Zirconia dental crowns fulfil the same purpose as any crown and are shaped like a cap which is placed over the top of an existing tooth. The purpose of it is to restore, strengthen and protect your tooth from a previous or potential oral issue. Crowns are made to match your natural tooth in both size and colour.
According to studies, the nature of Zirconia has led it to be recognised as one of the most durable dental materials (1) opposed to other alternatives such as composite resin. In addition, it is also more biocompatible which means it is very well tolerated by the body and may be less likely to produce responses such as inflammation once placed.
Zirconia crowns are made within a dental laboratory or with CAD CAM machines within our practices. At Coastal Dental Care, we have the appropriate technology to fabricate custom Zirconia crowns!
Same-Day Crowns using CEREC technology
By using CEREC technology, we can scan, design, and create your crown within the same day. Hence we call this type of treatment a Same-Day Crown.
After digitally scanning the surface of your tooth using an intraoral camera, we can use these scans to generate a model or impression of your tooth. Using computer aided designing software such as CEREC technology, we can design a crown that is unique to your tooth, matching your surrounding teeth in terms of shape, size and colour.
Once your crown is designed, we will transfer the digital scan to our CEREC milling machine. Here, we will place a Zirconia block into the centre piece where your crown will be milled. The milling machine will use the scans to craft your custom crown to the exact custom design specifications.
Once your restoration is milled, your dentist will carefully take your crown out of the machine. Following this your dentist will:
- Remove or trim any excess material as required
- Furnace your crown
- Polish and glaze your crown to provide the finishing touches or enhance its aesthetic look.
Because of this technology, this process can be completed within the same day. Meaning, you may not have to wait weeks for a restoration and eliminates the need for a temporary crown!
Different types of crowns
Other than Zirconia crowns, there are several other types of material which may be used to suit your condition. These alternative materials include:
- Porcelain (ceramic)
- Composite resin
- Metal or gold
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
How long should a zirconia crown last?
To ensure you are getting the most out of your crown, it is important you are taking care of it. Your crown may last from 10 – 15 years with good oral hygiene and care. However, many factors impact on the longevity of a crown, such as teeth grinding or clenching. This is why it is important to see your dentist every 6 months to get the most of your crown and to ensure the rest of your mouth is healthy.
Therefore, each case is different, and a certain timeframe may not be the same as someone else’s.
What will chip a dental crown?
Once your crown has been placed and you return to your old eating habits, it is important to be mindful of actions or habits which may chip your crown if done frequently. Things to be mindful of include:
- Avoid or take care when biting hard foods or items
- External impacts such as sports injuries (wear mouthguard in contact sports)
- Frequently clenching or grinding of your teeth
What is the cost of a Zirconia crown?
The cost of a Zirconia crown varies and depends on each individual case, as well as how many crowns you may require. Price may also depend on whether your crown is made on the same day within a practice or within a dental lab.
For an accurate quote on your crown, please contact the friendly staff at your nearest Coastal Dental Care practice.
Zirconia crowns on the Gold Coast
If you are looking for a local dentist on the Gold Coast who offers Zirconia or Same-Day Crowns using CEREC technology, contact on of our practices today.
Our experienced dentists can help restore your tooth within the same day and help to reduce your dental visits in the process.
If you’d like to book in for a visit, you can book an appointment online 24/7.
References
- Nakamura, K., Harada, A., Inagaki, R., Kanno, T., Niwano, Y., Milleding, P., & Örtengren, U. (2015). Fracture resistance of monolithic zirconia molar crowns with reduced thickness. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 73(8), 602-608.
