A zirconia dental crown is made of zirconium dioxide—a high-strength ceramic. Its extraordinary strength helps it protect severely damaged or decayed molar teeth. Dr. Siny Thomas of Sugar Land provides durable, natural-looking restorations with zirconia crowns.
When Are Zirconia Crowns Used?
Dr. Thomas uses zirconia crowns for molar teeth and bridges. In high-stress situations, monolithic zirconia is used. Where the stress demands aren’t so great, zirconia overlaid with porcelain can be used to provide a higher level of aesthetics. Characteristics of the crowns include:
- Durability – They are extraordinarily strong and can withstand the forces of chewing and grinding food on molar teeth.
- Metal-free – If you have metal allergies or sensitivities, there’s virtually no risk of a reaction to a zirconia crown.
- Versatility – Zirconia is available in a variety of tints and opacities to match your natural teeth. When porcelain is layered over the zirconia, a high level of aesthetics is possible.
Zirconia Crowns vs. Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain
- Porcelain is a ceramic that can mimic the appearance of natural teeth so closely that it can be impossible to distinguish a porcelain crown from a natural tooth.
- It’s not as strong as zirconium dioxide.
- Some porcelain crowns are fused to a metal foundation to strengthen them. But the metal creates an opaque restoration and the metal eventually shows through as a dark line at your gumline.
Zirconia
- Zirconia alone is not as natural-looking as porcelain. But a ceramist can layer porcelain and bake it onto the crown to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth and produce beautiful results.
- It’s a high-strength ceramic—stronger than other dental ceramics.
- A zirconia core provides a strong, metal-free foundation for a crown that won’t show through at your gumline.
What’s the Process?
Several steps are involved in receiving a dental crown:
- Dr. Thomas will file and reshape your tooth so the crown will fit over it.
- We will scan your teeth and take digital impressions of them.
- We’ll send instructions and the digital impressions to Dr. Thomas’s ceramist, who will make a precisely fitting crown for you.
- Meanwhile, you’ll wear a temporary crown.
- When your zirconia crown is ready, Dr. Thomas will remove the temporary one, clean your tooth, and bond the permanent crown to it.
- He’ll check your bite and ensure the crown fits well.
- When you approve the color and fit of the zirconia crown, Dr. Thomas will bond it to your tooth.
How to Care for a Zirconia Crown
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss between your teeth to remove bacteria and protect them from decay.
- Avoid using your teeth to open or bite hard objects.
- Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental cleanings and exams.
- Let us know if you clench or grind your teeth. Dr. Thomas can provide you with a customized night guard to prevent damage to your teeth and crown.
Crowns from a Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Thomas received advanced, post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry from the Kois Center. He is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry where he receives continuing education in cosmetic dentistry.
If you are interested in zirconia crowns, contact our office to schedule an appointment for an exam.