Zirconia crowns combine the best qualities of dental crown types.

The purpose of dental crowns is to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your teeth. Whereas fillings are used for teeth with minimal damage, your dentist will use a crown for extensive tooth decay. But when many patients think of a crown, they think of the common porcelain crowns—which have an appealing look while still being fused to a metal core to retain some strength. Or they may even think of full-mental crowns made of gold or of metal alloys—which are long-lasting and can withstand pressure from biting and chewing forces, but can be unsightly when you smile broadly. Zirconia crowns, however, are both strong and aesthetically pleasing, making them a much-loved alternative.

What is a zirconia crown?

Zirconia crowns are made of zirconium oxide, a newer and increasingly popular material for dental restorations. Dentists often recommend dental crowns for the following reasons:

• To protect a weakened tooth from breaking 
• To restore a broken or worn tooth
• To cover and support a tooth with a large existing filling
• To cover a dental implant
• To stabilize a dental bridge 
• To cover discolored or misshapen teeth
• To treat a tooth after a root canal

Many patients prefer zirconia crowns over their more traditional counterparts.

We have found that many patients prefer zirconia crowns over more traditional crowns for the following reasons:

1. Durable

Zirconia combines the biocompatible aspects of ceramic with high strength. Though zirconia contains metal atoms, it is not actually a metal but is still exceptionally durable.

Further, ceramic zirconia is three times stronger than porcelain, making them an excellent solution for patients with fractured crowns made of other materials. 

2. Aesthetically Pleasing

Zirconia is a white, powdery metal oxide ceramic. This means that your zirconia crown will look and feel just like your surrounding natural teeth. No one will know you have a crown except for you and your dentist.

3. Stain Resistant

Zirconia is an excellent choice for a crown because of its stain resistance. This said, it is essential to pay attention to the foods you eat, especially once your crown is in place. Avoid dark berries, caramel-colored sodas, tea, coffee, fruit juices, tomato-based sauces, etc., or at least consume these items in moderation. These items may stain your teeth while your crown remains bright and white.

4. Hypoallergenic

Many patients mistakenly believe that zirconia is a type of metal. And this can be confusing, too, since so many articles online refer to it as a metal. But as we mentioned earlier, zirconia includes metal atoms, not the metal itself. As such, zirconia is a metal-free material that rarely causes an allergic reaction or rejection from the body. This hypoallergenic material is an excellent choice for any patient, especially those with metal sensitivity.

5. Preserves Your Natural Tooth

We’ve said it before and want to reinforce it here. Zirconia is made from a solid, durable material that contains metal atoms. For this reason, zirconia crowns can be thin while maintaining their strength, which means your dentist doesn’t need to remove as much natural tooth structure to support them as compared to other ceramics and porcelain. It is always preferable to keep as much of your natural tooth intact as possible.

6. Customizable

Zirconia crowns offer a unique way to enhance your smile, especially if there is something you don’t like about your tooth. One of the most incredible things about zirconia crowns is that you can customize them to your liking. You can have your new dental crown look just like your natural tooth. Or you can ask your dentist to transform your tooth’s appearance, if your tooth is discolored or malformed. Your dentist in Wilson, North Carolina, will take a digital impression (no need to gag on a mouthful of molding putty). And then we will send that highly-detailed impression to a lab that specializes in crafting beautiful crowns with precise instructions for your particular needs.

7. Long-lasting

Once you get your zirconia crown, you’ll care for it like your natural teeth. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss, and rinse with fluoridated mouthwash. And, of course, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and oral evaluation. Taking these steps to maintain good oral health means your zirconia crown can last up to 15 years, if not longer. 

Dixon, Boles and Associates is your preferred provider for zirconia crowns.

If you need a dental crown, Dixon, Boles and Associates is your partner in Wilson, North Carolina. And we offer a variety of dental crown materials, including gold. Request an appointment to get started on your path to a better, healthier smile and see if a zirconia crown is best for you. During your evaluation, we’ll discuss your smile goals and individual needs to develop the best treatment plan.