A crown is a “cap” that covers and protects a tooth that is badly damaged, root-canal treated or replaced by an implant. Today zirconia is one of the most used materials, both for crowns and for bridges.
What zirconia is
Zirconia is a very strong ceramic, white in colour and without metal. It can be milled with great precision from a digital design and then finished in a special furnace.
The advantages
- Very strong: suitable for back teeth that carry heavy chewing forces, and for bridges.
- Natural look: no dark metal edge at the gum, as can happen with older metal-ceramic crowns.
- Biocompatible: well tolerated by the gums, with no metal allergies.
- Precise fit: with a digital scan and in-house milling, the crown fits more accurately.
Zirconia or E.max?
For front teeth where beauty matters most, E.max lithium disilicate can give even more translucency. Zirconia is usually the first choice for back teeth and for longer bridges. We choose the material together, case by case.
How long do they last?
With good hygiene and regular check-ups, zirconia crowns can last many years, often 10 to 15 years or more. Brushing, cleaning between the teeth and a night guard if you grind your teeth all help them last longer.
How a zirconia crown is made
- Examination and X-ray to check the health of the tooth and gums.
- Tooth preparation under local anaesthetic, removing only as much as needed.
- Digital impression with an intraoral scanner: no impression paste, more comfort and more precision.
- Temporary crown to protect the tooth while you wait.
- Try-in and cementation of the final crown, checking the colour and your bite.
How to look after it
Zirconia itself cannot decay, but the tooth under the crown and the gums around it can. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and have check-ups and cleanings every six months. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a protective night guard.
Frequently asked questions
Will people notice it’s a crown? Modern zirconia crowns have a natural colour and are matched to the neighbouring teeth.
Does it hurt? The preparation is done under local anaesthetic. You may feel slight sensitivity for a few days, which goes away on its own.
Can I have an MRI scan? Yes, zirconia contains no metal.
How it works at our clinic
We take a digital impression with an intraoral scanner, design the crown on the computer, mill it with our 5-axis milling machine and finish it in our ceramic furnace. This means fewer appointments and a very accurate result. Read more about prosthodontics at Roma Dental Clinic.