Zirconium crown
Zirconium crown: what it is
Zirconium dioxide is a material obtained by processing zircon, a mineral from the silicate group. It is used not only in dentistry. It is part of:
- raw materials for refractory materials – bricks, paints, pipes;
- heat-protective coatings applied to turbines;
- ceramics used to make kitchen knives.
In the jewelry industry, zirconium dioxide is used in the production of cubic zirconia, crystals that imitate precious stones.
In medicine, this material was first used in the orthopedic field, where prostheses for knee and hip joints were made from it.
The raw material for future zirconium crowns is first exposed to high temperatures. After this, a prosthesis of the required shape is created from the block using a machine with programmed control. This product surpasses popular metal-ceramic crowns in many ways. However, its cost is higher. This is partly due to the complexity of processing.
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Advantages of zirconium tooth crowns
Prostheses made from this material have several advantages.
- Realistic appearance – they look exactly like real teeth.
- Strength – in this indicator, the material is approximately twice as strong as metal ceramics and ordinary ceramics, and it is 30% stronger than porcelain. Resistance to mechanical stress and wear ensures a long service life – up to 15-20 years. This period increases with proper dental care and biannual preventive check-ups at the dentist.
- Retention of the natural color of the gums.
- Good contact with the gums. Zirconium crowns can fit tightly to the gum edge without causing inflammation, unlike metal analogs. During implantation, this type of prosthesis ensures quick adaptation of the mucosa and no problems with aesthetics.
- High level of biocompatibility – the material does not cause allergies.
- Minimal tooth preparation. The walls of zirconium crowns are thinner compared to metal-ceramic models. This helps preserve more tissue of the tooth unit.
- Biological inertness – due to the low thermal conductivity of zirconium dioxide, there will be no unpleasant sensations from excessively cold or too hot food affecting the teeth.
Disadvantages
Zirconium crowns also have some drawbacks.
- High cost – due to the complexity of manufacturing. But there are even more expensive materials, such as E-Max ceramics.
- Increased wear on antagonist teeth. In this case, the material’s advantage becomes its drawback: it is too strong, and with constant contact with the opposing teeth, it gradually wears them down. Therefore, it is important for the bite to be natural. But even under this condition, you should periodically visit the dentist – they can detect the problem in time and suggest solutions.
- Undesirability of installation on front teeth. Although zirconium dioxide in shade and transparency is indeed similar to natural tooth enamel, it is quite difficult to match the color so that the crowns do not stand out against the patient's natural teeth. This disadvantage is less significant with full edentulism, when all teeth need to be replaced.
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Indications for installation
Zirconia crowns are used in various situations.
If the tooth is damaged, but the degree of destruction does not exceed 50%. In this case, minimal grinding is sufficient, after which the prosthesis can be installed. If only the root part of the tooth remains, the installation can be done on a post.
If the unit is completely destroyed, implantation will be needed. The surgeon installs an implant into the jawbone – a metal pin that functions as the tooth root. After it heals, it is loaded with a zirconia crown.
If several consecutive teeth are destroyed in one row, usually from two to four, a bridge can be installed. Depending on the condition of the adjacent units and the jawbone, it is fixed:
- on the support teeth (they will need to be ground);
- on implants.
In case of complete adentia (absence of all teeth), only implantation will help. The doctor will install the necessary number of implants and load them with fixed zirconia prostheses.
This material is used if the patient is allergic to metal.
The process of making a zirconia crown
Several types of prostheses are made from this material. The most common among them are classic and monolithic.
Classic models are two-layered. The basis of such a prosthesis is a strong zirconia framework, capable of withstanding significant loads. However, it has a bright white color with a milky tint. Therefore, to improve the aesthetic properties, a porcelain coating is applied to the framework, which makes the crown realistically mimic a natural tooth. However, the connection between the two materials is not very strong, so chips are possible. The likelihood of such defects increases with prolonged use.
Monolithic models are made without adding porcelain. They are stronger, cut from a solid block of zirconia, polished, and colored. These prostheses lack transparency, so they are not installed in the smile zone. They are well suited for use in areas with increased chewing load.
Zirconia models are made in several stages.
- After grinding the teeth, the doctor takes impressions, creates a digital 3D model.
- Based on the 3D model, technicians in the laboratory make prostheses. For this, a milling machine with computer control is used – it allows the creation of a crown that exactly matches the patient's teeth.
- The next stage is firing. High-temperature treatment gives the product additional strength.
The production of monolithic prostheses ends at this stage. If a two-layer crown needs to be made, two more stages are added – applying a layer of porcelain and final firing.
Installation stages
We work according to the following algorithm.
At the first appointment, the doctor examines the patient's oral cavity, assesses the condition of his teeth, and collects medical history. Then, images need to be taken – either X-ray or computed tomography is used. If necessary, laboratory diagnostics are performed to rule out contraindications.
The next stage is preparatory. It is necessary to treat caries and other diseases of the teeth and gums, if necessary – clean the root canals, remove diseased nerves, perform a professional cleaning of the tooth surface to remove soft plaque and hard deposits.
To make crowns, the doctor:
- uses a 3D scanner to take digital impressions;
- creates a 3D model of the dental row;
- in a special computer program, adjusts the important parameters of future restorations – shape, size, occlusion.
These data are sent to the laboratory, where the technicians load them into the milling machine. The prosthesis is milled, and for additional strength, it undergoes firing.
Then the installation is performed. The ready prostheses are fixed:
- on the ground tooth – using dental cement;
- on the implant – using a special device called an abutment.
The installation duration depends on the number of units to be restored.
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Service life of zirconia crowns
It is generally said that prostheses made of this material last up to 15-20 years. In terms of durability, they significantly surpass metal or metal-ceramic analogs and even strong E-Max ceramic products.
In practice, the service life of zirconia dioxide crowns can be 20-25 years or more. They do not crack, do not loosen, and retain their functionality and aesthetic characteristics. However, to avoid replacement, it is necessary:
- to order installation services in a clinic where qualified doctors work;
- to properly care for the prostheses;
- to visit the dentist for preventive check-ups at least once every six months.
The AESTHETE dental clinic is located in Dubai (UAE), Bluewaters Island. We provide dental prosthetics services, apply modern methods of dental row restoration, and manufacture and install zirconia dioxide crowns.
Do you have questions? Contact the administrators of our medical center. They will provide the necessary consultations, help you choose a time for a visit to the doctor, and make an appointment.
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