Advantages of Zirconia Crowns Strength and Longevity: The material is highly resistant to wear, fractures, and corrosion. This makes zirconia crowns ideal for long-lasting dental restorations. Minimal Sensitivity: Zirconia crowns are highly resistant to temperature sensitivity, meaning they won’t expand or contract with hot or cold food. Compatibility with Digital Technology: Zirconia crowns can be fabricated using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing), which makes the process more precise and can reduce the time needed for fitting. Aesthetic Flexibility: Although they are not as translucent as porcelain, advances in zirconia technology allow for better shade-matching and natural-looking results. Conserves Tooth Structure: As mentioned earlier, zirconia requires minimal tooth reduction, which can help preserve more of the original tooth. Disadvantages of Zirconia Crowns Limited Color Range: While zirconia can be made to match tooth color, there are still limitations to the shade range, and it might not blend as seamlessly as porcelain in cases where color is extremely important (like in patients with very translucent natural teeth). More Expensive: Zirconia crowns tend to be more expensive than traditional metal crowns or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns due to the advanced materials and technology used in their creation. Complexity in Customization: Although digital technologies have improved the customization process, zirconia crowns still may not offer as much fine detail in terms of texture and shading compared to high-end porcelain crowns, especially for highly cosmetic cases. Appearance: While zirconia has improved aesthetically, it may still not be as natural-looking as porcelain when it comes to translucency, especially for crowns on front teeth. For highly visible areas, porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal might sometimes be preferred for its more lifelike quality. When to Choose Zirconia Crowns Zirconia crowns are a great option for molars, where chewing forces are strongest. Patients that have bruxism zirconia are a great choice for patients who grind their teeth since they offer superior durability. Metal Sensitivity or Allergy, If you have a sensitivity to metal, zirconia provides a completely metal-free option. Patients Seeking Durability, a long-lasting solution that can withstand daily wear and tear, zirconia is an excellent choice. Zirconia crowns are a good option for strength and longevity, especially for back teeth or patients with metal sensitivities. However, they might not be the best choice for someone seeking the most natural look for highly visible teeth. Ultimately, your dentist can help guide you to the best choice based on your specific needs. Make your appointment now at Clear Dental Clinic for a comprehensive check-up! Contact Us Or Call us at (02) 9456 6557 Our 9 locations across Sydney:Sydney City | Parramatta | Rouse Hill | Castle Hill | Chatswood | Wentworth Point | Berowra Heights | Toronto | Minchinbury