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Zirconium Crown: The Perfect Solution for a Durable and Natural Smile 

  • aafra9
  • 12 minutes ago
  • 5 min read

 

 

Need a durable, natural-looking solution for damaged or discoloured teeth?  


Introduction


Zirconium crowns merge strength with seamless aesthetics to transform your smile. At our clinic, we specialize in custom-crafted crowns designed to restore function, enhance beauty, and last for years.  

A radiant smile is a universal symbol of confidence and health. However, tooth damage from decay, trauma, or wear can undermine both function and aesthetics. Dental crowns have long been a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, offering protection and rejuvenation for compromised teeth. Among the myriad options available, zirconium crowns (often called zirconia crowns) have emerged as a gold standard, blending unparalleled strength with lifelike beauty. This blog explores why zirconium crowns are revolutionizing dental care, offering patients a durable, biocompatible, and natural-looking solution for their smiles. 

 

What Are Zirconium Crowns? 


Zirconium crowns are crafted from zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), a advanced ceramic material prized for its exceptional durability and aesthetic versatility. Unlike traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, zirconia is entirely metal-free, making it ideal for patients with sensitivities or allergies. 


Types of Zirconium Crowns: 


  1. Monolithic Zirconia: Made entirely of zirconia, these crowns excel in strength and are often used for back teeth (molars). 

  2. Layered Zirconia: Features a zirconia core with a porcelain overlay, enhancing aesthetics for front teeth. 

  3. High-Translucent Zirconia: A newer variant with improved light transmission, mimicking natural enamel for seamless front-tooth restorations. 

 


Zirconium Crown
Zirconium Crown

Benefits of Zirconium Crowns 


  1. Exceptional Durability: Zirconia boasts a flexural strength of 1,200 MPa, surpassing porcelain (100 MPa) and even some metals. It resists chipping, cracking, and wear, making it ideal for patients with bruxism (teeth grinding). 

  2. Natural Aesthetics: High-translucent zirconia mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. Custom shading ensures a perfect match to surrounding teeth. 

  3. Biocompatibility: Hypoallergenic and non-corrosive, zirconia eliminates the risk of metal allergies or gray gum lines common with PFM crowns. 

  4. Minimal Tooth Preparation: Zirconia’s strength allows for thinner crowns, preserving more natural tooth structure compared to bulkier alternatives. 

  5. Longevity: With proper care, zirconium crowns last 15–20+ years, outperforming porcelain (10–15 years) and PFM (10–15 years). 

  6. Stain Resistance: The non-porous surface resists coffee, tea, and tobacco stains, maintaining brightness over time. 

 

When Do You Need a Zirconium Crown? 


A zirconium crown is a durable and aesthetically pleasing dental restoration used to protect and strengthen a damaged tooth. It is made from zirconia (zirconium dioxide), a strong ceramic material that offers both strength and a natural appearance. 


Situations When You Might Need a Zirconium Crown: 


1. Severe Tooth Decay 


•   If a tooth has extensive decay that cannot be repaired with a filling or inlay, a zirconium crown provides full coverage and protection. 


2. After a Root Canal Treatment 


  • A root canal can weaken a tooth, making it prone to fractures. A zirconium crown restores strength and functionality. 


3. Cracked or Broken Tooth 


   •. If a tooth is cracked, chipped, or fractured, a zirconium crown helps prevent further damage and restores its original shape. 


4. Replacing a Worn-Out Crown 


   • If you have an old crown that is damaged or causing discomfort, a zirconium crown can be a long-lasting replacement. 


5. Cosmetic Enhancements 


   •. If a tooth is severely discolored, misshapen, or has irregularities, zirconium crowns offer   an aesthetically pleasing solution. 


6. Dental Bridges or Implants 


   • Zirconium crowns are often used as abutments for dental bridges or to cover dental implants, ensuring a strong and natural-looking restoration. 


7. Patients with Allergies 


  • Metal-free option for those sensitive to nickel or other metals. 

 

The Procedure: Getting Zirconium Crowns 


Getting a zirconium crown is a straightforward process that typically involves two visits to the dentist. 

 

1.  Consultation and Examination 

 

During your first visit, the dentist will examine your teeth and determine whether a zirconium crown is the best solution for you. X-rays may be taken to assess the tooth structure and surrounding bone. 

