What Is A Zirconia Crown?
A zirconia crown is a type of dental restoration used to cover and protect a damaged or decayed tooth. It is composed of a strong, tooth-colored ceramic material that mimics natural tooth enamel.
Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are quickly becoming a popular choice for repairing damaged or decayed teeth due to their many advantages:
- Strong and Durable. Zirconia crowns are more durable than traditional metal crowns, so they can withstand heavy biting and chewing forces for a longer period of time.
- Natural Appearance. Zirconia crowns can be custom-made to match the shape, size and shade of the existing tooth, for a natural look.
- Safe and Hypoallergenic. Zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning it is safe to use in the body and is non-reactive to the body’s natural chemistry.
Designing and Installing a Zirconia Crown
Designing and installing a zirconia crown typically follows a three-step process:
- Tooth Preparation. The affected tooth will first need to be prepared by your dentist to accommodate the crown. This may require reshaping or reshaping of the tooth, or in some cases, the placement of a post in the root of the tooth.
- Impressions. Next, your dentist will take an impression of the teeth and use the mold to design a customized zirconia crown. This process may involve CAD/CAM technology or a traditional lab technician.
- Crown Placement. The zirconia crown will be ready within a few weeks and the dentist can then apply a temporary crown while the permanent crown is prepared. During the final appointment, the permanent crown will be permanently bonded to the tooth.
Conclusion
Zirconia crowns are a great choice for repairing damaged or decayed teeth due to their strength, natural appearance, and biocompatibility. When designing and placing a zirconia crown, it’s important to follow the three-step process outlined above to ensure successful installation.
