How long do zirconium crowns last? Zirconium crowns: features, manufacturing process, wear

A beautiful smile is of great importance in a person’s life. It is an indicator of the health and youth of the body, gives a good mood to its owner and all the people around him. Sometimes it happens that a smiling person suddenly stops smiling altogether. He is afraid to open his mouth in front of other people. What happened? What reasons contribute to this behavior? The thing is that his smile was no longer perfect. The culprit for this was one of his teeth, which decided to break, crack or crumble (we recommend reading: the tooth broke, but its root remained in the gum: what to do if such a situation arises, how to build it up?). What to do now? How to restore the former beauty of a smile and the good mood of its owner? The answer is simple - he needs a crown. Zirconium ceramics are especially popular.

What are zirconium crowns?

A crown is a method of tooth restoration in which its visible part is completely restored. It is shaped like a crown, which is why it bears the appropriate name. Its task is to restore the appearance of the tooth and its chewing functions. Its purpose is to make the tooth strong and prevent it from further decay.

Today, crowns made from zirconium dioxide have proven themselves to be successful (see photo). A distinctive feature of zirconium ceramics is its ultra-strength, durability and wear resistance. Structures with oxide coating are absolutely safe and do not cause allergies. If you properly care for zirconium oxide ceramics, it will last at least 15 years.

Zirconium dioxide crowns are dental structures that have a special degree of strength. They are produced using high-tech equipment and are used to restore both anterior and lateral chewing units.

In modern dentistry, zirconium oxide is the highest quality material for the manufacture of crowns and bridges. It has been used in this area for decades and is the optimal material for dental restoration.

Composition and properties of the structure

Zirconium oxide crowns, as shown in the photo, consist of two layers:

• internal, which is a durable frame made of zirconium dioxide;
• external, consisting of veneering ceramics resembling human tooth enamel.

Zirconium dioxide has many features that are also characteristic of crowns made from it. Structures based on zirconium oxide have the following properties:

Thanks to the ability of zirconium dioxide to refract light like enamel, structures can be made in any color. Zirconium ceramics are suitable for both anterior and posterior teeth. The low weight of such products allows them to be placed even on implants. Zirconium dioxide, due to its inertness, does not react with the latter. Zirconium dentures fit tightly to the gums, which prevents bacteria and food debris from getting under them, and this eliminates many dental diseases (for example, periodontal disease, caries).

Indications for installation

Zirconium oxide ceramics are not cheap, so patients refuse them. Sometimes such crowns are simply necessary. The reasons for this are:

1. problems with hematopoiesis and internal organs;
2. preservation of the remaining living tooth;
3. absence of incisors or lateral units;
4. production of removable dentures;
5. allergy to components of other materials;
6. partial or complete damage to the hard tissues of the oral cavity by caries;
7. aesthetic defects;
8. chips resulting from injury.

Who are they contraindicated for?

Where there is a plus, there must also be a minus. Zirconium ceramics has the following contraindications:

Photos before and after installation

Pros and cons of zirconium prostheses

Zirconium dioxide crowns have become popular due to their following advantages:

• lightness, which allows prosthetics on implants;
• naturalness, which makes it possible to restore a single tooth;
• high level of aesthetics, which makes it possible to perform prosthetics in the “smile zone”;
• hypoallergenic;
• the translucency of the dioxide crown makes it similar to a natural tooth;
• the enamel does not change its color under any circumstances;
• strength guarantees the durability of the structure;
• absolute harmlessness to humans;
• a tight fit to the tooth eliminates the possibility of the development of pathogenic microflora;
• To install a crown, a healthy tooth is ground down to a minimum;
• absence of a gray tint between the gum and the dioxide crown;
• the nerve is not removed, which means the tooth under the prosthesis remains alive;
• You can replace either one tooth or a whole bridge with prosthetics.

Zirconium teeth have virtually no disadvantages. Perhaps the price is too high (modern high-tech equipment and expensive raw materials are used to make zirconium dioxide crowns). The high quality of the product completely smooths out this drawback.

The process of manufacturing and installing zirconium crowns

To produce a structure from zirconium oxide, the CAD/CAM technique is used, thanks to which the product is particularly accurate. The first thing the dentist does is make an impression. Next, the laser scans it and processes it on a computer.

