a certain thickness to ensure strength, which can sometimes impact your appearance.
5. Limited Repair Options: zirconia crown cannot be repaired if damaged with ease. At times, they may need to be replaced.
How long do zirconia teeth last?
Zirconia crown lasts from 5 to 15 years or longer with proper care.
The life span of the zirconia crown depends on different factors, such as
oral hygiene practices
regular dental checkups
biting forces
habits like teeth-grinding
quality of the cap
Follow the aftercare oral care instructions given by your dentist and go for regular dental checkups to monitor the condition of the crown and make sure it stays in good condition for a long period.
How to maintain your zirconia crown?
Oral health: take care of your oral health by brushing your teeth two times a day. Floss after your meal. Follow these rules to prevent gum diseases.
Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid biting on hard foods such as ice, candies, or nuts, as they can damage your crown. If you want to eat something hard, first cut it into small pieces, then eat it.
Dental Checkups: Go to your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings to ensure the crown is in good condition.
Avoid Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), wear a night guard to protect your zirconia crown from extreme wear.
Avoid Staining food or liquid: Avoid food or liquids that leave stains in your diet, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as they can change the crown’s colour over time.
How much does Zirconia Crown cost?
Zirconia crown costs you between INR 10,000 to 25,000.
The cost of your Zirconia Crown depends on:
Quality of cap material: Branded good quality materials lead you to increased costs.
Dentist: Experienced and skilled dentists charge more according to the treatment.
Location: Different overhead costs for different cities.
Added Treatment: Any extra treatment, like tooth cutting or changes, increases your total cost.
How can I ensure the quality of zirconia teeth?
Quality: Get a good quality zirconia crown from a known brand.
Certifications: Check if your zirconia crowns have ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or FDA (Food and Drug Administration) certification.
Translucency: check for a more natural look in the crown.
Strength
Fit: Make sure the zirconia crown fits your teeth and matches the colour and shape of your natural teeth.
Dentist’s skill: Go for a skilled and experienced dentist with a good track record of using quality zirconia for crowns.
Comparison of zirconia crown with other dental crowns
Zirconia, PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal), and ceramic crowns differ in strength, appearance, biocompatibility, and cost.
Zirconia crown has more strength and gives you a pleasing appearance but is more expensive.
PFM crowns offer good strength and acceptable appearance but may show metal near your gum line and may pose you with allergy risks.
PFM crown also requires more tooth structure cutting. Ceramic crowns give you excellent appearance and biocompatibility, are fit for your front teeth treatments, and are at a more affordable cost for you.
It would help if you understood all the differences before you choose a crown that fits your needs, location in the mouth, and budget.
Conclusion
Zirconia crowns can be used for most teeth, but they are particularly suitable for molars and premolars due to their strength and durability. For front teeth, where appearance is important, porcelain or ceramic crowns might be preferred. It’s important to ask your dentist for advice on the best crown material for your tooth, depending on the tooth’s location, appearance, and strength needs.
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