Aesthetics in modern dentistry is no less important than functionality. Orthopedic constructions should be durable, hypoallergenic, withstand increased loads and, most importantly, do not look different from “own” teeth. These high requirements are fully met by zirconia crowns. They are considered to be one of the most reliable, can be used to restore any damage to the tooth row and have practically no serious contraindications.
Types of zirconia crowns
Zirconium dioxide is a natural material, so crowns made of it have perfect biocompatibility with the human body, without causing inflammation in the soft tissues. At the moment, metal-free prosthetics is considered to be one of the most effective in the world.
In the process of production of zirconium crowns, special block blanks are used. Depending on the physical and chemical properties, they can be:
- Maximally resistant to increased loads, but with a minimum level of light transmission. Such blanks are used in the production of prostheses for patients with bite defects.
- With a medium degree of strength and sufficiently high translucency – used in the prosthetics of individual dental units, when aesthetics is of primary importance.
- With the highest level of light transmission – ultratranslucent. Such blanks are used to form prostheses for frontal teeth. Such crowns are characterized by increased strength and do not need porcelain coating.
According to the type of structure, there are two types of dental crowns – 100% natural mineral crowns and classic crowns, where zirconium is used as a base.
Monolithic
Such crowns are 100% made of zirconium dioxide – that is, a solid block without auxiliary coating. Dentures are characterized by high wear resistance and reliability (chipping and other defects are excluded during operation), but they lose in aesthetics. Usually such structures are installed in place of chewing teeth. To give them a more natural look, before firing the blanks can be lightly colored with special pigments.
Classic
Structurally, such prostheses resemble metal-ceramic crowns, except that instead of a metal framework, they use an all-cast zirconia base with a ceramic coating. As a rule, artificial teeth of the classic configuration are installed in the frontal region of the jaw, where aesthetics is of key importance. Due to the high risk of chipping of the porcelain coating, they are not suitable for chewing teeth.
Advantages of zirconia crowns
Zirconia crowns, like other types of prosthetic designs, have their pros and cons. The following should be attributed to the advantages of such prostheses:
- Ultra-high durability and aesthetics. Artificial teeth and inserts made of zirconium dioxide are able to withstand intensive loads throughout the entire period of use. The material has a unique property of “self-healing” at the molecular level in case of microcracks. In addition to practicality, zirconium is characterized by impeccable aesthetic characteristics – translucency, whiteness and translucency of the natural mineral are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Zirconium crowns are suitable for placement on front, lateral and chewing teeth. And due to their light weight, they can be fixed on implants.
- Hypoallergenic and biocompatible. Zirconium dioxide prostheses do not cause allergies and pathological changes in soft tissues, there is no unpleasant taste in the oral cavity. The gingiva in the place of installation of orthopedic structures has a natural structure and color. Also natural material is characterized by extremely low thermal conductivity, due to which the supporting teeth do not react to hot and cold food.
- When installing crowns, there is no need to deburr a large part of the tooth or to carry out its depulpation. Due to the fact that zirconium dioxide has an ultra-high hardness, dentures based on it can be quite thin, but at the same time withstand heavy loads. To securely fix a zirconium crown, it is enough to remove 0.4-0.6 mm of dental tissue, whereas when installing metal-ceramic structures, it is necessary to remove a layer at least 1.5 mm thick.
- High precision – the production process of zirconium crowns is automated, which eliminates any errors. Prostheses fully meet the anatomical features of the patient’s oral cavity. They fit as closely as possible to the supporting teeth, implants and soft tissues, which makes the prosthetic construction resistant to wear and durability.
Service life of dental crowns
Zirconia crowns are characterized by a fairly long period of use – on average from 12 to 17 years. With proper care and fulfillment of all recommendations of the doctor, the service life of such prostheses increases up to 25 and more years.
Features of care for zirconia crowns
Such crowns do not require complex care. For a long and trouble-free operation it is enough to adhere to simple rules:
- Carry out daily oral hygiene – rinse the teeth after every meal, do their regular cleaning (use medium-hard brushes, conventional dental floss and pastes).
- Several times a year, have your enamel professionally cleaned of plaque and calculus.
- Do not chew or bite hard objects, such as candy, green apples, nuts and so on.
- It is also recommended to stop smoking (if the patient smokes) and regularly visit an orthopedic doctor for preventive check-ups.
Brickell Dental Care offers dental prosthetics with zirconia implant crowns. We look forward to seeing you at our dental office located at 65 SE 9thSt. Miami, FL 33131. We will bring back the attractiveness of your smile!
Call our Brickell Dental Care at (407) 863 6487 or online at the website. We can make same-day appointments.