No other material has done as well as zirconia in the last few decades when it comes to dental restorations. At Trident Dental Laboratories, we have been in this industry for over 34 years and we have witnessed a steady climb in the use of zirconia crowns and other implanted products. Compared to medical-grade titanium, stainless steel, or porcelain crowns, zirconia has shown much greater advantages.
What Is A Zirconia Crown?
The factor that makes zirconia the best fracture-resistant and strongest material is zirconium dioxide. This is why zirconia is not only used to make dental prosthetics, but also pumps, valves, jewelry, knives, watches, and more. It is strong enough to handle the human enamel opposing teeth. Additionally, it offers a surface smoothness that’s not available with other metallic or non-metallic materials. With its natural appearance, you can’t even tell it apart from the surrounding teeth.
When CAD/CAM technology entered the market in 2000s, zirconia became even more popular because it gave dental labs an affordable and more aesthetically appealing alternative to expensive gold crowns.
It should also be noted that while most zirconia available today has a similar composition, the manufacturing process varies a little depending on the goal of the zirconia dental implant. For example:
- Full zirconia framework stacked with layered zirconia is used when you want anterior translucency for the best aesthetics (1200+ MPa).
- Lightly compressed zirconia is used when you want medium translucency (700-800 MPa).
- Monolithic zirconia crowns when you want maximum strength (1100-1200 MPa).
Choosing the right type of zirconia dental crowns can seem overwhelming with so many different varieties and brands available. When you are considering a zirconia, focus on its opacity/translucency and strength.
For example, the strength of the zirconia blank is always directly proportional to its opacity. So, the strongest, toughest blanks will be the most translucent. If you want a blank with highest opacity for an anterior restoration, you are going to have compromise on its strength. Still, this ceramic material is way more resilient than other metal-free restorations.
Benefits of Zirconia Dental Crowns
Since there is no metal in zirconia crowns, their biocompatibility is superior to even titanium and gold crowns. The risk of surrounding tissue becoming aggravated by the implant or rejecting it completely is extremely low. That’s another reason why zirconia has been used by doctors for prosthesis surgeries on ears, fingers, and hips since the 1960s.
Not to mention, the white color of zirconia ceramic is very close to the appearance of natural teeth. Unlike porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, your patients won’t need to worry about developing a gray line as their gums recede with age. There is no better option than zirconia when it comes to creating a natural tooth appearance.
And as mentioned earlier, a zirconia dental crown has an excellent mechanical strength, making them perfect for restoring even the molars in the far back. Most other materials are not as strong and can crack under the pressure of biting and chewing, but not zirconia. With a good oral hygiene routine and preventive care, zirconia restorations can last for decades.
Contact Us For High-Quality Zirconia Dental Restorations
At Trident Dental Laboratories, we offer complete dental lab services that combine the latest innovations with proven expertise. Our highly trained technicians and staff provide world-class service with the personal touch that you can only get from a boutique dental laboratory.
We ensure each and every zirconia restoration we make is meticulously checked at different stages of production to guarantee function, fit, and accuracy of the final results. Send us a case today or contact us online if you have any questions.