Zirconia crowns are used in the treatment of aesthetic advanced discolorations that cannot be treated with methods such as bleaching; hereditary discoloration, for diastema and rotated or slightly crowded teeth for which orthodontic treatment is not preferred, for the restoration of discolored and eroded teeth with old fillings and teeth with severe loss of substance, as a dental bridge or crowning in the molars, in the incisor implant-supported prostheses, and in smile design.

Providing the patient submits to regular dental controls, zirconia crowns can last for many years. Natural teeth are living tissues, and may become deformed over time due to wear and infections, whereas zirconia crowns are resistant to change over time. However, changes of the mouth structure later in life may cause the zirconia crown to be adapted or replaced where necessary.

Will there be any damage to the underlying natural tooth in the event of the zirconia crown being replaced? The patient will not feel any discomfort when the crown is removed, and there will be no loss of the natural underlying tooth tissue.

The surface of the patient’s natural tooth is reduced very slightly. This may cause some swelling to the surrounding gum. When the swelling has reduced, a dental impression is taken. In our in-house laboratory, a zirconia base is produced matching the colour of the natural teeth. This is then given a fitting trial with the patient. Final adjustments are made, polishing takes place and the final result is permanently cemented into place. The patient can then use the zirconia crown as if it were their natural tooth.

Substance loss is much less compared to the porcelain crowns reinforced with metal. Wear of 1 to 1.5 mm occurs on the surface of your teeth.

With patients who have healthy gums, the treatment is completed within a week. Upon the request of the patient, it is possible to have several try-in sessions until both the dentist and the patient are pleased with the result.

Fractures or cracks may form after being subjected to excessive force but this is nearly as possible as with natural teeth. They can be almost completely treated in the clinic environment. The crown may fall off if there is a great deal of substance loss in the tooth over time due to decay. In such cases, the tooth is treated if possible and the crown is installed again.