You have a beautiful smile – until you need a crown to fit over an existing tooth or implant. Crowns come in a variety of different materials, the most common ones being gold, porcelain and zirconium. Gold is soft and long-lasting; full porcelain is the most popular material but is not as durable. In the end, neither looks completely natural. They often possess a dark line where the crown meets the gum, which can be noticeable when next to a natural tooth.
Zirconium crowns, however, look the most natural and are the obvious choice for your new crown.
What Are They?
Made from solid blocks of zirconium, such crowns are sculpted into the right tooth shape before being baked at an extremely high temperature. This process means that they are almost unbreakable, putting them at a distinct advantage over porcelain crowns, as they can withstand the pressure of grinding. The crown is then coated in porcelain to retain a natural colour and attached to an abutment in your gum (either a synthetic tooth stub or a portion of a real tooth). The crown reflects light in a similar way to a natural tooth, which means that it blends in completely with the adjacent real teeth. Furthermore, zirconium crowns do not corrode, meaning you won’t hesitate to smile lest a dark line appear next to the gum as with other crowns. An additional advantage to these types of crowns is that they can be attached to bulkier abutments because they boast more strength by volume than porcelain.
How Long Do They Last?
As they are virtually unbreakable, zirconium crowns can last a very long time. While most crowns only last around 10 years, zirconium crowns can last a lifetime if cared for properly.
Some Things to Consider
Because zirconium is a very hard material, it can cause damage to other teeth, especially if you have a tendency to clench or grind your teeth.
The Next Step
The next step is to arrange a private consultation with one of the DENTAGLOBAL associated clinics and offices in Paris, London, Rotterdam or our own facility in Izmir. You can also get a quote by filling in the detailed form on our website. We would be happy to chat with you on the phone and answer any questions you may have.