The production of a zirconium dioxide crown takes place in stages. At the first stage, the frame of the future structure is poured. For this purpose, a special apparatus is used into which zirconium dioxide is loaded. After this, a model of the future tooth is designed.

The next stage is the production of the outer part of the crown. It involves applying porcelain mass to the frame of the structure. Porcelain is added in layers and fired in a kiln to give strength to the denture. To ensure that the crown is identical to the natural series, the enamel is given a pre-selected shade. Zirconium ceramics fits perfectly to the tooth, which eliminates possible complications and guarantees a presentable appearance.

As soon as the crown is ready, the dentist can begin installing it, but in the meantime it is necessary to perform a number of procedures:

Denture care and durability

After installing a zirconium oxide crown, your doctor will tell you how to care for it. By adhering to the following rules, you can give the installed zirconium prosthesis durability:

The rules for caring for zirconium crowns are not at all different from the rules for caring for teeth. The guarantee that dentists give on zirconium oxide crowns is lifetime. The material underlying them is very durable. All that is required from the patient is proper care, and then the structure will last more than a dozen years.

Which is better: zirconium, metal-ceramic or porcelain prosthesis?

Zirconium-free ceramics, porcelain crown or metal-ceramic construction? To figure out which one is better, you need to consider their differences. If you need to place a prosthesis on the front group of teeth, then a zirconium oxide design is ideal for this. This crown is characterized by excellent aesthetics, full compatibility with oral tissues and a high price.

Zirconium oxide, due to its strength, is suitable for the manufacture of both single prostheses and bridge structures.

Metal ceramics are also suitable for the restoration of teeth in the front, but in terms of aesthetics it is inferior to zirconium. The frame of such a prosthesis is metal. If you only need to restore one tooth, it is better to choose a porcelain or zirconium oxide prosthesis. Or restore several teeth at once so that it is not so noticeable.

Porcelain is characterized by a distinctive aesthetics from metal ceramics. It conveys the shades and translucency of the tooth well, making the porcelain crown completely invisible on the front teeth. It will never fade or darken. This type of material is suitable for the manufacture of only single crowns and is characterized by high cost.

Let's summarize. If it is necessary to restore the front teeth, then the ideal option would be a crown made of zirconium dioxide or porcelain structures. Although they are expensive, they are aesthetically pleasing. For chewing teeth, the most practical would be metal-ceramic or zirconium oxide dentures. The choice is yours!

According to history, prosthetics were invented several thousand years ago. At first, medical procedures were performed at a primitive level, but during the evolution and modernization of scientific and technological progress, dentistry learned to use high-quality innovative materials in its work. Dentures are special structures for restoring or partially replacing lost (destroyed) teeth.

Artificial implants look natural, aesthetically pleasing and retain chewing function. If previously dental orthopedics used only metal or precious alloys, which were not safe and often provoked allergies, in the 21st century high-quality materials are used. Scientists have managed to create structures of special strength, high hypoallergenicity and durability from zirconium dioxide.

It began to be actively used in 1990. Zirconium crowns have gained enormous popularity in practical dentistry. In addition to biocompatibility and aesthetic appeal, the material has antibacterial properties. Products made from this alloy fit tightly to the gums, preventing the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms to the tooth enamel.

In addition, such dentures do not provoke the appearance of periodontitis and do not deform the gums. Zirconium dioxide is endowed with a number of advantages, even despite its high cost, and occupies a leading position in dental orthopedics. Let's consider all the features, advantages and disadvantages of prostheses made from this alloy.

Zirconium crowns on the front teeth: making your smile beautiful

When compared with metal-ceramics, zirconium dioxide definitely wins. Firstly, nerve depulpation (tissue removal) is eliminated. Secondly, the product is as close as possible to enamel in color and transparency. In addition, zirconium crowns (the photo clearly illustrates the prosthesis) can last several times longer than metal-ceramic crowns - at least 15 years. For these reasons, they are often placed on the front teeth. They retain their original appearance for a long time, do not wear off, and do not oxidize.

Prosthetics of chewing teeth

With the advent of a super-strong alloy, we can afford to replace at least the entire dentition with beautiful, high-quality and durable dentures. With such designs it is possible to absorb solid foods (nuts, carrots, apples) without fear of them breaking. Zirconium dental crowns give your smile the perfect look. Reviews from dentists are only positive.

