Zirconium teeth: Advantages and disadvantages

Zirconium is a material increasingly used in the technique of dental work. How advantageous is the zirconium dental crown when we use it for implants or other dental procedures? Find out in the following lines.

BENEFITS

Discovered more than 200 years ago, zirconium is a rare metal, resistant to high temperatures and used today in various fields.
In the dental field, the advantages of this material, which is actually a white metal, are numerous. Of these, we have chosen to present the most important ones, as follows:

1. MECHANICAL RESISTANCE

Zirconium crowns have an increased mechanical strength compared to other materials used in dental aesthetics. By increased mechanical strength is meant high resistance to bending and compression. Zirconium has a very high degree of hardness.

2. THERMAL INSULATION

Being a thermally insulating material, zirconium resists cold or heat brilliantly so that temperature variations are not transmitted to the dental pulp when we consume hot or cold food and drinks.

3. AESTHETICS

Compared to other dental metals that are either gray or yellow, zirconium is white and perfectly mimics the natural tooth.

Also, when used in aesthetics, zirconium is resistant in a thin layer, hence the possibility of the doctor to grind a little of the tooth, thus prolonging its life.

4. CAD-CAM COMPUTERIZED MODELING

Techniques for obtaining zirconium teeth by computer milling are very important processes not only to obtain a higher standard of aesthetics, but also an increased resistance. Due to computerized CAD - CAM modeling, zirconium dental crowns are obtained in a very precise way, without errors or deviations from the optimal shape and size.

5. BIOCOMPATIBILITY

Unlike some materials that can cause allergies, zirconium is 100% biocompatible with the human body, so such crowns can be applied to the patient with certain intolerances without problems.

6. OTHER INTRINSIC CHARACTERISTICS

The material has the advantage that it can be used in simple form, unpleasant with ceramics - so-called works Full Zirconium.

DISADVANTAGES

Although zirconium has excellent properties, when it comes to implants or dental aesthetics, this material is not indicated in all situations. Thus, in some cases he can do more harm than good. In addition, the cost of the zirconium crown is not cheap, especially when compared to other materials. Therefore, it would be good to get acquainted with its disadvantages, before deciding which teeth to choose.

1. OPACITY

Due to the high degree of opacity (light passes through the zirconium crown in the same easy way as it does through the natural tooth), zirconium is contraindicated for front teeth when they are dark in color or devital. The use of zirconium in this situation causes new teeth to be dark in color, so they have an unsightly appearance.

Therefore, for front teeth it is recommended to use in combination with ceramics, respectively the use of zirconium inside and ceramics applied over.

2. DEGREE OF CASSATION

Zirconium is a brittle material and therefore, under abnormally high pressures, it can crack. This is also the reason why dentists tell patients to be careful when chewing food that could create pressure on the lever or even on the dental work.

3. THE PRICE

Compared to ceramics, its main competitor, zirconium has a higher price by about 20 - 25%. However, this is only partially a disadvantage, because the use of zirconium in optimal situations can compensate, the apparent deficit turning into an advantage.

It should also be specified that the price varies depending on the purity and quantity of zirconium in the crown. Thus, where we find a lower price we should have suspicions about quality. Otherwise, there is a risk that the future tooth will not withstand the masticatory force and the work will fail.

WHEN DO WE USE ZIRCONIUM TEETH?

Zirconium crowns have a wide applicability both in aesthetics and in dental implantology, its properties recommending it for:

• Dental implants;
• Large tooth decay that has affected the tooth so that it can no longer be repaired;
• Dental fractures;
• Devital teeth (dead). In this case zirconium is used only for lateral teeth, those that are not seen when you smile;
• Other situations specific to aesthetics and orthodontics

ADVANTAGES OR NOT?

Due to their undeniable properties and advantages, zirconium teeth are highly appreciated by both doctors and patients, the results being very satisfactory most of the time. However, there are cases in which this material is not indicated.

Therefore, if you want to be sure that zirconium is the material that fits your teeth, make an appointment now at the Dr. Nassar clinic.