What is Zirconium Crown?
A zirconium crown is one of the most modern and aesthetic dental treatment to fix teeth. Zirconium crowns are made to fix teeth that are broken, weak, or discoloured. They are very strong and look very natural. Today, they are more popular than traditional metal-supported crowns because they last longer, are more biocompatible, and look better.
How long does Zirconium Crown last?
As evidenced by the numerous scientific follow-ups and clinical experiences, it can be stated that zirconium crowns function without issue for approximately 15-20 years. Moreover, in many patients that maintain excellent oral hygiene, this time frame often extends significantly longer and therefore makes the crowns a lifelong investment.
However, longevity is not determined by the material alone. Several biological and mechanical factors influence how long a zirconium crown will last.
Why are Zirconium Crowns so strong and durable?
Zirconium dioxide is a ceramic material that works very well and is used a lot in medicine and dentistry. There are a few main reasons why it is so popular:
- It is very resistant to breaking and can handle strong chewing.
- It doesn't chip or crack easily, so it lasts a long time.
- It is biocompatible, which means it works well with gum tissues.
- It doesn't break down in the mouth, which means it is resistant to corrosion.
Factors that affect the lifespan of Zirconium Crowns
- Oral Hygiene
- The Force of a Bite and Teeth Grinding
- How good the dental treatment is
- Health of the gums
- Habits of Daily Life
Plaque can build up around the crown margin, which can cause gum disease or damage to the natural tooth structure below the crown. It's important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and get professional cleanings.
Dental floss is said to be extremely important. Cleaning that thin line between the crown and the gum is described as the "guarantee" of the crown. It is also mentioned that if a bridge is being used, special dental floss called superfloss is to be used to clean underneath the bridge.
People who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) put too much stress on restorations. Zirconium is very strong, but grinding it over and over can make it wear out faster. In these situations, it is best to wear a night guard.
The dentist's experience and how well the crown is made are very important. Proper tooth preparation, a good fit, and high-quality cementation all make things last much longer.
It's important to have healthy gums. If periodontal disease sets in, the support around the crowned tooth may get weaker, which could affect its long-term stability.
Even the strongest crowns can be damaged by chewing ice, biting hard things, or opening packages with your teeth.
Do you need to replace Zirconium Crowns?
Even though zirconium crowns are highly durable, they are not considered “lifetime” restorations. You may need to replace it if the crown gets loose, the tooth that is underneath starts to rot, gum recession exposes the margin, or there may be aesthetic dissatisfaction over time.
Regular dental check-ups help find problems early on, before they need major treatment.
Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
Many individuals prefer zirconia crowns due to the numerous advantages associated with them.
- Strength: Zirconia is extremely durable and is more resistant to chipping or cracking than other types of crowns.
- Appearance: Because of the ability of zirconia to transmit light, zirconia crowns provide a natural-looking tooth and lack the dullness associated with older porcelain crowns.
- Health: Since zirconia crowns do not contain any metal, there are fewer potential health risks associated with allergic reactions, gum discolouration, etc.
- Fit: Zirconia crowns are created via a computer-aided manufacturing process that creates a precise fit for each individual patient's tooth.
Treatments of Zirconia Crowns
One of the greatest attributes of zirconia crowns is their versatility. They can be used anywhere within the mouth.
Examples of the uses for zirconia crowns include:
- Single-tooth crowns
- Long dental bridges
- Prosthetic appliances supported by implants
- Smile designing treatments (Hollywood Smile)
- Full-jaw restorations
Due to their durability and resistance to chewing forces, zirconia crowns can be used without hesitation in the back molar region of the mouth. Their aesthetic qualities make them a popular choice for creating a natural-looking smile in the anterior region of the mouth. Additionally, due to their resistance to fracture, zirconia crowns are widely used in bridge constructions to replace missing teeth.
Zirconium Crowns vs. Other Crown Materials
|
Crown Type |
Average Lifespan |
|
Zirconium Crown |
15-20+ years |
|
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal |
10-15 years |
|
Full Porcelain |
7-15 years |
|
Gold Crown |
15–25 years |
How to make your Zirconium Crown last longer
- Keep your mouth clean and healthy.
- Go to the dentist every six months.
- Don't chew on things that are very hard.
- If your doctor tells you to, wear a night guard.
- Take care of gum problems immediately.
Selecting a skilled dentist and maintaining healthy oral hygiene are the two most crucial things you can do to make sure your zirconium crown lasts for many years.
Please contact us for detailed information.