ZIRCONIA TEETH

What is Zirconia Tooth?

Zirconium, a white-colored hard metal, is used in dentistry as "zirconia (zirconium dioxide)." It is a durable and tissue-friendly material. It is also a suitable choice for patients with metal allergies or those seeking aesthetic results.

In Which Dental Treatments is Zirconia Used?

Thanks to its light permeability and polishable structure, it can be used in the fabrication of all front/back restorations. It is one of the preferred restoration materials in dentistry due to its tissue-friendly nature.

How are Zirconia Crowns Applied?

Depending on the type of restoration and the amount of healthy tooth, minor abrasions are made on the teeth. Scanners are used to take impressions of the patient's teeth. A digital model of the teeth is created on the computer, and the crowns are produced using milling machines. Then, based on the patient's skin, hair color, or the color of neighboring teeth, the teeth are "made up" and fired. Finally, after polishing, the process is completed, and the crowns are bonded onto the teeth or placed on implants by the dentist.

How to Care for Zirconia Crowns?

Zirconia crown care is no different from natural teeth. They should be brushed twice a day, and the spaces between teeth should be regularly cleaned with dental floss. Like all patients, those with zirconia crowns should not neglect their routine dental check-ups every six months.

What are the Aesthetic Advantages of Zirconia Teeth?

In older methods like metal-supported porcelain crowns, the inner surface of the crowns is covered with gray-colored metals. Porcelain in tooth color is layered over these metals to create the crowns. However, due to the transparent nature of porcelain, the silhouette of the gray metal underneath becomes visible over time, and the crowns appear duller compared to natural teeth. Zirconia teeth, on the other hand, are made in a single piece and are entirely in the same color as the tooth. Additionally, a transparency effect is added to the tips, similar to natural teeth, providing an aesthetic appearance that matches the patient's own tooth structure.

How Long Does it Take to Make Zirconia Crowns?

Thanks to advancing technology, digital impressions of the teeth are taken and immediately sent to the laboratory, where designs are completed in minutes. This eliminates time losses such as converting impressions into plaster and courier delays. Previously taking 4-5 days, the process has now been shortened to the same day, with impressions taken in the morning and crowns delivered by the evening.

Is There Pain During the Zirconia Crown Procedure?

All teeth to be restored are numbed with digital anesthesia before the procedure. Temporary restorations are provided to the patient before the numbness wears off, allowing them to maintain their quality of life with temporary crowns until their new teeth are ready.

What Should I Pay Attention to After Zirconia Crowns?

After the crowns are placed, following daily oral hygiene rules and attending dental check-ups every six months are sufficient. No additional procedures or precautions are needed. Zirconia crowns are pressure-resistant like natural teeth, allowing for cutting, chewing, and other daily needs.

Can Zirconia Crowns Be Applied to Patients Allergic to Metal?

Allergies were common with older metal-supported crowns. Zirconium allergies, however, are quite rare compared to metal-supported crowns, though they can vary from patient to patient. Therefore, zirconia is a preferred option for allergic individuals.

Do Zirconia Crowns Change Color Over Time?

Zirconia crowns do not discolor over time. By following daily oral hygiene rules and attending regular dental check-ups every six months, they can remain in the mouth for many years without issues.

Are Breakages or Crown Detachments Common with Zirconia Teeth?

With proper design considering the patient's chewing movements and the relationship between the jaws, breakages are not expected during routine use. Zirconia's fracture resistance is higher than natural teeth, but a severe trauma or accident could cause the tooth to break.

The "cement" used to bond zirconia crowns has chemical properties ideal for adhering to both teeth and zirconia. Principles to enhance retention are also applied during tooth preparation, making crown detachment a rare occurrence.

Can Zirconia Crowns Be Applied to Patients with Gum Disease?

It is not correct to place crowns while the gums are inflamed. In cases of gum inflammation, the gums should first be treated to achieve a healthy appearance. Afterward, a zirconia crown that is compatible and does not harm the gums should be planned and applied.