Zirconium crowns, also known as zirconia crowns, are a type of dental crown made from zirconium dioxide, a very durable and biocompatible ceramic material. Here are some key points about zirconium crowns:
Benefits:
Strength and Durability: Zirconium crowns are incredibly strong and can withstand the forces of chewing, making them ideal for back teeth.
Biocompatibility: Zirconium is less likely to provoke an immune response or inflammation, making it a safe choice for many patients.
Aesthetics: They have a natural tooth-like appearance, although they may not match the translucency of natural teeth as closely as porcelain crowns.
Minimal Tooth Preparation: Due to their strength, less of the natural tooth structure needs to be removed compared to other types of crowns.
Same-Day Procedure: Many dentists can create and place zirconium crowns in a single visit using CAD/CAM technology
Disadvantages:
Cost: Zirconium crowns can be more expensive than other types of crowns.
Appearance: While they look natural, some patients may find that the color doesn't match their natural teeth perfectly
Uses:
Zirconium crowns are used to:
Restore Broken or Worn-Down Teeth: They provide strength and protection to teeth that are damaged or worn down.
Cover Dental Implants: They can be used to cap dental implants, providing a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.
Improve Aesthetics: They can enhance the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or badly formed