According to professionals, this is one of the most modern and safe materials that is suitable for ultra-sensitive gums. Thanks to high light transmission, teeth look natural. Instead of crowns, experts offer a budget option - zirconium coating on metal prostheses (on the front and chewing teeth). The procedure is also painless and is designed to protect against allergic reactions and gum inflammation.

Main advantages

The average person knows little about zirconium crowns (photo presented in the article). Budget clinics practically do not use the material because it is expensive. Not everyone can afford to install such a prosthesis. If you make a choice between metal ceramics, plastic and zirconium dioxide, then it is better to give preference to the latter option. Now you will understand why:

• The main positive feature of prostheses made from this alloy is the absence of pain and discomfort. When chewing, a person does not experience stress on the gums and jaw. The structures are modeled individually, according to the physiological characteristics of the jaw, so there will be no unpleasant sensations while eating.
• The most convenient and fast installation technology. Due to the solid base, significant gum preparation and nerve removal are not required.
• Constructions or dentures are tightly fixed to the tooth tissues without damaging the gums. This is not possible with metal, which can not only damage soft tissue, but also lead to infection and inflammation.
• Aesthetic side. Zirconium crowns can be installed on one tooth or on a whole row (bridges). To visually preserve naturalness, the dentist carefully selects a color scheme that matches the natural enamel as clearly as possible. This applies to the shape of the crown. In this way, complete identification of the prosthesis and the living tooth is achieved. The client receives a dazzling smile and maximum satisfaction from the result.

Flaws

Many patients, before installing an implant or bridge made of this material, are interested in its disadvantages. According to orthopedic dentists, zirconium crowns are absolutely harmless and never cause irritation, allergies or other unpleasant consequences. The only drawback is the high cost of the alloy. For comparison: the price of metal ceramics ranges from 4,000 to 8,000 rubles, structures made of zirconium dioxide will cost you 15,000-25,000 rubles. (for one tooth).

Installation process

In principle, the preparatory stage for installing all prostheses is the same. First, the doctor fills the damaged canal and wraps the tooth around the gum with a special protective thread, which will prevent tissue damage. Then the enamel is turned to fit a crown or prosthesis. The next step will be taking an impression using silicone mass or modeling on a PC.

The resulting impressions are sent to the laboratory, where zirconium dental crowns will be made. In about a few days the product is ready. The dentist tries it on, makes adjustments if necessary, and selects the color and shape. At the third appointment, the prosthesis is fixed to the tooth using a cement mass.

Service life and care methods

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, prostheses made from this alloy are very durable and practical. The design fits tightly to soft tissues and does not loosen after ten years. Zirconium crowns do not require special care. When fixing the prosthesis, the clinic provides a 5-year guarantee. Practice shows that structures can easily withstand 20 years of service and do not deform.

Zirconium crowns for teeth: customer reviews

Patients who have tried the quality of the products themselves were satisfied. We could not find any gloomy or indignant reviews. Zirconium crowns look natural, aesthetically pleasing and neat. People's reviews are enthusiastic. Dentures are not felt in the oral cavity, do not change color over time, and do not cause allergies, which is important for gum hypersensitivity. In general, the price fully corresponds to the quality.

The possibilities of prosthetics have reached a level where a crown can last for more than ten years. And the pinnacle of this achievement was zirconium dental crowns. Below are their prices, photos and reviews from satisfied patients.

It has an ugly and unnatural appearance. Ceramics have a number of limitations. Zirconium coating gives teeth a natural translucent whiteness, making your smile radiant and healthy.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The popularity of using zirconium crowns on the front teeth and any other teeth is due to a number of advantages:

• Natural translucency makes the crown look natural.
• The selected enamel color does not change over time.
• The strength of the structure guarantees long-term use of the prosthesis.
• Reliable fixation of the crown ensures a good fit to the tooth and the impossibility of the development of pathogenic flora.
• There is practically no allergy to such material, so they are suitable for most patients.
• Safety of zirconium for human health. It is not rejected by the body, does not irritate the gums, does not cause poisoning or any other negative reactions.
• To install such a crown, you do not need to sharpen a healthy unit.
• It can be installed not only on the front teeth, but also on chewing teeth and even on implants.
• There is no gray tint in the adjacent area between the crown and gum.
• It is possible to create a structure for one tooth or an entire bridge from several units located in a row.

