Pros And Cons Of Zirconia Crowns For Restoration Purposes

If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, then you can invest in restorative dentistry to enhance the appearance of the tooth. A crown may be suggested for the best restoration. Crowns come in many different types with materials ranging from gold to porcelain. One of the newer types of materials you can pick from is zirconia. Find out more about zirconia and some of the pros and cons of this type of crown.

Pros of Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is a type of ceramic material that is similar in appearance and function to porcelain. The material is a metal oxide that is white and it is usually a powder that is manipulated to create a solid structure such as a dental crown. Zirconia is a material that is used quite often now in dental restorations. The material is aesthetically pleasing and appears a crisp white color with a translucent coating, much like the natural teeth. Also, the zirconia is extremely strong and resistant to chipping and cracking. 

While the zirconia appears very similar to porcelain, it is actually quite a bit stronger. This means that your dental crown is likely to last longer and will remain intact against daily wear and tear. And, when compared to porcelain, zirconia has a higher fracture toughness, meaning that if you sustain an injury or a blow to the face, the crown is less likely to break.

Due to the strength of the material, zirconia crowns can be made thinner than porcelain ones. This means that less of your original tooth must be ground down during the preparation process. And, a metal structure underneath the crown is not required like some types of porcelain reconstructions. Zirconia is also more resistant to temperature fluctuations than other crown materials, so sensitivity issues are often minimized. 

Cons of Zirconia Crowns

While zirconia crowns are often ideal for restoration purposes, they do have some cons that you should consider. Zirconia crowns are more expensive than other types of crowns. Also, since zirconia is stronger than some other kinds of materials, the crowns can cause some wear to the natural teeth when you bite down. Due to this issue, make sure to speak with your dentist about regular dental visits and the inspection of the biting surfaces of the teeth.

Also, since the zirconia is so hard, adjustments can be difficult once the crown is made and secured in the mouth. Your dentist, along with the laboratory they use, will work to make sure that the crown is the correct size and shape the first time around to avoid any fit issues.

To learn more, contact a dental office like Pacific Ave Dental/Allan L. Hablutzel, DDS.