Modern dentistry is constantly evolving. To date, there are a large number of methods of prosthetics. Many of them are a worthy alternative to dental units both in terms of physiological properties and aesthetic qualities. Out of competition - zirconium crowns for teeth. Reviews about them, as well as the benefits and the installation process itself will be discussed in today's article.
Design Features
Zirconium dioxide crowns are considered to be heavy-duty dental structures. They are manufactured on high-tech modern equipment. Install them on the front or chewing teeth.
Zirconium dioxide is the highest quality material available today. Both single crowns and bridges are made from it.
Each zirconia crown consists of 2 layers:
- outer, which is a porcelain mass;
- Internal made directly from zirconia.
The strength of the frame is not inferior to the metal base. At the same time, it has the unique ability to transmit the light necessary to obtaintranslucency effect. It is this property that is characteristic of the enamel of natural teeth.
Benefits of zirconia crowns
This design has been used in dentistry for 20 years. During this time, zirconia crowns for the front teeth have gained recognition from specialists due to the following features:
- Natural translucency for maximum natural look.
- The enamel color originally chosen by the patient does not change.
- Durable construction allows for almost a lifetime of use. Some dental clinics give a guarantee of up to 15 years.
- Proper fixation of the crown provides an excellent fit to the tooth surface, which eliminates the reproduction of pathogenic microflora in this area.
- Zirconia is non-allergic, making it suitable for all patients.
- There is no need to grind the tooth to install the crown.
- Zirconium is safe for human he alth. The material is not rejected by the body, does not cause poisoning.
- Design can be installed on both anterior and posterior 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 of reproducing "new" dental units.
Indications for installation
According to dentists, zirconium crowns can be installed even when products from other materialsare categorically contraindicated. These are the following cases:
- 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 teeth.
If other restoration methods are available to the patient, he may prefer zirconia crowns as the most durable and natural-looking option.
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 (teeth grinding at night);
- mental illness.
Also among the contraindications include acute inflammatory pathologies or infectious processes in the oral cavity. Therefore, prosthetics should be started only after the course of treatment.
Varieties of zirconium crowns for teeth
Zirconia crowns come in two types.
- Frame with ceramic veneer. Only the base of the crown is made from the material in question. It is made from ceramic. This option has good aesthetic characteristics. The finished product has a natural color and high light transmission.
- Wholedesign. Zirconium oxide crowns are inferior in aesthetic qualities to products with porcelain veneers. Their main advantages are strength and good compatibility with soft tissues. The color of such prostheses is difficult to match the shade of "native" teeth. Therefore, it is recommended to resort to their help when replacing or strengthening 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.
Main production steps
Zirconium crowns are made using CAD/CAM techniques. Initially, the dentist makes an impression of the patient's jaw. On its basis, a computer model of the future product is made in 3D. It usually consists of 2 layers - a zirconium frame and a ceramic cladding.
Then the resulting model is loaded into the milling machine. The device manufactures a framework of zirconium according to the given parameters. After that, 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 to stain the prosthesis. Then it is put back 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
Zirconium crowns are installed by a dentist. The process itself is quite painless and simple, lastsno more than 30 minutes. Initially, the doctor evaluates the pre-prepared design, checks it for defects and correct manufacturing. In the oral cavity, he evaluates the fixation of the device 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 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 abutment teeth are isolated from moisture penetration, dried using special medicines. Fixation of the product is carried out with the help of chemical or light hardening cement. 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.
The nuances of caring for the structure after installation
Proper care of crowns is a guarantee of their long service life, and also reduces the risk of complications and diseases of the oral cavity. After installation of the structure, it is recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months for an examination. If necessary, you need to immediately treat pathologies, carry out professional cleaning.
Zirconium crowns look very strong in the photo. However, while eating, one should not forget that there is an orthopedic structure in the mouth. Crowns do not change their appearance under the influence of food coloring, so there is no limit to productsnecessary.
Dentists recommend paying special attention to hygienic care. You should brush your teeth twice a day. During the procedure, attention should be paid to the areas where the crowns are located so that no food particles remain between the gum tissues and the structure. Directly personal hygiene products (brush and paste) should be selected by a doctor, taking into account the state of he alth of the oral cavity. Optional herbal rinses and interdental brushes can be used.
Prosthetic cost
Zirconia crowns are the most expensive construction in dentistry. Prosthetics of one tooth costs about 20 thousand rubles. However, this price is fully justified, because as a result, the patient gets 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.
Those who wish to reduce the cost of construction a little, you can use a product made of cermet coated with zirconium dioxide. The product will cost about 10 thousand rubles per unit. However, its properties are likely to be much worse.
Patient testimonials
What do patients say about zirconia crowns? Reviews in most cases are positive. First of all, they note the long service life of the structure. Most clinics give a guarantee for 5 years. As a rule, patients wear such crowns throughout their lives and simply forget about problems with their teeth.
Hygiene affects service life. HoweverDentists do not give specific recommendations. It is enough to brush your teeth twice a day and use a mouthwash. There is no need to limit your diet or avoid foods with dyes. Zirconium dioxide is not only durable, but also absolutely safe for human he alth material. The body does not reject it, and the risk of developing an allergic reaction is reduced to zero.
The only disadvantage of such a product is the high cost. However, dentists justify it with high-quality material for the manufacture of crowns and precise technology. As a result, the patient receives a beautiful smile that will stay with him for life.
