Zirconium Dental Crowns in Antalya Turkey

Zirconium (zirconia) crowns are quite popular in modern dentistry since they are strong and look like real teeth. Thanks to new technology, this material may be made to fit the needs of different parts of the tooth, such as its strength or appearance.

Zirconium crowns are typically utilised in these situations:

Bridges and general dental restorations

All kinds of fixed prostheses, from single-tooth crowns to multi-unit long bridges, can safely use zirconium.

Single crowns:

This is the best option when you need to crown just one tooth, whether it's in the front or back.

Bridges:

In circumstances where one or more teeth are missing, bridge prosthesis supported by nearby teeth are a long-lasting solution since they are very resistant to breaking. There are now special varieties of zirconium, such STML, that are made for three-unit bridges in the back of the mouth.

Front teeth with high aesthetic expectations

One of zirconium's greatest advantages is its ability to transmit light in a manner similar to natural tooth enamel.

Smile Design:

Used as laminates (veneers) or full crowns in aesthetic restorations in the front region.

Natural appearance:

Unlike metal-supported porcelain, it is preferred to prevent the black line that forms at the gum line over time.

Masking severely discoloured teeth

In some cases, teeth may contain stains that are too deep to respond to whitening procedures.

Tetracycline Stains: In cases of severe (3rd and 4th degree) grey-black discoloration caused by antibiotics used during childhood, zirconium crowns successfully conceal this dark color, providing an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Resistance to occlusal forces and chewing forces

The back teeth are subjected to very high pressure during chewing.

• High resistance: Certain types of zirconium (such as ML and HT) are highly resistant to chewing even the hardest foods, with a bending resistance exceeding 1100 MPa.
• Wear resistance: In the posterior region, molars can also be used as inlays/onlays (filling-like partial restorations) to provide both durability and aesthetics.

Implant-supported prostheses

Zirconium is a material that is perfectly compatible with body tissues (biocompatible).

Implant abutments:

It is used in the manufacture of parts that are attached to the implant and hold the crown.

Complex structures:

It is preferred in the skeletal structure of implant-supported fixed or removable prostheses covering the entire jaw.

Paediatric dentistry (Pedodontics)

Preformed zirconium crowns are used to treat primary teeth damaged by early childhood caries in children. These crowns preserve the aesthetic appearance and ensure the primary teeth remain healthy in the mouth until they are ready to fall out.

Gum (Pink aesthetic) restorations

Especially in implant cases or cases of significant tissue loss, it may be necessary to replicate not only the tooth but also the gum tissue. The natural appearance of the gums can be recreated using special ‘pink ceramics’ applied over zirconium substructures.

Advantages of zirconium crowns

Natural and aesthetic appearance:

Zirconium is one of the materials that best mimics natural tooth enamel thanks to its light transmission capability. Unlike traditional metal-supported crowns, black/grey lines that form over time at the gum line are not seen with zirconium because it contains no metal.

Superior durability:

It is the material with the highest fracture resistance among all ceramics used in dentistry. Models made from a single piece of zirconium, known as ‘monolithic’ models, are particularly resistant to chewing forces.

Excellent biocompatibility:

Zirconium is highly compatible with body tissues; it does not cause allergies and is resistant to corrosion (wear/rust). Furthermore, due to its low thermal conductivity, sensitivity to hot and cold is significantly lower than with metal crowns.

Digital precision:

These crowns are made utilising computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, thus there is no need for human hands. This makes sure that they fit the tooth with millimetre accuracy.

Protects other teeth:

When polished by a professional, its surface becomes smooth and does not wear down the natural teeth in the other jaw.

Disadvantages of zirconium crowns

Hydrothermal fatigue (becoming older over time):

Zirconium's biggest flaw is that it can change its structure over time in the mouth, where it is always wet and the temperature is always changing (as when you drink hot tea or cold water). Over time, this can cause tiny cracks and changes in colour.

