Zirconium is a white powdered metal obtained mainly from zircon mineral. It is a component that has hardness similar to copper but it’s lighter than steel

Why Choose Zirconium Crowns ?

Zirconium or zirconia is biocompatible, non allergic, non conductive material with unique specification of letting light pass through so that the crown looks like a natural tooth. Zirconium, zirconia also provides the extra comfort of not breaking or chipping over a long period of time

Porcelain has been the traditional material used for dental crowns. Full porcelain crowns however may chip or break. This is overcome by making the crowns from metal, in this case the metal being zirconia, then fusing porcelain to the outside

The zirconium metal provides the strength while the porcelain provides the outer appearance like a natural tooth. Zirconium crowns allow light to pass through giving it a natural look, unlike other metal bases which block the light. Unlike amalgam fillings and  metal alloys , the human body accepts zirconium as a natural material, so you do not need to worry about allergies or adverse reactions unless you are specifically allergic to zirconium

Another great advantage of using a zirconium crown is that it doesn’t require as much of the natural tooth structure to be removed as with other traditional types of crowns

Zirconium, zirconia crowns do not corrode over time. They also don’t cause black gum line that you might see with a porcelain fused metal crown if your gums recede. In addition, the hot and cold sensations you might feel with other crowns do not occur because of the lack of electrical conductivity

Advantages of Zirconium Crowns:

• Crowns and bridgeworks do not corrode
• The typical black gum line seen around porcelain fused metal crowns is non-existent
• Provides non-sensitivity to heat and cold due to non-electrical conductivity property
• Stronger teeth and natural looking aesthetic appearance.
• Promotes gum tissue re-generation
• Minimal tooth structure is removed

What to Expect After You Have Your Zirconium Crown ?

Right after your new crown is cemented, you may experience some sensitivity to cold. This is normal because the tooth and the surrounding area might be slightly irritated during the procedure. You might also feel that your bite is off in the first couple of days. If the “off” feeling still persists after that, it might require a slight adjustment

It is very important that you maintain excellent oral hygiene with your new crown or bridge. A crowned tooth might give you the wrong impression that it won’t decay like your natural teeth, but it is still susceptible to decay near the gumline. You should continue to brush and floss as normal

Zirconium crowns are very strong but they still have potential to fracture the same as a natural tooth. Avoid doing anything with a crown or bridge that could damage a natural tooth. Do not chew ice, as extreme temperature changes may increase the fracture of crowns and natural teeth