Zirconia is quickly becoming a more common choice of material for dental restorations. Continue reading to learn more about zirconia crowns as they compare to other restoration materials. Zirconia has been used in medicine for more than half a century. Many people might be left wondering what makes zirconia crowns so unique. This article discusses how zirconia is used to make dental crowns and the benefits of choosing this material.
Zirconium dioxide, a white powdered ceramic substance, is used to make zirconia dental crowns. It is a sturdy dental prosthesis due to its ceramic properties and is milled from a single block. Thanks to its strength, it is possible to make dental crowns much thinner than those produced with metals. A robust but thin crown is ideal since it only necessitates removing a little amount of tooth enamel for installation. Preserving most of the tooth's natural structure helps to maintain a healthy smile.
The ceramic properties of zirconia and its natural white color make it possible to match the crown with the remaining teeth easily. Your dentist will be able to recommend one that is a great fit both size-wise and color-wise.
Since zirconia crowns do not contain any metal, they are biocompatible; this means that the odds of surrounding tissue becoming inflamed or rejecting the crown are very low. The absence of metal also offers aesthetic advantages. Zirconia's white hue is similar to real teeth. There is no metal or gold to make patients feel self-conscious when smiling or talking. There is also no concern about the visible gray line that commonly shows up with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with the passing years and gum recession.
Zirconia's strength makes it an excellent option for placement on the rear molars — these are the teeth that bear the brunt of biting and chewing power. This strain may be too high for certain materials, leading them to fracture and the need to be repaired or replaced.
The strength of zirconia also means that, with appropriate preventative and regular maintenance, your crown will stand the test of time, lasting for years, maybe even decades. Although this restoration is not a natural tooth, it needs to be cared for like the remaining teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is important for general dental health and the longevity of your crown.
Your dentist will take an impression of the tooth that needs the dental crown and send those images to a lab. The lab will create an exact size and form for a new dental crown based on the tooth impression. The crown will be carefully crafted from a solid zirconia block to blend in with the patient's natural smile.
Although zirconia may not be the first material people think of when considering a dental crown, it is becoming more popular due to its unique combination of structural and cosmetic characteristics. Zirconia crowns are reliable, long-lasting dental prostheses for patients who want a natural-looking smile.
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