Zirconia Crowns in Queens, NY
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Zirconia Crowns: Maximum Strength for Molars and Heavy Bites
Zirconia is a ceramic material milled from zirconium dioxide. Zirconium itself is part of the titanium family of elements. But once it's made into a crown, zirconia acts like an extremely tough, dense ceramic, not a soft metal. That density is exactly why it's become a popular choice for dental crowns on molars and other back teeth. Those are the teeth that take the brunt of your chewing force.
Traditional full-strength zirconia has historically been a bit less see-through than glass ceramics like eMax or porcelain. That's why dentists most often recommend it for back teeth rather than a front tooth people see when you smile. Newer high-translucency zirconia formulations have closed much of that gap, though. A specific branded version called BruxZir is built specifically for patients who grind their teeth. Your family dentist at CitiDental of Woodhaven can help at your exam. Together you'll figure out whether zirconia, eMax, or a more affordable traditional crown fits your tooth best.
One practical advantage of zirconia is how it's made. The crown is milled from a solid block using computer-guided equipment. That means many dental offices can shape and fit a zirconia crown right in the office. There's no need to send an impression to a lab. You won't have to wait weeks for a permanent crown to come back. That can mean fewer visits and less time wearing a temporary crown. Your dentist will let you know at your exam whether your case is a good fit for same-visit milling.
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Why Dentists Reach for Zirconia
According to Colgate, zirconia combines a strength close to metal with a look closer to natural teeth than older crown materials. In practice, this makes zirconia dental crowns especially useful. Here's why:
- They can often be milled right in the dental office from a solid block. This can sometimes mean the crown gets finished in a single visit.
- They stand up well to the forces of chewing and grinding, making them a solid choice for molars.
- They're biocompatible, so allergic reactions to the material are uncommon.
- They can be shaded to blend with your existing teeth. They can also be layered with porcelain where extra see-through quality is wanted.
Zirconia's Trade-Offs
Your CitiDental of Woodhaven team walks you through the downsides along with the benefits before you decide. Full-strength zirconia is more opaque, or less see-through, than glass ceramics. This historically made it harder to match seamlessly on a highly visible front tooth. Newer high-translucency zirconia has narrowed that gap considerably, though. If a front tooth is involved, your dentist may instead suggest eMax or a shaded zirconia product like BruxZir.
Because zirconia is so hard, it can also be tougher to fine-tune your bite right after placement. In rare cases, an extremely strong crown can wear down the opposing natural tooth faster than a softer material would.
The Zirconia Crown Process
With traditional ceramic crowns, you typically need two visits. The first preps the tooth and takes an impression. The second happens weeks later, once the outside lab has finished the crown. Zirconia changes that timeline for many patients, since the crown material can be milled with computer-aided (CAD/CAM) equipment right in the dental office.
This means it's often possible to prep the tooth, mill and shade the crown, and cement and polish it. All of this can happen in one appointment. Your dentist may still recommend two visits, though, depending on the tooth and your case.
Possible Complications
Complications with zirconia crowns are uncommon. But as with any dental work, they can include an allergic reaction to the numbing medication, or a reaction to the crown material itself. You might also need a root canal if an abscess develops under the crown. Your family dentist at CitiDental of Woodhaven already knows your dental history. That helps keep these risks small.
Zirconia rarely chips or cracks. Its main risk is the opposite problem. Its hardness can gradually wear down the natural tooth it bites against, if your bite isn't adjusted correctly.
Living With a Zirconia Crown
A zirconia crown feels just like a natural tooth. You care for it the same way. Brush and floss daily. See your family dentist at CitiDental of Woodhaven twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
With good home care and regular checkups, zirconia crowns are known for holding up well over the long term. Ask about affordable dentistry and financing options if cost is a factor for you.
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