Zirconium Crowns

Because zirconium transmits light far better than most other crown materials, it is extremely difficult to distinguish a zirconium crown from a natural tooth. It is an ideal treatment option for patients with high aesthetic expectations.

Zirconium is one of the world's oldest minerals and is abundantly available. It is biocompatible with human bone and tissue — the risk of allergy and inflammation is nearly zero. Because of this, it is also widely used in medical applications requiring high durability and longevity, such as artificial joints.

In recent years, patients have increasingly chosen zirconium over metal-supported porcelain crowns. The grey line at the gum margin, the most common issue with metal-supported crowns, does not occur with zirconium; its light transmission mimics that of a natural tooth.

Process: The tooth is lightly reduced, an impression is taken digitally or by traditional methods, the crown is manufactured in the lab within 3-5 business days using CAD/CAM technology, and then bonded in place. In many cases it can be completed in a single session.

It provides long-term durability against daily chewing pressure on posterior (back) teeth. Equivalent durability to metal-supported crowns over a 5-year period has been statistically proven; with proper care, its lifespan extends to 15-20 years.