The only downside is the high price. This is explained both by the use of expensive material and complex manufacturing technology.

Indications and contraindications

The need to install such crowns is:

• Diseases of internal organs that exclude the possibility of other methods of prosthetics.
• Complete or partial absence of front teeth.
• Destruction of chewing units.
• Availability of telescopic structures made of zirconium.
• Allergic reactions to other materials used in prosthetics.

Even if other methods of dental restoration are available to the patient, he can choose zirconium crowns as the most durable and natural in appearance.

Among the contraindications, the following minimum conditions are noted:

1. Pregnancy period.
2. Too pronounced.
3. Bruxism – . But even in this case, the doctor can find a way out, for example, using special mouth guards.
4. Acute inflammatory processes or infections in the oral cavity. First, they need to be cured.
5. Mental illness, as in most dental complex procedures.

Photos before and after

Manufacturing technology

To understand what it is - prosthetics using zirconium, otherwise Prettau, you need to understand the technology for creating crowns based on this material.

1. At the first stage, the frame for the future structure is poured. This is done using a special milling machine into which zirconium oxide is loaded, and a tooth model is designed on a computer.
2. At the second stage of creating the crown, a porcelain mass is applied, from which its outer part is made. It is added in layers, gradually fired in a kiln to ensure high strength.
3. The surface is made taking into account the chosen shade, painting the enamel accordingly so that the crown is no different from the natural series.

This technology is called CAD/CAM. Due to the participation of a computer and automation of the entire process, any errors and errors in the final result are eliminated.

Installation of zirconium crowns on teeth

The installation process in the dentist's office is as follows:

• To begin with, old fillings are removed and possible inflammations, caries and other problems of the oral cavity are treated. After all, no one will put crowns on diseased areas or gums.
• Next, the tooth is prepared according to the thickness of the future crown.
• To make the crown as natural as possible, the doctor creates an impression of the jaw. Due to this, the crown will be designed so that it does not stand out against the background of the natural dentition.
• While the patient waits for a zirconium crown or bridge, a temporary plastic analogue will be installed and his teeth will be ground accordingly.
• The finished structure is tried on and fixed with cement mortar. The doctor will definitely give recommendations on how to care for it so that the time of use lasts as long as possible.

Service life

Doctors give a lifetime guarantee on the zirconium crown. This is a very durable material and if not deliberately destroyed, it will last in its original state for decades. But this will only happen if you take care of your teeth and take care of the structure.

Nuances of care

• Every day, morning and evening, with correct vertical movements with a toothbrush and high-quality toothpaste.
• Rinse your mouth after every meal.
• It is necessary to wean yourself from the bad habit of biting into hard objects - nuts, ice, threads, etc.
• Every six months, visiting the dentist will protect your teeth from advanced diseases and provide an opportunity to detect emerging problems in a timely manner.
• to clean hard-to-reach spaces between teeth from food debris.
• Any diseases should be treated in a timely manner to avoid their spread and complications.

Price

The cost of such crowns will be higher than ceramic or metal ones. But due to the fact that they are installed once on an ongoing basis, this luxury can be justified. The average price in Moscow is 16,000 rubles, and in Kyiv – 5,000 hryvnia. Typically, dental clinics offer to purchase the entire package at once, called “turnkey”, which includes all visits and procedures from diagnosis to the final stage of crown installation.

But you may come across other numbers. To do this, you need to understand what determines the price of a zirconium crown. And this:

• the presence of additional diseases that should be treated initially;
• the number of teeth on which the structures will be installed;
• their contiguity or fragmentation in place;
• the need to make a bridge, etc.

Features of rehabilitation

After the doctor installs a zirconium crown, you should carefully listen to his recommendations. After all, getting used to it should be gradual. There are often complaints of increased sensitivity when consumed, as well as some unpleasant sensations. To avoid this you need to:

1. Avoid solid food for a while.
2. Take good care of your teeth as recommended by your doctor.
3. If you have a problem such as bruxism (grinding during sleep), you need to use a special mouth guard at night.
4. If you are hypersensitive, do not eat too hot or cold foods.

Over time, the discomfort will disappear, and you will be able to use artificial teeth as if they were your own.

Video: dental crowns based on zirconium dioxide.