 

2. Tooth Preparation 

 

The affected tooth is carefully reshaped to accommodate the crown. If necessary, decayed portions are removed, and the tooth is built up with filling material to ensure proper support for the crown. 

 

3. Impression and Shade Matching 

 

A digital or traditional impression of your teeth is taken to create a customized crown. The shade of the zirconium crown is carefully selected to match your natural teeth for a flawless finish. 

 

4. Temporary Crown Placement 

 

A temporary crown is placed on the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent zirconium crown is being fabricated in the dental lab. 

 

5. Permanent Crown Placement 

 

Once the zirconium crown is ready, you will return for your second visit. The temporary crown is removed, and the new zirconium crown is securely bonded to your tooth. The dentist will make final adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and natural bite. 

 

  

Technology Spotlight: 


  • CAD/CAM Systems: Computer-aided design ensures precision, while milling machines craft crowns in hours (same-day options available). 

 

Zirconium vs. Other Crown Materials 

Material 

Pros 

Cons 

Zirconia 

Durable, natural, hypoallergenic 

Slightly higher cost 

Porcelain (e.max) 

Excellent aesthetics 

Less durable for molars 

PFM 

Affordable, strong 

Metal may show at gumline 

Gold 

Extremely durable 

Highly visible, metallic appearance 

 

Durability and Longevity 


Zirconia’s strength makes it resistant to the forces of chewing and grinding. A 2021 study in Dental Materials Journal found 95% survival rates for zirconia crowns after 10 years, outperforming PFM (85%) and all-porcelain (75%). Factors affecting longevity: 

  • Oral hygiene (brush/floss daily). 

  • Avoiding hard foods (ice, hard candy). 

  • Nightguards for bruxism. 

 

Aesthetic Advantages 

Modern high-translucent zirconia rivals the beauty of natural teeth. Case Study: Sarah, 34, replaced her PFM front crowns with layered zirconia, achieving a seamless, radiant smile. 

 

Cost and Insurance 


  • Cost: £800–£1,500 per crown , depending on complexity and lab fees. 

  • Insurance: Many plans partially cover zirconia crowns, especially if medically necessary. 

 

Care and Maintenance 

  • Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste. 

  • Floss to prevent gum disease. 

  • Regular dental check-ups and cleanings. 

 

Potential Limitations 


  • Cost: Higher upfront cost than PFM. 

  • Opacity: Traditional zirconia may appear slightly opaque compared to e.max (addressed with high-translucent versions). 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

 

Q: How much do zirconium crowns cost? 

 A: Private zirconium crowns typically cost £800–£1,500 per tooth, depending on the clinic and complexity. NHS crowns are cheaper but often limited to metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) options. 

 

Q: Are zirconium crowns as durable as metal crowns? 

 A: Yes! Zirconia is stronger than porcelain and comparable to metal, lasting 15+ years with proper care. It’s also chip-resistant and ideal for back teeth. 

 

Q: Do zirconium crowns look natural?  

A: Absolutely. High-translucent zirconia mimics natural enamel, blending seamlessly with your smile. Custom shading ensures a perfect colour match. 

 

Q: How long does the procedure take? 

 A: Most cases require two visits: prep and scans (1st visit), then fitting the crown (2nd visit). Some clinics offer same-day CAD/CAM crowns in 2–3 hours. 

 

Q: Are zirconium crowns safe for people with metal allergies? 


A: Yes! Zirconium crowns are 100% metal-free and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for patients with nickel or metal sensitivities. No risk of allergic reactions or gum discoloration. 

 



Zirconium crowns represent the pinnacle of modern dental restoration, offering unmatched durability, biocompatibility, and aesthetics. Whether restoring a single tooth or transforming your entire smile, zirconia ensures a solution that’s as functional as it is beautiful. 




For more info? Visit Emicare.co.uk to connect with UK zirconia crown specialists! 

 


 

 Ready to explore zirconium crowns? Visit Emicare.co.uk to book a FREE consultation with a certified dentist and take the first step toward a resilient, natural-looking smile. 

                                  👉 Your perfect smile is just a click away! 👈 

 

 

 
 
 

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