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The Role of Zirconia Crown in Modern Dentistry

Modern dentistry is adopting zirconia crowns because of their remarkable strength, beauty, and biocompatibility. Zirconia crowns offer strength, protection, and an attractive appearance by covering the entire visible section of a tooth that has been broken or decaying.
Zirconia crowns have grown in popularity in contemporary dentistry due to their many benefits over conventional crown materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns.
Composition of Zirconia Crown:
They are dental restorations made of zirconium dioxide, a strong and long-lasting ceramic substance. Zirconia crowns are made of a highly translucent type of zirconium dioxide, which allows light to pass through and gives the tooth-like structure a natural appearance. Tiny amounts of stabilizing oxides, like yttria, are added to improve the material's mechanical characteristics and stability.
Key Advantages of Zirconia Crown:
- 1. Aesthetics: The natural appearance and translucency of zirconia crowns, which closely resemble natural teeth, is one of their main advantages. The material can match the optical characteristics of natural tooth enamel thanks to the high level of light transmission through it. Zirconia crowns can match the surrounding teeth in terms of colour, tone and opacity, which guarantees a smooth integration with the patient's smile. They are thus the perfect option for highly cosmetic regions of the mouth like the front teeth.
- 2. Strength and Durability: Zirconia crowns exhibit exceptional strength and resistance to chipping, cracking, and wear. Compared to PFM crowns, which may result in porcelain fractures or chipping, zirconia crowns are stronger and more resistant to breakage. This makes zirconia crowns suitable for both front and back teeth, where chewing forces are more significant. Due to their exceptional mechanical qualities and great flexural strength, they can endure the stresses of biting and chewing. Their distinctive crystal structure also gives them exceptional mechanical features. Because of this, zirconia crowns are appropriate when there is a greater risk of occlusal pressures or parafunctional behaviours like grinding or clenching teeth.
- 3. Biocompatibility: Zirconia is compatible with the human body and has no adverse effects regarding biocompatibility. Patients with metal allergies or sensitivities can use it because it does not affect oral tissues. Zirconia crowns don't include metals that could cause allergies and are allergen-free. Additionally, they do not result in gum darkening, which is a problem with some metal-based restorations.
- 4. Stain and crack resistance: Due to the inherent characteristics of the zirconium dioxide material and the manufacturing procedures used, zirconia crowns are considered stain resistant. Zirconia crowns have a highly polished, smudge-free surface. Stains cannot attach to the restoration as the structure does not contain any microscopic pores or spaces that could be used to absorb food, beverage, or other substance colours that would cause stains. Moreover, Zirconia is a stable substance that doesn't react to any substances found in the mouth, like acids, and hence does not cause discolouration. The shade of Zirconia crowns is tinted to give a specific colour that matches the patient's tooth colour. Zirconia colour stability ensures that the crown shade remains constant throughout time.
Comparison of Zirconia Crowns with other crowns:
Crown Type | Material | Strength | Aesthetics | Durability | Preparation | Suitability |
Zirconia Crown | Zirconia | Very High | High | Very High | Minimal | General |
PFM crown | Metal + Porcelain | High | High | Moderate | Moderate | General |
Emax crown | Lithium Disilicate | High | Very High | Moderate | Moderate | Aesthetically demanding |
Metal crown | Metal Alloy | High | Low(visible) | Very High | Moderate | Molars |
Porcelain crown | Porcelain | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | General |
Veneers | Composite Resin | Low | High | Low | Minimal | Anterior Teeth |
Ceramic Crowns | Ceramic | Moderate | High | Moderate | Moderate | General |
Zirconia crowns are known for their minimal invasion for tooth preparation. Compared to other crown materials, they require less tooth reduction, which helps to protect the natural tooth structure. This conservative approach ensures the natural strength and functioning of the teeth. Zirconia crowns are suited for general use because they need less tooth preparation and provide outstanding strength, aesthetics, and longevity. PFM crowns balance resilience, appearance, and durability but require minor tooth preparation. Emax crowns provide exceptionally high aesthetics and good strength; however, they offer a moderate level of durability. Metal crowns are frequently used on molars as they provide exceptional strength and endurance but are visible and offer poor aesthetics. Crowns made of porcelain offer a reasonable level of strength, beauty, and durability. Veneer crowns for anterior teeth are highly cosmetic but less sturdy and long-lasting. On the other hand, ceramic crowns strike a balance between durability, beauty, and strength. It is ideal to consult a dentist to assess the suitability of a specific crown for individual cases.
Illusion Zirconia Crowns are one of the most reliable zirconia crowns as they are testified in quality, based on international standards. They are crafted using the latest CAD/CAM design software and manufactured by implementing world-class technology. These crowns are biocompatible and made with CE and US FDA-certified materials. Illusion Zirconia Crowns come with a lifetime international warranty, so dentists highly recommend them.