Zirconia Crowns

There are a number of considerations when determining the type of tooth restoration solution for a patient. One of the major decisions that need to be made when working on a restoration is the type of crown material that will ultimately prove to be the best choice for the patient and his or her oral health goals. Typically, the decision is between porcelain or zirconia crowns as restoration solutions.

Porcelain and Zirconia Crowns

Both porcelain and zirconia crowns offer the patient realistic and impressive results. Both materials can be used to make custom dental crowns and will look natural once set in place.

There are however some key differences that set zirconia crowns ahead of the curve. Zirconia restorations offer increased durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal over their porcelain counterparts.

Zirconia has been used in dentistry for several years now. It starts off as a white metal powder that is used to create a number of dental prosthetics, including bridges and crowns. Zirconia restorations are stronger than porcelain crowns, but they are more opaque and have less translucency. This translucency difference can impact the appearance of the crowns and is in fact one of the reasons that zirconia crowns are often recommended for use on back teeth.

Zirconia crowns can be used to restore a damaged tooth on their own, and they can also be layered together with porcelain in order to give a much more natural appearance. Both porcelain and zirconia crowns are used in dental situations where most of the natural tooth has succumbed to decay or a traumatic injury. Zirconia is exceptionally strong and can be seen benefiting those who are hard on their teeth; particularly those who tend to be prone to grinding and clenching their teeth

Similarities Between Porcelain and Zirconia Crowns

There are a number of similarities between the two materials, with the primary consideration being that both porcelain and zirconia crowns are made using biocompatible materials that are completely safe. Both are designed to be durable and can last for a number of years after being placed.

Porcelain and zirconia crowns are non-porous, which can help to contribute to them being resistant to cracks, chips, and stains.

Key Benefits of Zirconia Crowns

Both porcelain and zirconia crowns can offer a natural appearance that will blend in well with the surrounding healthy teeth. The key difference is that zirconia crowns offer much more strength over porcelain restorations. This allows for boosted chewing efficiency and will ensure that the zirconia crowns last longer than their porcelain counterparts.

For patients who are in need of strength and longevity, pure zirconia crowns are a great solution. Patients who are in need of strength, longevity, and great aesthetic appeal, a thin layer of porcelain can be bonded to the zirconia crown.

Primary Differences Between Porcelain and Zirconia

Zirconia crowns have demonstrated unmatched strength; rigorous testing has shown that zirconia crowns offer up to 200% higher bending strength over porcelain crowns. With boosted longevity and durability, zirconia crowns have been seen to last for years longer than porcelain crowns. Porcelain crowns often need to be replaced after a few short years, whereas zirconia prosthetics have been seen boasting a 99% intact rate five years after placement.

Offering all of the benefits offered by porcelain crowns, with added benefits to boost patient comfort and results, zirconia crowns are a solid choice for tooth restoration.