A dental crown is a covering placed on the tooth and is used to repair or improve the aesthetic appearance of broken, weak or worn teeth. It is also used with crowns placed on dental implants.
Although crowns are usually made of porcelain or metal materials, zirconium crowns have also become common in recent years. Zirconium is a more durable metal than titanium and provides an aesthetic more similar to the appearance of natural teeth. The dentist selects a crown of appropriate material and color according to the patient’s condition and needs, and takes a special mold and applies it to the patient’s tooth.
Dental crowns are divided into different types according to the material used. The most commonly used crown types are:
Which type of crown will be used is determined as a result of discussions between the dentist and the patient.
Zirconium is made from the compound zirconium dioxide, an extremely durable type of metal. Zirconium teeth are often preferred to increase the aesthetic appearance of the front teeth. Due to their white color, they offer a more natural appearance than other metal alloys, and due to their high light transmittance, they shine under the light, similar to real teeth.
One of the advantages of zirconium teeth is that they require less tooth tissue loss compared to traditional metal-supported dental crowns. Additionally, they do not leave a metallic taste in the mouth, unlike teeth made of metal alloys. Zirconium teeth also last longer than other materials due to their high durability.
Zirconium tooth making begins in a similar way to other tooth making techniques. First, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth in the patient’s mouth and digitally scans them. A three-dimensional model is then created digitally using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software.
The next step is to cover the zirconium frame with porcelain. This allows the zirconium frame to be coated with tooth-coloured porcelain to achieve the natural appearance of the tooth. This process is carried out using a special adhesive to adhere the porcelain to the zirconium frame.
Finally, the zirconium tooth is placed in the patient’s mouth and adjusted as necessary to ensure the correct fit. Since zirconium teeth are stronger and more durable than other tooth making techniques, they can last for a long time and offer an appearance similar to natural teeth.
This workflow allows dentists to produce teeth specifically designed for the patient’s oral structure using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies.
First, the patient’s oral structure is digitally scanned and this scanned data is turned into a digital model using CAD/CAM software. This digital model is designed by the dentist and customized to the patient’s needs.
The designed tooth model is then cut from the zirconium block using a CAM system. This is a delicate procedure and the dentist must be careful during the cutting process.
Finally, the zirconium tooth is placed and bonded to the patient’s oral structure. The dentist can adjust the color of the tooth to make it look as similar to natural teeth as possible.
When zirconium teeth are produced using a digital workflow, they are precise, durable and natural-looking. This helps dentists provide their patients with a better treatment option.
CAD/CAM is a combination of the words computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). CAD/CAM is the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software for product or part design and the use of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies in the production process of these designs.
CAD/CAM technology accelerates the design process in production processes and increases the quality and accuracy of products. This technology is also used in the field of dentistry and is especially widely used in processes such as digital smile design, zirconium tooth production and porcelain veneer production.
Crown is also called dental crown or dental crown among the public, and there is no difference between the two.
In addition, the disadvantages of zirconium coating are minimal. It is not appropriate to use it in cases where the patient’s missing teeth are many and side by side.
Zirconium;
Anyone who is over 18 years old, in other words, has a healthy mouth structure, can be a candidate. However, your dentist will determine whether your particular situation is suitable for the use of zirconium. For example, if your teeth have serious damage, infection or decay, these problems may need to be treated first. Additionally, implant treatment may be recommended if you are missing teeth. On the other hand, if you have dental problems such as bruxism that wear down your teeth, your dentist will recommend a suitable treatment option for you.
Quality materials must be used in zirconium coating production, and the person’s mouth and teeth must be measured accurately. Otherwise, the tooth with zirconium coating may be high or low. In this case, the jaw may not close completely and problems may occur during eating and speaking.
Zirconium teeth are quite durable when properly cared for, but there are still some points to consider for their longevity. Some of these are those:
Zirconium prices are determined according to factors such as how many zirconium teeth will be made, for what purpose the coating will be made, and whether a different treatment will be applied to the patient before or after the zirconium coating. The region and experience of the dentist are also factors that affect zirconium prices.
It is very important that the color of the teeth on which the veneer will be applied is compatible with the color of the teeth in the person’s mouth. Therefore, when choosing tooth color, care should be taken to make teeth that match the color tone of natural teeth. After the tartar is cleaned and the tooth surfaces are polished, the coating color should be determined according to the tooth color obtained.
The most common types of dental veneers are porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic layers that are adhered to the tooth with a special adhesive. Composite veneers, on the other hand, consist of a plastic material applied directly to the tooth.
Other types of dental veneers include zirconium veneers, e-max veneers, laminated veneers and metal-supported veneers. Each type of veneer has different advantages and disadvantages and is evaluated by dentists based on the patient’s needs and preferences before application.
There are different types of zirconium teeth used in veneers applications, implant-based all-on-four applications, implant-based applications and smile design applications. At the same time, zirconium coating application can be preferred in the treatment of single tooth crowns.
Zirconium blocks can be produced in different qualities by different brands. In order to get the healthiest and most effective results, a meticulous attitude should be taken to use zirconium blocks approved by WHO.
Zirconium is one of the highest quality materials used in dentistry. Zirconium prices may vary depending on certain factors, especially the quality of the material. Increasing quality also causes the price to increase.