Zirconia crowns advantages and disadvantages
All About Dental Treatments in Turkey
Zirconia crowns are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments due to their aesthetic appeal and durability. That said, the treatment does have certain advantages and disadvantages. However, the fact that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages makes it a more attractive option. So, what are the advantages, disadvantages, and potential issues associated with zirconia crowns? We’ll be discussing these in this blog post.
Zirconia crowns advantages
Biocompatibility
Those with older restorations will know that metal-supported crowns used to cause a greyish-purple discolouration of the gums in some people over time. This was typically caused by sensitivity or allergic reactions to the underlying metal base. In modern crown treatments, zirconia crowns can be chosen as a solution to this problem. Zirconia crowns are biocompatible and do not cause discomfort. These crowns are not metal-supported, as they are made from a very strong ceramic.
Strength and durability
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a very strong material. As this material offers flexibility, it does not fracture under high pressure. This ensures that the restoration is strong and durable. Consequently, it is a safe and durable solution even for molars that are subjected to high pressure.
Appearance
Zirconia crowns, made from a ceramic material, are translucent and mimic natural tooth enamel. As they contain no metal reinforcement, they have a more translucent structure. There is a wide range of tooth shades available, making it easy to choose a shade that matches your other teeth. You can also choose either natural tooth shades or ‘Hollywood Smile’ shades.
Minimally invasive preparation
Compared to traditional crowns, less enamel is removed from the tooth for zirconia crowns. This is because zirconia is durable and can therefore be used in a thinner design.
The advantage of this minimally invasive approach is that it preserves the natural structure of the teeth as much as possible. Should you wish to replace your crowns in the future, you will retain sufficient natural tooth structure for any future re-preparation.
Resistance to temperature sensitivity
Zirconium is a material with high thermal insulation properties. Thanks to this property, it prevents sensitivity and pain that may arise in response to hot and cold temperatures.
It is worth noting that it is normal to experience some sensitivity in the first few days following your treatment. This discomfort will subside over time.
Easy care & maintenance
Your zirconia crowns are polished to a completely smooth finish at the end of your treatment. This prevents the formation of an environment on their surface where microorganisms can grow. Furthermore, you do not need to carry out any special dental care; simply continuing with your daily oral hygiene routine is sufficient. The golden rule for dental crowns is to ensure that the area between the gum and the crown is kept sufficiently clean. With a standard oral hygiene routine, you can use your zirconia crowns for many years.
Integration with 3D technologies
Zirconia crowns in Antalya utilise advanced digital dentistry (CAD/CAM and 3D scanning). Dentists take measurements using intraoral scanners and design zirconia crowns with millimetre-level precision. This virtually eliminates fit issues and shortens the treatment time.
Stain resistance
Zirconium crowns have a non-porous and smooth surface, which prevents colouring agents from penetrating the restoration surface. They can retain their colour even as the years go by. If you wish to restore their shine and smoothness, you can visit your dentist once a year.
Zirconia crowns disadvantages
Tooth preparation requirements
Although crowns are protective, a degree of tooth reduction is necessary for the zirconia restoration to fit properly, and the removal of tooth enamel is an irreversible process.
Higher initial cost
Zirconia crowns are a relatively new technology and involve the use of digital smile systems. For this reason, they are more expensive than metal-supported porcelain crowns. However, the prices of zirconia crowns in Turkey are almost 70 per cent lower than in the UK. This means that the high cost associated with zirconia crowns is no longer a drawback when having them fitted in Antalya.
Zirconia crown problems
Bite discomfort or occlusal discrepancy
A zirconia crown treatment is a technical procedure, and the dentist’s experience is crucial. Once the crown has been fitted, it must sit perfectly on the tooth, and there must be no excess height—not even by a single millimetre. In other words, checking the bite is extremely important. During the fitting, make sure you have no problems with your bite. If you feel any discomfort, do not hesitate to tell your dentist.
Wear on opposing dentition
Zirconia crowns have a very hard structure. To ensure that this hard structure does not wear down the opposing teeth, certain precautions must be taken. After the cementation process, the surface must be polished sufficiently to ensure it is smooth, and periodic polishing should also be carried out.
Marginal gaps or micro-leakage
As digital impression systems are used for zirconia crown treatments in Antalya, this problem is almost never encountered. However, if an error occurs during the impression-taking stage or during cementation in crown treatments carried out using traditional methods, microscopic gaps may remain between the crown and the tooth. This can lead to bacterial infiltration and, over time, decay of the tooth beneath the crown.
Crown fracture or cracking
Although a zirconia crown is a highly durable restoration, micro-cracks or chipping may occur as a result of teeth grinding. For this reason, it may be beneficial to use a night guard or to opt for a monolithic zirconia crown.
If you are planning to have a zirconia crown fitted in Antalya, please contact Dental Excellence Turkey. Find out more about the treatment and pricing.
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