Zirconium crowns are the latest version of prosthetics, which, according to many dentists, is an order of magnitude superior to traditional prostheses made of metal-ceramics and ceramics. How safe is the material, what teeth is it suitable for, how much will it cost the patient? Let's try to figure it out!

To immediately eliminate confusion in terms, let’s look at the name. According to the chemical formula, dentists deal with zirconium dioxide. In practice, it is often called oxide or simply zirconium - there is no difference.

Features of zirconium crowns

1. High bioadaptation.

According to histological studies carried out after wearing zirconium dentures for six months, no pathological changes were found in the tissues of the oral cavity. The material does not cause allergies, has biocompatibility even better than that of titanium, therefore it provides good aesthetics not only in the area where the crown adheres to the gum, but also around the implant if zirconium abutments are installed.

2. Perfect white color.

It's hard to say whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage. Some dentists believe that snow whiteness will not improve the overall appearance if the natural color of the enamel is far from ideal. Therefore, it is not recommended to use zirconium for front teeth. Others are confident that the ZrO2 compound provides the highest aesthetic effect, due to the fact that color selection is carried out not only on the surface, but also at the frame level. In addition, the selected color does not change throughout the entire wearing period, which is at least 15 years.

Zirconium is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also super durable, which is why the crown thickness is only 0.4 mm. For comparison, under metal-ceramics you have to grind the tooth by 1.5-2 mm.

Types of crowns

There are 2 types of zirconium prostheses:

• classic: two-layer, inside – zirconium frame, outside – porcelain lining;
• monolithic: made of solid material, due to increased strength, they are installed mainly on chewing teeth.

The disadvantage of classic zirconium teeth is the place where the two materials meet. The strength of porcelain is more than 10 times lower than the “base”, so over time the quality of the connection between the frame and the top coating deteriorates, and chips may appear.

The disadvantage of monolithic crowns is aesthetics. They have a bright milky opaque color, which creates an artificial effect.

In what clinical cases are they suitable?

Let's start with situations for which zirconium is not recommended. This:

• single prosthetics of anterior teeth;
• bridges of 3 crowns on the front teeth.

It is suitable for those who suffer from bruxism (only monolithic type) and cannot install implants or metal-ceramic crowns due to allergies.

Optimal prosthetic options:

• crowns and bridges on implants;
• a bridge prosthesis for the front teeth of at least 4 units;
• bridges and crowns on chewing units.

Advantages

1. Unique mechanical properties.

When conducting studies on 3 single bridges, zirconium dioxide showed a tensile strength 2-3 times greater than that of pressed and infiltration ceramics. Thanks to the alloy with yttrium, the material independently stabilizes when cracks appear: a compressive stress is created in the frame, which stops the destruction process. This property of zirconium dioxide is called the “airbag effect.”

2. Exceptional strength.

Comparable with any of the known alloys used for prosthetics. Crowns, root pins, abutments for implants, braces, and bridges of any length are made from zirconium.

3. No reaction to hot/cold.

Zirconium, unlike ceramic teeth on a metal frame, has better resistance to cold and heat, and therefore does not cause hypersensitivity.

4. Ideal for implantation.

The same abutment is placed under the zirconium crown, so the implanted implants feel like natural teeth, that is, they are free of the disadvantages that arise when using different materials (metal-ceramics and titanium), namely, poor adaptation of the gums.

Flaws

One of the main advantages of zirconium crowns is strength; without a competent approach to prosthetics, it can become a “fat” disadvantage. Natural teeth wear down much faster when rubbed against them. In order not to spoil healthy units, there is one option: people with increased enamel abrasion are given a pair of dentures - for the damaged unit and for its antagonist.

Another drawback is chipping. The weak connection between porcelain and the zirconium frame leads to the fact that microcracks may appear on the tooth within a couple of years. In this sense, zirconium is inferior not only to metal ceramics, but also to pressed ceramics. For comparison, in about 10% of people with zirconium dioxide dentures, chips form after 5 years, with metal-ceramic crowns - after 10 years, and porcelain lasts even longer.

Manufacturing technology

Another feature of zirconium-based prosthetics is the unique precision of the crown. It is provided by computer technology CAD/CAM - computer-aided design/programmed manufacturing.

