Zirconia Crowns & Bridges in South Delhi

Zirconia Crowns & Bridges (Metal-Free Caps)

What Is a Zirconia Crown?

A zirconia crown is a popular type of all-ceramic crown which is worn to improve the appearance of a tooth which has become stained or disfigured/decayed over the years. They are stronger than metal, made with CAD CAM technology. Plus zirconia crowns have a translucent appearance which means that they are indistinguishable from your own teeth. It is hard to spot a zirconia crown amongst natural teeth.

This type of crown is made from zirconia, a very strong material which is compatible with the human body. Zirconia is a type of diamond crystal which is long lasting and highly durable. Plus there is no fear about the body rejecting zirconia or displaying an allergic reaction to it. It is safe to use and a treatment of choice today.

How Is a Zirconia Crown Fitted?

• The process is similar to that for other crowns. It involves two stages: preparation (first stage) and the fitting of the crown (second stage).
• The first stage is where your teeth are assessed and measured for a crown. The dentist will discuss the procedure with you before preparing your affected tooth. This preparation involves the cleaning of the tooth before reshaping (which reduces its size) with a small drill.
• A small layer of tooth is removed under a local anaesthetic which ensures that the tooth is the correct shape for the crown.
• A mould is made with dental putty which you will be asked to bite into. This is used as a guide for the production of your new crown at a dental laboratory.
• The second stage is where you will be fitted with your new crown. The tooth which will receive this crown is roughened with a special dental acid which scratches the surface and increases the bond between crown and tooth.
• The crown is then fitted onto your tooth. The dentist will check its appearance and fit before cementing it into position. It is then given a final polish.
• A zirconia crown must be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth.

When Is a Crown or Bridge Needed?

• After root canal treatment, to protect a tooth that would otherwise be at risk of fracturing.
• Where a tooth is heavily broken down or has a large old filling and not enough sound tooth left to hold a new filling.
• To restore a cracked, chipped or badly worn tooth.
• To improve the shape or colour of a discoloured or misshapen tooth.
• On top of a dental implant, as the visible replacement tooth.
• As a bridge, where one or more missing teeth are replaced by joining crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap.

Zirconia Versus Metal-Ceramic Crowns

Traditional crowns have a metal core with porcelain baked over it. They are strong, but the metal blocks light, so the crown can look flat, and a dark line can appear at the gum margin as the gum recedes. Zirconia and other all-ceramic crowns have no metal at all: light passes through them in a way that is much closer to natural enamel, and there is no grey collar to show at the gum line. Zirconia is also biocompatible, so it suits patients who are concerned about metal in the mouth.

Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges

A crown does not decay, but the natural tooth underneath it still can, and the gum around it can still become inflamed. Brush twice a day and clean the margin where the crown meets the tooth carefully. Under a bridge, use a floss threader, superfloss or an interdental brush to clean beneath the replacement tooth every day. Avoid chewing ice, opening packets with your teeth, or biting very hard foods on the crowned tooth, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. With good hygiene and six-monthly reviews, fixed restorations give many years of service.