Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Call our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to learn more.
Comprehensive Guide to Zirconia Dental Crowns
Are you looking for a durable and aesthetically pleasing dental restoration option? Zirconia dental crowns may be the solution you need. Our experienced dentists in Wilmington and Seaford, DE, provide detailed insights into the advantages of zirconia crowns, helping patients restore their smile with long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Call our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to learn more about our dental crown options.
What Are Zirconia Dental Crowns?
Zirconia dental crowns are crafted from zirconium dioxide, a durable, biocompatible ceramic material. Known for their superior strength and natural appearance, these crowns are an increasingly popular choice for cosmetic dentistry and restorative procedures. Zirconia’s ability to mimic natural tooth enamel’s color and translucency makes it ideal for front teeth restorations as well as back teeth, where strength is essential.
Top Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
There are several benefits to choosing zirconia crowns. Some of the most notable advantages include:
- Exceptional Durability: Zirconia is one of the strongest dental materials available, making it an ideal choice for teeth that experience heavy chewing or grinding. It’s chip-resistant and can withstand wear better than traditional porcelain crowns.
- Natural Appearance: Zirconia crowns offer a highly natural appearance, closely matching the color and light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. This makes them suitable for cosmetic dental restorations.
- Biocompatibility: Zirconia is known for being biocompatible, meaning it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation, making it a great choice for patients with sensitive mouths.
- Precision Fit: Thanks to CAD/CAM technology (computer-aided design and manufacturing), zirconia crowns are milled with precision, ensuring a comfortable and accurate fit.
Potential Drawbacks
While zirconia crowns are an excellent option for many, there are some factors to consider:
- Higher Cost: Due to the strength and quality of zirconia material, these crowns tend to be more expensive than porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns or other types of dental restorations.
- Adjustment Difficulty: Zirconia’s hardness can make it difficult to adjust once placed. Proper initial placement is crucial to avoid the need for complex alterations.
- Bonding Challenges: Zirconia crowns may be slightly more difficult to bond securely to the tooth structure compared to other crown types, potentially increasing the risk of dislodging if not properly placed.
The Zirconia Dental Crown Process
Consultation and Preparation
During your initial consultation, our Wilmington or Seaford dentists will evaluate whether a zirconia crown is the best option for your dental restoration. If a crown is deemed necessary, your dentists will prepare the tooth by removing decay and shaping it for the crown.
Impressions and Temporary Crown
After preparation, precise digital impressions will be taken to craft your custom zirconia crown. While waiting for the permanent crown, you’ll be fitted with a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
Crown Placement
When your zirconia crown is ready, your dentists will remove the temporary crown and place the new crown over the prepared tooth. From there, your dentists will ensure it fits perfectly before permanently cementing it onto the tooth. Zirconia crowns can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Post-Placement Care
To maximize the lifespan of your zirconia crown, practice good oral hygiene. Avoid habits such as chewing on hard objects, grinding your teeth, or opening packages with your teeth. Proper care can ensure your zirconia crown lasts for many years.
Zirconia Dental Crown Cost
Zirconia crowns typically cost between $1,200 to $2,500. Costs may vary based on factors like:
- Geographic Location: Urban dental practices may charge more due to higher overhead.
- Dentist’s Experience: Specialists or highly experienced dentists may charge a premium for their expertise.
- Dental Lab Costs: The quality of zirconia used and the craftsmanship of the lab fabricating the crown play a role in the final cost.
- Insurance Coverage: Many dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of zirconia crowns, especially if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zirconia crowns are often more durable than porcelain crowns, making them a better option for patients with bruxism (teeth grinding) or those needing strong back teeth restorations. However, porcelain crowns may offer slightly better translucency, making them ideal for cosmetic procedures on front teeth.
When properly cared for, a zirconia crown can last 10 to 15 years. The lifespan of a zirconia crown can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s oral health and hygiene habits, their bite and chewing patterns, and the quality of the crown itself.
Yes, zirconia crowns can be made to closely resemble natural teeth. Their light-transmitting properties make them highly aesthetic and customizable to your smile.
Zirconia crowns are highly resistant to stains, making them a great long-term solution. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding staining substances like coffee, wine, and tobacco can help keep them looking pristine.
See if Zirconia Crowns Are Right for You
Zirconia dental crowns offer unmatched strength, durability, and a natural look, making them a popular choice for patients in Wilmington, Seaford, and nearby Delaware communities. If you’re considering zirconia crowns for your smile, call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists.
Contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to book your appointment today. We proudly serve new and returning patients throughout Delaware, including Newark, Dover, and Middletown.
