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Why Zirconia Dental Crowns Are So Popular and Claimed to Last a Lifetime

January 06, 2025Culture2873
Why Zirconia Dental Crowns Are So Popular and Claimed to Last a Lifeti

Why Zirconia Dental Crowns Are So Popular and Claimed to Last a Lifetime

One of the reasons zirconia became popular a few decades ago was because it was thought that they were less abrasive to the opposing teeth. However, if this was the case, the dental industry would certainly advertise this prominently. Recent studies suggest that no ceramic material is truly kind to the opposing teeth.

Background and Evolution

Back then, zirconia crowns were only used for back teeth due to their muddy yellow appearance. This coloration was acceptable for those who did not like the look of gold. Now, advanced forms of zirconia are transparent enough for front teeth, though they may not be as strong.

Marginal Adaptation and Wear

The survival rate of zirconia crowns after 5 years is around 88%, while PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns have a survival rate of 90% after 10 years. Despite their popularity, the marginal adaptation of these crowns is the key determinant of their longevity. An all-ceramic crown may never match the marginal fit of a gold crown, leading to recurrent decay over time.

Lessons from Personal Experience

I recently had a porcelain onlay made using computer-aided design (CAD) and it developed a marginal defect that led to decay within a few years. The solution was to cover it with a gold crown, which has improved my satisfaction with the restoration. However, it is crucial to ensure that proper skills and processes are used in the preparation and cementation of zirconia crowns, as poor cementation can cause them to fall out.

Professional Considerations and Challenges

Many dentists may default to the lowest common denominator when it comes to zirconia crowns, producing minimally glazed and stained monolithic restorations. I recently came across a flyer advertising a monolithic zirconia crown at £29. However, the laboratory sent an actual crown, which appeared impressive despite the low price. Unfortunately, these crowns may not pass on the savings to patients.

The adhesion of zirconia crowns to the underlying tooth structure can be challenging. Poor preparation with inadequate retention can lead to debonding and falling off. In such cases, exemplary retention can be achieved with EMAX crowns, which Bond to the tooth more effectively.

Conclusion

While zirconia crowns are strong and suitable for back teeth, they also offer cost-effectiveness and reduced labor. However, the longevity of these restorations depends on proper preparation, cementation, and skill. Handcrafted, expertly prepared crowns using advanced techniques provide the best long-term results, even for challenging front teeth and complex cases.

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