Only the model is made manually, based on a previously taken impression of the teeth. Then it is scanned with a laser and entered into the program. The rest of the process is completely automated (occurs without human intervention), which eliminates any deviations in the shape of the prosthesis.

The process takes place in 3 stages:

• milling the frame (crown) from a single piece of zirconium, at the same time selecting the color;
• firing the finished prosthesis at high temperature to impart strength;
• porcelain lining.

How long does it take to get used to it?

According to patient reviews, zirconium crowns and bridges do not cause discomfort either at first after installation or in the future. Thanks to computer “adjustment”, the crown fits exactly to the ground teeth, so it is fixed tightly and reliably. If dentures are placed on antagonistic teeth, a slight knocking sound may occur when they are closed.

Features of care

No special skills or products are required for care: brush twice a day with regular (without bleach) toothpaste. To avoid chipping, do not bite nuts with your teeth!

Comparison table

Characteristic	Zirconium dioxide	Metal ceramics	Metal-free ceramics
Aesthetics	Limited. The milky white color is almost not corrected, so the teeth look unnatural.	Limited. Metal does not transmit light, so in order to achieve maximum naturalness, you have to apply a large layer of ceramics, and as a result, heavily prepare the tooth.	Maximum. Almost no different from the enamel of natural teeth.
Adaptation	It is absolutely hypoallergenic. Does not cause gum atrophy, fits tightly, protecting against the development of caries, and is suitable for bruxism.	Very often causes allergies. Black or bluish rims may form around metal-ceramic crowns as a result of metal oxidation. This reaction provokes the destruction of soft and bone tissues and spoils the appearance of the gums.	Does not cause allergies, but is not suitable for chewing teeth. With bruxism, a large number of missing units unevenly distributes the load on the gums.
Implantation	Excellent osseointegration. No bone loss effect, protection from bacteria due to the tight fit of the crown to the gum.	There may be complications during wearing. In combination with titanium abutments, irritation and inflammation of the gums often occur.	Not used.
Price	From 17,000 rubles, on an implant – from 25,000 rubles.	From 7,500 rubles, on an implant – from 18,500 rubles.	From 20,000 rubles.

As can be seen from the table, zirconium crowns, despite their rather high cost, combine versatility, reliability and aesthetics, and therefore are the best option for prosthetics and implantation.

Among all modern means of prosthetics, zirconium crowns occupy a special place in their ability to adequately replace natural teeth and make a smile especially attractive. Such dentures become a real decoration for many years. Even with close contact, it is impossible to distinguish them from your own teeth.

The base of zirconium crowns is made of zirconium dioxide. It is processed using modern technologies, which provides additional strength and quality. It is used for the restoration of individual teeth or the production of extended bridges for frontal or chewing surfaces.

The zirconium crown is a high-quality material and has a two-layer structure:

1. First, a high-strength frame is made from zirconium dioxide.
2. Porcelain is applied to it, then the product is fired at high temperature.

If crowns of special strength are needed, they are made entirely of zirconium. Sometimes it is possible to partially coat the zirconium frame on the outside with a layer of metal ceramics.

Zirconium crowns do not break or crack under the influence of temperature changes, and their service life is several decades. Zirconium structures are sometimes called metal-free, since they do not contain metal and do not have many of the disadvantages inherent in metal devices.

Sometimes you have to choose between metal-ceramic or zirconium crowns. In terms of strength, the zirconium frame is almost as good as a metal-ceramic frame, but has the ability to transmit light rays.

Therefore, zirconium dentures are distinguished by a special translucency characteristic of natural teeth. They are more aesthetically pleasing than metal-ceramic teeth, which are not at all capable of transmitting light.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist-therapist

Important! Recently, other types of metal-free prostheses have appeared that are much more aesthetically pleasing than zirconium ones, for example, those made from IPS E-max.

Features of zirconium dioxide

Dentists have been using zirconium since 1993. Before this, it was used for a long time for joint prosthetics, where it showed its special strength and quality. For its undeniable properties, zirconium has received the name “white gold”.

A distinctive property of zirconium dioxide is its ability to recover at the molecular level when microcracks occur. In addition, its increased bending strength provides unique wear resistance, something that cannot be said about cermets. Therefore, zirconium can be used in patients with bruxism, since it wears out a little. The adaptation process is easy, without noticeable discomfort.

