Teeth that are broken, worn down, or severely decayed can be beautifully restored with metal-free zirconia crowns. The crowns are made of zirconium oxide—an exceptionally strong ceramic that is used in aerospace technology and is often referred to as ceramic steel.
What to Expect with Zirconia Crowns
- The super-strong ceramic resists breaks and fractures.
- They are a reliable, long-lasting alternative to porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations for back teeth and dental bridges.
- If you have allergies or sensitivities to metals used in dental materials, zirconia crowns have virtually no risk of a reaction.
Zirconia crowns look natural
- They don’t have a metal foundation, so a dark line at your gumline will never show through.
- They help insulate your teeth and reduce sensitivity to cold and heat.
- The color and translucence are similar to natural tooth structure.
- Zirconia can be overlaid with porcelain to enhance the aesthetics and replicate the variations of color in your natural teeth.
Unlike porcelain that is layered with variations of color to mimic your natural teeth, pure zirconia is milled from a block of material that lacks variations of color and translucence. But to achieve highly aesthetic results on front teeth, zirconia is often cut back and porcelain is baked onto the surface. The result is a beautiful restoration that faithfully duplicates the color and translucence of your natural teeth.
What’s the Process?
Several steps are involved in receiving a dental crown:
- Dr. Becker will reshape your damaged tooth to ensure the crown properly covers and protects it.
- We will take digital impressions of your teeth. The model will be used to craft a crown that fits well and matches the characteristics of your natural teeth.
- Dr. Becker will send the impressions and instructions to his ceramist to make your zirconia crown. Meanwhile, you’ll wear a temporary crown.
- When your permanent crown is ready, Dr. Becker will remove the temporary one. He will clean your tooth, place the zirconia crown over it, and check it for color and fit.
- When you are pleased with the look and feel of the zirconia crown, Dr. Becker will bond it to your natural tooth.
How to Care for Them
- Thoroughly floss around and brush your crowns.
- Avoid biting sharp or hard objects.
- Keep your appointments for regular dental cleanings and exams.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, Dr. Becker can provide a mouth guard to protect your crowns.
A Cosmetic Dentist for Your Zirconia Crowns
It takes a lot of skill to achieve beautiful results with ceramic crowns. Dr. Becker has received advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and in occlusion to ensure you receive natural-looking crowns that fit correctly. His training, along with the skill of his ceramist, will ensure you get great results.
If you are interested in zirconia crowns, contact our office to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.