What Is a Zirconia Crown?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Zirconia crowns are a versatile and effective option for dental restorations, offering a combination of strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Their ability to reduce plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation makes them particularly advantageous in pediatric dentistry. Overall, zirconia crowns represent a modern and reliable choice for both anterior and posterior dental restorations.

Zirconia crowns are dental restorations made from zirconium dioxide, a durable and biocompatible ceramic material. They are widely used in both pediatric and adult dentistry due to their strength, aesthetic appeal, and compatibility with the human body.

Composition and Properties

Zirconia crowns are composed of zirconium dioxide, which is a type of ceramic known for its high fracture resistance and durability. This material is often preferred over metal-based crowns due to its superior aesthetic qualities, as it can be closely matched to the natural color of teeth5 10. Zirconia crowns also exhibit excellent biocompatibility, making them suitable for patients with metal allergies8.

Clinical Performance

Zirconia crowns have been shown to perform well in various clinical settings. Studies indicate that they have a high survival rate and are comparable to metal-based crowns in terms of longevity and clinical outcomes2 4. They are particularly effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation compared to stainless steel crowns, making them a favorable option for pediatric dentistry1 7.

Advantages Over Metal Crowns

Zirconia crowns offer several advantages over traditional metal crowns. They provide better aesthetic results due to their natural tooth-like appearance and superior color matching capabilities5. Additionally, zirconia crowns have been found to cause less gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation, contributing to better oral health outcomes6 7. Their high fracture resistance also makes them a reliable choice for both anterior and posterior teeth restorations5 10.

Applications in Dentistry

Zirconia crowns are used in a variety of dental applications, including the restoration of endodontically treated teeth, single implant crowns, and pediatric dentistry. They are particularly beneficial for restoring anterior teeth due to their aesthetic properties5. In pediatric dentistry, zirconia crowns are preferred for their ability to maintain gingival health and reduce microbial adhesion1 9.