Restorative Dentistry
Zirconium Crown
Zirconium crowns are made from zirconia, a ceramic known for its strength. It is frequently selected for back teeth, longer bridges and situations where biting forces are high.
Treatment overview
Zirconia is milled from a solid block and then finished. Modern zirconia is available in more translucent formulations, which has widened where it can be used.
It contains no metal, so there is no dark line at the gum margin as can occur with some older metal-based crowns.
The trade-off between strength and translucency is a clinical judgement made tooth by tooth.
Why patients consider zirconium crown
- A back tooth needs full coverage and will carry heavy load.
- A bridge spans a longer gap and requires a strong framework.
- A metal-free restoration is preferred.
- An existing crown with a visible metal margin is being replaced.
Consultation and suitability
Sufficient remaining tooth structure is required.
Opposing teeth are assessed, since any hard ceramic surface interacts with the teeth it bites against.
Where maximum translucency at the front is the priority, another ceramic may be advised.
A clinical examination is required before any treatment plan can be confirmed. Suitability depends on your individual oral health.
The treatment process
Assessment
Examination, radiographs where needed, and discussion of material choice.
Preparation
Tooth shaping under local anaesthetic; impression or digital scan.
Temporary
A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth.
Milling and finishing
The zirconia crown is milled, sintered and characterised.
Fitting and review
Fit, contour and bite are checked before cementation, followed by review.
Materials and techniques
- Zirconia
- A high-strength ceramic available in several translucency grades; the grade is selected for the tooth position.
Aftercare
- Daily cleaning around the crown margin.
- Avoid biting very hard objects.
- Use a protective appliance if you grind your teeth.
- Routine reviews so margins and opposing teeth can be monitored.
Limitations and risks
Every treatment has trade-offs. These are the ones worth understanding before you decide.
- Preparation of the tooth is irreversible.
- Highly polished zirconia is important; a rough surface can wear opposing teeth.
- Very translucent grades are less strong than opaque ones, so material selection is a compromise.
- Decay can still occur at the margin.
Who would carry this out
Esra Namlı
Dentist
Umut Çağdaş Ateş
Dentist
Which clinician carries out your treatment is confirmed by the clinic. Names and titles are published exactly as supplied.
Frequently asked questions
Zirconia is generally stronger than layered porcelain and glass-ceramics. Strength is only one factor; appearance and the position of the tooth also guide the choice.
Modern translucent zirconia can look natural, particularly when characterised well. For the most demanding front-tooth match, alternative ceramics are sometimes preferred.
Zirconia is metal-free ceramic. If you have known sensitivities, tell your dentist so materials can be selected accordingly.
Related treatments
Medical disclaimer. Information on this website is provided for general informational purposes and does not replace a clinical examination or professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, duration and outcomes vary by patient.