Risk of porcelain chipping:

If porcelain layers are added to the zirconium substructure for aesthetic reasons (veneered), there is a risk of the exterior porcelain detaching from the substructure and chipping. This risk is more than 30%. Because of this, it is usually best to use monolithic (single-piece) crowns on back teeth.

Problem with opacity:

Older or more durable varieties of zirconium may look a little "dull" or "lifeless" compared to natural teeth since they don't let light through as well. But this problem has mostly been fixed by new-generation ultra-transparent blocks.

How accurate the production is:

Zirconium is a particularly "picky" substance. A dirty furnace, metal tools, or firing temperatures that are too high or too low might leave permanent white or dark stains on the crown throughout manufacture.

Cost:

It usually costs more than regular metal-supported crowns because of the technology and quality of the materials.

Patients with high aesthetic expectations

Zirconia is a material that perfectly mimics the color and light transmission (translucency) of natural teeth. Therefore:

• It is particularly suitable for those who desire a natural smile in the front teeth.
• It is ideal for those who wish to avoid the black lines at the gum line caused by traditional metal-ceramic crowns.

Patients with strong chewing forces

Zirconia has the highest fracture resistance and flexural strength among all ceramic materials.

• Thanks to this feature, it is suitable for patients seeking a robust restoration in areas with high chewing pressure, such as the posterior region (molars).
• It is a durable option for those seeking a resistant solution against forces such as teeth grinding.

People whose teeth are very discoloured

Some stains that are already there can't be eliminated by whitening procedures.

For individuals with grade 3 and 4 severe tetracycline staining, especially those induced by antibiotic use in childhood, zirconia crowns make the teeth look perfect by covering up the dark colour underneath.

Those undergoing implant treatment

Zirconia exhibits excellent compatibility with implant systems.

• It is one of the most suitable materials for single crowns, bridges, and even complex implant-supported prostheses covering the entire jaw.
• It is preferred for implant abutments (supports) by those seeking high biocompatibility and aesthetics.

Those with metal allergies or who desire metal-free restorations

Zirconia is a completely metal-free, biocompatible ceramic.

It is a safe option for patients with metal allergies or those who prefer biologically tissue-friendly materials.

Paediatric patients (Paediatric dentistry)

Sources indicate that zirconia also plays an important role in pediatric dentistry.

Zirconia crowns are suitable for children whose deciduous teeth (especially anterior deciduous teeth) have been destroyed by severe decay and require aesthetic and durable restoration.

People who take care of their teeth and gums well

It is very important to keep your mouth clean for crowns to last a long time and stay the same colour.

People who clean their teeth regularly have results that last significantly longer. As we talked about before, heavy smokers and people with poor dental hygiene are more likely to have stains, thus these patients need particular attention.

Zirconium crowns are strong and look good, however in some circumstances or for people with specific habits, the long-term success and look of the treatment may suffer.

People who don't take care of their teeth

People who don't take good care of their teeth can get plaque buildup around their gums, which can cause marginal discolouration (a change in colour at the borders of the crown). This is a very important feature that has a direct impact on how well the repair looks.

People that smoke a lot:

Research indicates that extensive smoking leads to discolouration (staining) in zirconium crowns that exceeds clinically acceptable thresholds. So, people who smoke a lot may not be able to keep the intended aesthetic outcome for very long.

People who eat a lot of colouring agents:

People who drink a lot of coffee, tea, or cola every day are more likely to stain the zirconium surface. These substances can change the way the crown looks by chemically interacting with it and leaving stains.

Sensitive cases with high aesthetic expectations:

Some traditional types of zirconium may have a more opaque (less light-transmitting) structure, which can lead to a lifeless appearance in the front teeth. If sufficient thickness cannot be achieved during the preparation of the tooth, this opacity can become an aesthetic disadvantage.

Those at high risk of porcelain chipping:

In teeth veneered with porcelain over a zirconium substructure, there is a risk of the outer porcelain breaking or chipping (approximately 30%). Therefore, for patients who have a very hard chewing habit or who do not want to risk porcelain chipping, monolithic zirconium may be a more suitable option than zirconium with porcelain veneers.