To find out which crowns are better - ceramic or zirconium, you should study the distinctive properties of both:

Characteristics	Zirconium dioxide	Metal ceramics
Strength	It features increased wear resistance.	High degree.
Light transmittance	High, this makes the prostheses aesthetic and natural-looking.	Low, teeth are opaque, which reduces aesthetics.
Thermal conductivity	Low, retains its original shape and high fit throughout its service life.	High, deformed under the influence of temperatures.
Fit tightness	A tight, ultra-precise fit to the gum is ensured due to the exact repetition of the contour of the abutment tooth (gap 30 microns).	The fit to the gum is not tight enough (gap 100-200 microns).
Biocompatibility	Absolute, does not oxidize, harmless.	May cause allergic reactions.
Preparing a tooth for a crown	It does not require sewing down large amounts of tissue, lengthy preparatory treatment, or removal of nerves.	Requires preparation, depulpation, and removal of a large amount of tissue.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist-therapist

Important! A long service life is ensured by the fact that zirconium prostheses are not subject to deformation and abrasion. This allows you to install bridges of any length, crowns over implants using ceramic abutments.

Contraindications for installation

When restoring anterior teeth, you should not choose single zirconium crowns or install a bridge of three or fewer elements. Single dentures are not particularly durable and are prone to chipping; in addition, they will look different from their neighbors.

• malocclusion and strongly pronounced;
• peculiarities of some parameters of one’s own teeth, namely the presence of small teeth in the supporting zone of the bridge;
• mental disorders;
• pregnancy;
• inflammatory lesions of oral tissues;
• severe internal diseases or during the recovery period after suffering serious illnesses.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist-therapist

Important! Most of these contraindications can easily be attributed to all types of prosthetics, however, if you want to install zirconium crowns, you should not forget about such factors.

Who are these crowns for?

If the aesthetics in the smile area are compromised, if there are chips, damage or numerous low-quality restorations, it is recommended to choose zirconium crowns for the front teeth. By installing them, diastemas are closed, the size and shape of the teeth are corrected, and the color is selected according to the wishes of the patients.

Zirconium crowns are indicated in the following situations:

• unattractive appearance of the frontal area or gum tissue;
• darkening of the gums in the area of ​​old dentures;
• the need for a bridge on the chewing surfaces;
• the need for a bridge on the front teeth with at least 4 crowns;
• edentia after implantation.

They are rarely installed on the lateral jaws due to the fact that when prosthetics are applied to these areas, the requirements for aesthetics are low. The chewing area is prosthetized with zirconium if there is an allergy or contraindications for the use of metal ceramics.

For this zone, a zirconium tooth crown is made only from zirconium without the addition of porcelain, which provides increased reliability and resistance to cracks. This is relevant in the presence of bruxism. Metal-free dentures successfully solve the problem of high sensitivity of teeth.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist-therapist

Important! After their installation, the reaction to temperature influences is significantly reduced; zirconium dioxide is considered a heat insulator that protects teeth from negative thermal effects.

Stages of installing zirconium crowns

The process of tooth restoration with the installation of a zirconium crown begins with the preparatory stage, which follows the standard scheme:

1. First, a conversation is held and possible contraindications are identified. If they are not there, then preparations are made for prosthetics.
2. Therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation are prescribed. Old fillings are removed, manifestations of caries and pulpitis are eliminated, and the root canals are filled.
3. Professional cleaning of the oral cavity is carried out.
4. The supporting teeth are ground to the thickness of the prosthesis wall. This operation requires local anesthesia.
5. The oral cavity is scanned, and the future prosthesis is recreated in the form of a three-dimensional model.
6. Based on this, the required parameters of the zirconium crown are established, and the three-dimensional model takes on its final shape and appearance.
7. The shade of the material is selected based on the color selection scale.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist-therapist

Modern good laboratories make crowns with a color gradient, when the color of the crown closer to the gums is darker than the rest of the crown.

Then the doctor installs temporary crowns made of plastic for the period of production of permanent ones, so that no changes to the supporting teeth under the influence of mechanical factors occur during this time, in order to protect the tissues from bacteria. Otherwise, subsequently the crowns will not fit tightly, which means inflammatory processes and additional treatment costs will follow.

How are crowns made?

The process of creating zirconium dental crowns is automated, performed on high-tech equipment in special laboratories, without the use of human labor. Therefore, the possibility of errors and inaccuracies inherent in manual production is excluded.

