What is Zirconia Crowning (Zirconium Tooth)?

It is a white alloy used instead of gray metal, which is the substructure of conventional porcelain bridges and prostheses.

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For what purposes are zirconium crowns used?

Zirconium crowns are used in the treatment of aesthetic advanced discolorations that cannot be treated with methods such as bleaching; hereditary discoloration, for diastema and rotated or slightly crowded teeth for which orthodontic treatment is not preferred, for the restoration of discolored and eroded teeth with old fillings and teeth with severe loss of substance, as a dental bridge or crowning in the molars, in the incisor implant-supported prostheses, and in smile design.

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What are the aesthetic advantages of zirconium teeth?

Thanks to its transparency, the natural look of the teeth is achieved. The enamels of healthy teeth are translucent. Metals, which are the substructures of conventional porcelain crowns, cause an opaque look. This causes the teeth to look dull and artificial.  However, this is prevented with zirconia crowning.
 

How do the zirconium crowns adjust to the gums?

Zirconia is a tissue-compatible material. The purplish discoloration of the gums in the neck of the tooth, which is observed after the use of metal-supported prostheses, never occurs. They do not cause gingival recession. If a gingival recession occurs due to incorrect toothbrushing, zirconia crowns will not create an unaesthetic appearance.

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Can it be applied to those who are allergic to metal?

Compared to conventional metal alloys, zirconium does not cause metal allergy since it does not contain metal.

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Will zirconia crowns cause a bad taste or oral malodor in my mouth?

They do not cause taste change in the mouth and it is predicted that they will not cause oral malodor.

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Will zirconia crowns cause a change in the color of the teeth in the future?

Since their surface is smooth and non-porous, they do not cause plaque buildup. Therefore, they are not discolored because of coffee, tea, and cigarette, and therefore, their color is preserved.

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How should I care for my zirconium crowns?

Zirconium teeth are brushed in the same way as natural teeth. Floss should be used for their care and superfloss should be used for toothless areas. In order to foresee problems and take necessary precautions, the patient should come to biannual appointments.

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For how long can I use the zirconium crowns?

You can use them for years if you have them checked up regularly. As teeth are living tissue, you may observe changes in their shape over time due to wear and tear. Those changes are not observed in zirconium crowns. However, they may need to be replaced in order to adjust to the changes.

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Does their replacement damage my teeth?

Because the crowns are clipped, you will not feel any discomfort. Zirconium does not cause tissue loss on your teeth.

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How much substance loss occurs during the procedure?

Substance loss is much less compared to the porcelain crowns reinforced with metal. Wear of 1 to 1.5 mm occurs on the surface of your teeth.

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Will I feel any pain during the process?

The trim process is performed under local anesthesia. With the installation of crowns, tingling caused by hot or cold will be prevented. 

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Will I have aesthetic problems during the treatment?

Especially, the temporary crowns installed to your front teeth would be similar to your permanent zirconium crowns in form.  These crowns, which are made of acrylic, are not fracture-resistant; however, their color and shape substantially resemble your natural teeth.

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How long does the treatment with this aesthetic dentistry application take?

With patients who have healthy gums, the treatment is completed within a week. Upon the request of the patient, it is possible to have several try-in sessions until both the dentist and the patient are pleased with the result.

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Is there an age restriction for this application?

This treatment can be applied to patients at any age who experienced permanent teeth eruption. However, for the patients who get treatment at ages up to 18 and 20, the crowns need to be regularly replaced as gaps between the teeth will form due to jaw development. Therefore, this treatment is not recommended to patients at those ages.

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How durable is it compared to porcelain and metal crowns?

Thanks to the developments in the relevant technologies in recent years, zirconium crowns and bridges are as durable as metal-based crowns and bridges. 

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Is fracture or falling off of the zirconium crowns frequently seen?

Fractures or cracks may form after being subjected to excessive force but this is nearly as possible as with natural teeth. They can be almost completely treated in the clinic environment. The crown may fall off if there is a great deal of substance loss in the tooth over time due to decay. In such cases, the tooth is treated if possible and the crown is installed again.

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Can zirconium crowns be installed to those who have gingival diseases?

Zirconium crowns can be installed after any existing gingival disease is treated.