What Are Zirconia Dental Crowns?

Teeth that are broken, heavily worn or badly damaged by decay often cannot be restored with a filling alone. A crown — a cap that covers the whole tooth — is one of the ways a dentist can rebuild the shape and function of that tooth. There are several crown materials to choose from, and zirconia has become a common choice because of its strength, its appearance and how well the body tolerates it.

Here is what zirconia crowns are, the types available, what influences the cost, and what to expect from them over time.

Understanding Zirconia Dental Crowns

A zirconia crown is made from zirconium dioxide, a dense ceramic that copes well with the forces of chewing and biting. It is metal-free, which suits people who prefer to avoid metal alloys, and it is considered highly biocompatible, so reactions to it are uncommon. It can be used at the back of the mouth where load is greatest and at the front where appearance matters most, which is part of why it has become so widely used in crown and bridge treatment.

It is worth being clear about one thing: preparing a tooth for any crown means reshaping it, and that is irreversible. Once a tooth is prepared it will need a crown, or another restoration, from then on. Your dentist will explain why a crown is being recommended over a filling, an onlay or another option before any work begins.

Types of Zirconia Dental Crowns

• Solid (monolithic) zirconia crowns. Milled from a single block, these are the strongest of the options and are often used on molars, where bite force is high and the tooth is less visible. Older solid zirconia is quite opaque, which is why it was traditionally reserved for back teeth.
• Layered zirconia crowns. A zirconia core is covered with a layer of porcelain, combining the strength of the core with the translucency of porcelain on the surface. These are often chosen for front teeth, though the porcelain layer can chip under heavy load.
• High-translucency zirconia crowns. Newer formulations let more light pass through, so they look closer to natural enamel. They trade a degree of strength for that appearance, so they are typically used where aesthetics matter more than maximum load bearing.

Benefits of Zirconia Dental Crowns

• Strength and durability. Zirconia withstands biting and chewing forces well, which makes it a practical option for molars. It is less prone to chipping than some ceramic alternatives, though no restoration is unbreakable.
• Natural appearance. Zirconia can be shaded and, in translucent formulations, closely resemble natural tooth colour, with no dark metal margin at the gumline.
• Biocompatibility. Zirconia is well tolerated by the surrounding gum tissue, and allergic reactions are uncommon, which can make it a suitable choice for people with known metal sensitivities.
• Conservative preparation. Because zirconia is strong in thin sections, a little less tooth structure may need to be removed than for some other crown types — though tooth structure is still removed.
• Resistance to wear and staining. The polished surface resists staining from coffee, tea and red wine, and holds its finish well over time.
• Comfort and fit. Digital scanning and CAD/CAM milling allow a close fit at the margin, which helps the crown feel comfortable and helps keep bacteria out from under the edge.
• Same-day options in some cases. Where a practice has milling equipment on site, some crowns can be designed and fitted in one appointment rather than two. Whether this is possible depends on the tooth, the case and the material chosen.

Cost of a Zirconia Dental Crown

The cost of a crown varies from case to case. The main factors are:

• the type of zirconia and the dental laboratory used;
• how many teeth need crowning;
• the complexity of the case, including whether the tooth first needs a root canal, a build-up or gum treatment;
• the practice and its location.

You should receive a written quote before treatment begins. Many private health funds contribute towards major dental work, usually with annual limits and waiting periods, so it is worth checking your level of cover with your fund beforehand.

How Long Will a Zirconia Crown Last?

Zirconia is a durable material, and a well-fitted crown can serve for many years. Lifespan varies a great deal between people, and depends on the health of the tooth underneath, your bite, your oral hygiene and whether you grind your teeth. The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth at the margin can, so daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth still matter, as do regular check-ups and cleans. If you clench or grind, a night guard is often recommended to protect the crown and the opposing teeth — this is something our dentists cover when assessing grinding and jaw clenching.

Talking to a Dentist About Crowns

Helix Dental is a general and cosmetic dental practice at 2/299 Rio Vista Blvd, Mermaid Waters. Our dentists provide zirconia and other crown types, and can also discuss alternatives such as an onlay, or an implant where a tooth cannot be saved.

Whether a crown is the right option for your tooth can only be determined by an examination. If you have questions or feel anxious about dental treatment, say so at your appointment — it changes how we approach the visit.