The zirconium dental crown procedure is a very exact process that has many steps. It combines the work of the dentist in the office with the work of the dental technician in the lab. This procedure uses digital tools and unique firing processes to make sure that both looks and strength are good.

The following are the steps for putting on a zirconium crown:

Getting the tooth ready and moulding it

The dentist cuts down the tooth that needs to be restored by a specified amount during the initial appointment so that the zirconium coating can fit. Usually, 1.2 mm is chopped off the sides of the tooth and 1.8 mm is shaved off the apex, which is the part that bites. To make sure the crown fits precisely, a smooth line called a "step" is made at the gum line. It is around 0.9 mm deep.

Getting measurements and a provisional crown

Once the tooth is formed, a mould of the teeth is made. You can do this with standard impression materials or by making a 3D computer model of the teeth with digital intraoral scanners. Temporary crowns are put on the teeth to make sure the patient is comfortable until the final crowns are ready.

Digital design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM)

In the laboratory, the measurements taken are transferred to a computer, and the crown is designed using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. Once the design is complete, CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) devices carve the designed shape of the tooth by milling zirconium blocks. These milled pieces are initially about 25% larger than their actual size because they shrink during firing.

Hardening:

The milled zirconium crowns are placed in special high-temperature furnaces to achieve their durability and final aesthetic properties. This process is called sintering, and the crowns are typically fired for several hours at temperatures between 1450°C and 1550°C. As a result of this process, the zirconium achieves its true hardness and color.

Making sure everything fits and making any last-minute changes

Before the last step, the crowns that have been made are checked in the mouth. During this fitting, the crown's contact with other teeth, its height, and its colour are all checked. If needed, small changes are made by grinding the crown down a little.

Polishing and colouring

To make the crown look like a natural tooth, a glaze is put on the outside, or special paints are used to colour it to look like the natural colour changes of the tooth. Sometimes, to make the look better, a very thin layer of porcelain is added to the zirconium (micro-layering), and then the whole thing is fired again.

Bonding (Cementation)

When the crown is perfect from all sides, the dentist uses special adhesives (usually resin-based cements) to attach it to the tooth.

How long does zirconium dental crown treatment take?

Your zirconium dental crown treatment will be completed in two or three appointments with your specialist dentist. From start to finish, your treatment will last between seven and ten days. Your initial examination, treatment planning and tooth preparation will be carried out on the same day. The laboratory process takes 5–7 days. The fitting and placement of the crowns are also completed on the same day. However, if preliminary treatments are required, this timeframe may vary.

How long will a zirconia crown last?

Provided regular dental check-ups are not neglected, zirconium dental crowns can comfortably be used for over 15 years.

Can zirconia crowns crack, chip or be repaired?

Although a zirconium dental crown is highly durable, it can be damaged by sudden physical impact, very hard foods or severe, chronic teeth grinding. In such cases, small, shallow cracks can be repaired by polishing the crown and applying a porcelain repair composite. However, deep scratches, cracks or fractures cannot be repaired. In these situations, a new crown needs to be fitted.

Can zirconia crowns be used in children?

Yes, ready-made zirconia crowns are successfully used, particularly in cases of deciduous tooth decay, due to both their durability and aesthetic appearance.

Can heavily stained (tetracycline) teeth be corrected with zirconia?

Yes, zirconia crowns are a great way to hide the dark colour of teeth that have grade 3 or 4 severe tetracycline staining that can't be erased by whitening.

Does the color of the adhesive cement affect the final appearance of the tooth?

According to some studies conducted in adults, the color of the cement (transparent or opaque) does not statistically significantly alter the final color perception of the crown.

How does zirconia appear in patients with receding gums?

As zirconia does not contain metal, it does not produce a grey reflection like metal crowns. Furthermore, in implant cases where there is tissue loss, gingival ceramics in the color of the gums can be used to achieve a ‘pink aesthetic.’