Zirconia Crowns in Centuria, WI
Please note we may not offer this type of crown at our office.
Comprehensive Guide to Zirconia Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a widely used dental restoration method designed to restore the shape, size, and functionality of damaged or decayed teeth. Zirconia dental crowns, made from zirconium dioxide, are a relatively recent innovation that has become popular due to their remarkable strength, durability, and natural aesthetic.
Our Centuria, WI dentist delves into zirconia crowns, providing valuable insights into this advanced dental restoration option. Call (715) 646-2161 today to learn more.
What Are Zirconia Dental Crowns?
Zirconia dental crowns are crafted from zirconia ceramic, a premium material made of zirconium oxide. These crowns are celebrated for their strength, longevity, and resemblance to natural teeth. The zirconia closely mimics the color and translucency of natural tooth enamel, making it a favored choice among patients.
Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
Choosing zirconia crowns comes with several benefits, including:
- Durability: Exceptionally strong and resistant to wear, they provide a long-lasting dental restoration solution.
- Aesthetics: Renowned for their natural tooth-like appearance, they are ideal for front teeth or other visible areas.
- Biocompatibility: As a biocompatible material, zirconia is less likely to trigger allergic reactions or adverse effects.
- Precision: Zirconia crowns can be precisely milled using CAD/CAM technology, ensuring a perfect fit with minimal adjustments.
A dental lab uses advanced technology to create precise and customized zirconia crowns, enhancing the patient experience and improving practice efficiency.
Types of Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns come in various types, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. Understanding the different types of zirconia crowns can help you make an informed decision about your dental restoration needs.
Monolithic Zirconia Crowns
Monolithic zirconia crowns are crafted from a single piece of zirconia material, without any additional layers or coatings. Known for their exceptional strength and durability, these crowns are highly resistant to wear and tear. Monolithic zirconia crowns are often the go-to choice for posterior teeth, where chewing forces are stronger. They offer a long-lasting and low-maintenance solution, making them a popular option for patients seeking robust dental restorations.
Drawbacks
While zirconia crowns offer numerous advantages, some drawbacks include:
- Cost: Zirconia crowns can be pricier than other dental crowns due to the material’s cost and specialized fabrication equipment.
- Adjustment Challenges: Although precision-milled, they can be challenging to adjust if necessary.
- Chipping Potential: Despite their strength, they may chip or crack under excessive force or trauma.
- Bonding Difficulty: They can be harder to bond to tooth structures compared to other crowns, increasing the risk of issues like dislodgement or decay around the margins.
- Impact on Opposing Teeth: Studies indicate that zirconia crowns, while durable, can pose risks of wear on the enamel of opposing teeth compared to other materials like feldspathic porcelain, leading to hesitancy among dentists regarding their use.
The Zirconia Dental Crown Process
Consultation and Preparation
The first step to getting a zirconia dental crown is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your Centuria, WI dentist will assess your tooth to determine if a crown is needed. If so, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing decay or damage and shaping it for the crown.
Impressions and Temporary Crown
After preparation, your dentist will take impressions of the tooth and surrounding area. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where they guide the creation of a custom-fitted zirconia crown that matches your natural teeth’s size, shape, and color. While awaiting the permanent crown, a temporary dental crown will protect the prepared tooth.
Crown Placement
Once the zirconia crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the new crown over the prepared tooth. Your dentist will verify the fit and color of the zirconia crown in the office to ensure it looks and feels natural. With the right technology and equipment, it is possible to have a zirconia crown in office as part of a same-day procedure, providing the convenience of obtaining a permanent crown without multiple visits. Once satisfied, the crown will be permanently cemented onto the tooth.
Can Zirconia Crowns be Made in a Single Visit?
Yes, zirconia crowns can indeed be made in a single visit, thanks to advanced CAD/CAM technology. This cutting-edge technology allows dentists to design and mill zirconia crowns right in the office, eliminating the need for multiple visits and temporary crowns. Same-day zirconia crowns provide a convenient and efficient option for patients looking to restore their smiles quickly. This means you can walk out with a fully restored tooth in just one appointment, saving you time and hassle.
Post-Placement Care
After placement, we’ll provide instructions on caring for your new restoration. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to prevent plaque and decay. Avoid habits that may harm the crown, like chewing hard objects or teeth grinding. With proper care, a zirconia dental crown can last many years.
How to Care for Your Zirconia Crown
To ensure the longevity of your zirconia crown, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and follow a few simple care instructions:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.- Floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, which can damage your zirconia crown.
- Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth, which can put excessive wear on your zirconia crown.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to ensure the health and longevity of your zirconia crown.
By following these guidelines, you can help maintain the appearance and functionality of your zirconia crown for many years.
Zirconia Dental Crown Cost
Zirconia crowns typically cost between $1,000 to $2,500. The total cost depends on factors such as:
- Geographic Location: Urban areas with higher living costs often have higher dental fees than rural locations.
- Dentist’s Experience and Reputation: Established dentists or specialists may charge more for their expertise.
- Dental Laboratory: The quality of zirconia material and the dental lab’s craftsmanship can influence the cost.
- Additional Procedures: If other treatments are needed alongside crown placement (e.g., root canal, dental implant, dental bridges, or gum treatments), costs will rise.
- Dental Insurance: Depending on your policy, dental insurance may cover part of the crown’s cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zirconia and porcelain crowns each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Zirconia crowns, called monolithic zirconia crowns, are generally stronger and more durable than porcelain, making them ideal for patients with bruxism (teeth grinding) or conditions causing excessive wear.
With proper care, a zirconia crown can last 10 to 15 years. Longevity depends on factors like the patient’s oral health, hygiene habits, bite and chewing patterns, and crown quality.
Yes, zirconia crowns can be crafted to closely resemble natural teeth in color, shape, and texture. Zirconia’s translucency allows light to pass through, creating a natural look. They can be customized to match surrounding teeth in shade and translucency, making them nearly indistinguishable.
Zirconia crowns are made of a durable material highly resistant to discoloration and staining, an advantage over other crowns. However, like natural teeth, they can be affected by smoking, excessive coffee or red wine consumption, or poor oral hygiene. Maintain good oral habits to preserve their appearance.