The process occurs in several stages:

1. Based on the three-dimensional model received from the doctor, prosthetic models are created.
2. They are placed in a 3D scanner to digitize and model the future prosthesis.
3. The model is reproduced by creating a zirconium frame. It is fired, covered with porcelain and placed back into the kiln. Firing provides strength corresponding to the metal.

This is a classic type of zirconia device, the frame makes it super strong, and the top porcelain layer provides aesthetics.

In addition, there are also monolithic dental crowns made of zirconium. Made entirely of zirconium without porcelain. They are less aesthetically pleasing, have a milky white tint, are opaque, but are characterized by increased strength. Although recently more transparent dioxide blocks have appeared.

When the dentures are ready (usually after 1 week), the patient is called in for fitting and evaluation of quality and appearance. If no discomfort is felt, the prosthesis is fixed using special cement. After 2 hours, complete hardening occurs. The warranty period is 5 years.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist-therapist

Important! Zirconium is practically not subject to wear, so the service life is practically unlimited, on average it is 14-15 years.

Sometimes fixation is performed temporarily to check the possibility of unpleasant sensations or increased sensitivity.

It is possible to install bridges on any number of teeth. A zirconium bridge is made up of several crowns connected together, the outer ones of which have a hollow structure.

During installation, these hollow elements are placed over the supporting teeth. The prosthesis is usually permanent, but if necessary, it is possible to install a removable zirconium prosthesis with clasps. Bridges are often installed on implants.

Zirconium crowns are characterized by increased lightness, so bridges even of increased length are not capable of causing heaviness and discomfort; adaptation occurs easily and quickly.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Externally, zirconium devices are no different from your own teeth, repeating the exact shade and degree of transparency of natural enamel. Retain whiteness and naturalness under artificial or ultraviolet rays. Besides:

1. They are not exposed to external factors and retain their shine and color throughout their service life.
2. They are distinguished by increased strength and a long shelf life, there are no cracks or chips, and they do not wear out.
3. The use of CAD/CAM technology makes it possible to achieve an ideal fit and an increased degree of adherence to the tissue, which prevents the risk of saliva and microbes penetrating under zirconium crowns, and accordingly, the possibility of developing inflammatory processes is reduced.
4. They have antibacterial properties, which prevents caries and tooth decay. Even after prolonged contact of tissues with zirconium dioxide, no negative changes are observed.
5. They have low thermal conductivity.
6. Absolutely safe for health.
7. They do not require grinding of large volumes of enamel tissue; the crowns are characterized by ultra-thin walls (only 0.4 mm), and therefore are particularly light.
8. There is no dark strip at the point of contact with the gum.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist-therapist

Important! Zirconium dioxide is completely neutral to the tissues of the human body; in this parameter it surpasses even gold.

Does not cause allergic reactions, does not oxidize under the influence of saliva, and does not react with metals in the oral cavity.

Another advantage of zirconium is its ease of use for the orthodontist and the patient. A total of 2 visits will be required. The finished device does not require additional adjustments or alterations, since it is made according to an individual computer impression and is installed as tightly as possible.

The disadvantage of this material is its high price:

• 1 zirconium crown costs 17,000 rubles;
• on an implant - from 25 to 35 thousand rubles.

The price is based on the complexity and labor intensity of the creation process. Computer technology CAD/CAM and laser scanning are used, although the material cannot be considered particularly expensive. This technology makes it possible to ensure a perfect fit of the dentures and a beautiful appearance that matches natural teeth, but makes the cost of such structures high.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist-therapist

Important! When allergies do not allow the installation of other materials, it is possible to use sputtered prostheses, which involves applying a layer of zirconium to selected materials available for modern prosthetics.

Of course, this technique does not provide all the benefits that zirconium dioxide provides, but it allows you to avoid allergies.

How to care for zirconium crowns?

This type of prosthesis does not require intensive care using expensive products and materials. The main condition is careful hygiene.

You will need to give up solid foods, especially nuts, seeds, and ice. Every six months you are required to visit the clinic for preventive examinations.

Zirconium dentures appeared in the arsenal of our orthodontists relatively recently, but they managed to gain the trust of doctors and patients due to their high aesthetics, durability and reliability.