Modern dentistry is constantly evolving. To date, there are a large number of prosthetics methods. Many of them are a worthy alternative to dental units both in physiological properties and in aesthetic qualities. Out of competition - zirconium crowns for teeth. Reviews about them, as well as advantages and the installation process will be discussed in today's article.
Design features
Zirconia crowns are considered a heavy-duty dental structure. They are manufactured on high-tech modern equipment. Place them on the front or chewing teeth.
Zirconia is the highest quality material to date. Both single crowns and bridges are made from it.
Each zirconium crown consists of 2 layers:
- external, representing a porcelain mass;
- internal made directly from zirconium dioxide.
The frame is not inferior in strength to the metal base. At the same time, it has the unique ability to transmit light, which is necessary to obtain the effect of translucency. This property is typical for enamel of natural teeth.
Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
This design has been used in dentistry for 20 years. During this time, zirconium crowns on the front teeth won the recognition of specialists due to the following features:
- Natural translucency allows you to achieve the most natural appearance of the product.
- The enamel color chosen initially by the patient does not change.
- The strength of the structure allows you to use it almost all his life. Some dental clinics provide a guarantee of up to 15 years.
- Correct fixation of the crown provides an excellent fit to the tooth surface, which eliminates the reproduction of pathogenic microflora in this area.
- Zirconia does not cause allergies, so the design is suitable for all patients.
- To install the crown does not need to grind the tooth.
- Zirconium is safe for human health. The material is not rejected by the body, does not cause poisoning.
- The design can be installed both on the front and on the chewing teeth.
Of the shortcomings, only the high cost of the finished product should be noted. This is due to the use of expensive material in the manufacturing process and the exact technology for the reproduction of "new" dental units.
Indications for installation
According to dentists, zirconium crowns can be installed even when products made from other materials are strictly contraindicated. These are the following cases:
- the presence of endocrine pathologies;
- confirmed diabetes mellitus;
- the need for simultaneous prosthetics of 4 or more teeth;
- allergy to other materials used in prosthetics;
- partial absence of anterior dental units.
If other methods of restoration are available to the patient, he may give preference to zirconium crowns as the most durable and natural-looking variant.
Possible contraindications
Unfortunately, this method of prosthetics is not suitable for everyone. Among the possible contraindications, doctors distinguish the following cases:
- pregnancy period;
- deep bite;
- bruxism (grinding of teeth at night);
- mental illness.
Also, contraindications include acute inflammatory pathologies or infectious processes in the oral cavity. Therefore, prosthetics should be started only after a course of treatment.
Varieties of zirconium crowns for teeth
Zirconia crowns come in two types.
- Frame with ceramic cladding. Only the crown base is made of the material in question. It is made of ceramic. This option has good aesthetic characteristics. The finished product has a natural color and high light transmission.
- One piece construction. Zirconia crowns are inferior in aesthetic qualities to products with porcelain lining. Their main advantages are strength and good compatibility with soft tissues. The color of such prostheses is difficult to adjust to the shade of "native" teeth. Therefore, it is recommended to resort to their help when replacing or strengthening the side units.
When choosing a design option, it is better to consult a dentist. An experienced specialist will always be able to choose the most suitable option.
The main stages of manufacturing
For the manufacture of zirconium crowns, CAD / CAM techniques are used. Initially, the dentist makes an impression of the patient's jaw. On its basis, a computer model of the future product in 3D is performed. Usually it consists of 2 layers - a zirconium frame and ceramic cladding.
Then the resulting model is loaded into the milling machine. The device makes a zirconium frame according to the specified parameters. After this, the product is fired, the ceramic mass is applied and again subjected to heat treatment. To make the product monolithic, it is fired again.
The next step is staining the prosthesis. Then it is again put into the oven. The finished zirconium crown is fixed on the front teeth, first with a temporary, and then with a permanent composition.
Installation process
The installation of zirconium crowns is carried out by a dentist. The process itself is quite painless and simple, lasting no more than 30 minutes. Initially, the doctor evaluates the prepared preliminary design, checks it for defects and correct manufacturing. In the oral cavity, he assesses product fixation and aesthetics.
If necessary, the entire structure is sent to the laboratory for revision. The same is done if the patient did not like the color of the “new” teeth or if there is a desire to change the shade. Before the installation process itself, the crown is cleaned, treated with an antiseptic and degreased.
At the next stage, the supporting teeth are isolated from moisture, dried using special medications. Fixing of the product is carried out using cement chemical or light hardening. If the latter option is used, an ultraviolet lamp is additionally used for fixing. After installation, the dentist re-examines the oral cavity, removes excess cement.
Nuances of post-installation care
Proper care of the crowns is a guarantee of a long service life, and also reduces the risk of complications and diseases of the oral cavity. After installation, it is recommended that you visit your dentist every 6 months for an examination. If necessary, you need to immediately treat pathologies, carry out professional cleaning.
In the photo, zirconium crowns look very durable. However, during meals, one should not forget that there is an orthopedic construction in the mouth. Crowns do not change their appearance under the influence of food dyes, so there is no need to limit yourself in products.
Dentists recommend paying special attention to hygienic care. Teeth should be brushed twice a day. During the procedure, attention should be paid to the areas where the crowns are located so that food particles do not remain between the gum tissue and the structure. Directly personal hygiene products (brush and paste) should be selected by a doctor, taking into account the health of the oral cavity. Additionally, you can use herbal rinses and brushes for interdental spaces.
Prosthetics cost
Zirconia crowns are the most expensive dental design. Prosthetics of one tooth cost about 20 thousand rubles. However, such a price is quite justified, because as a result the patient receives a beautiful smile. The final cost of the procedure may vary depending on the city, the prestige of the clinic and the qualifications of the doctor.
For those who want to somewhat reduce the cost of the design, you can use a product from cermet with a spraying of zirconium dioxide. The product will cost about 10 thousand rubles per unit. Moreover, its properties are likely to be much worse.
Patient Reviews
What do patients say about zirconium crowns? Reviews in most cases are positive. First of all, they note the long service life of the structure. Most clinics provide a 5-year warranty. As a rule, patients wear such crowns throughout their lives and simply forget about problems with their teeth.
Hygiene affects life. However, dentists do not give specific recommendations. It is enough to brush your teeth twice a day and use a rinse aid. There is no need to limit your diet or avoid foods with dyes. Zirconia is not only durable, but also absolutely safe for human health. The body does not reject it, and the risk of developing an allergic reaction is reduced to zero.
The only drawback of such a product is the high cost. However, dentists justify it with quality material for the manufacture of crowns and accurate technology. As a result, the patient receives a beautiful smile that will remain with him for life.