What are Zirconia Crowns?
When your tooth has worn down or cracked, the dentist will need to repair it to protect the portion of the tooth that is remaining in your mouth and to prevent further damage. Whether the issue is a chip or deterioration, the dentist can use a dental crown to provide the compromised tooth with strength and an improved appearance. Not all dental crowns are made from the same material and the dentist will help you choose the best material for your crown. Some of the factors that help determine which one will work best for your needs are the location of the tooth in your mouth, the best price point for your budget, the necessary strength of the crown, and the overall appearance.
What Is Zirconia, and What Are its Benefits?
Zirconia is used in dental applications because it is a white ceramic material. It can be combined with other materials to improve its strength and to adjust the color to appear more like natural teeth. The overall benefits of using zirconia for your dental crowns are:
- Its durable.
- Its coloring can be adjusted to match your natural teeth.
- This type of crown can be prepared in the dentist’s office and may be able to be placed in one appointment.
- When its combined with porcelain, the crown will have an appearance even more like your natural teeth.
- Its nonmetallic and will not react with your body like certain metals can.
What Are the Disadvantages of Zirconia Crowns?
While zirconia addresses some of the shortcomings of other materials, it does have some disadvantages to consider. To start, zirconia is opaquer than your natural teeth so if it is replacing a tooth towards the front of your mouth, it may appear to be a distinctly different color than the surrounding teeth. Additionally, zirconia is a very strong material, creating problems if the dentist needs to adjust your dental crown.
How Can You Practice Good Oral Hygiene With a Zirconia Crown?
No matter the material of your dental crown, you need to take the time to care for your mouth and oral health. Between dental appointments, you need to brush twice a day with a soft bristled brush and floss to clean in between your teeth. The dentist may suggest using an oral rinse or a tongue scraper to reduce microbial growth. The dentist will be able to ensure your dental crown is healthy during your regular dental cleaning and exam appointments.
When you need to look into the treatment options for your worn, cracked, or chipped, the dentist may suggest a dental crown if your natural tooth is healthy enough to support it. When you are choosing the best material for your dental crown, be sure to ask about zirconia. The dentist will be able to review the benefits and disadvantages of using zirconia before helping you make a final choice for your new and improved tooth. Once the dental crown is in place, you will be sure to notice the improvement from your damaged tooth.