Dental crowns – zirconia crowns
Dental crowns made of zirconia-ceramic represent the pinnacle of dental prosthetics, which is why they are the standard in dental prosthetics at the Miličić Dent Polyclinic. They are distinguished by their ability of light transmission, which gives the impression of natural teeth and makes them superior to other types of dental crowns.
Although they are mainly used for aesthetics in the smile zone, i.e. on the front teeth, zirconia-ceramic crowns can also be placed on posterior teeth due to their firmness.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns, also called tooth caps, are fixed prosthetic replacements that replace the crown (visible part) of a natural tooth.
They can be placed on:
- natural teeth: the teeth are prepared by filing; the crowns are placed onto the prepared tooth structure (tooth stump)
- implants: the crowns are placed on abutments that replace the missing tooth structure.
Dental crowns mimic the size, shape, and color of the natural tooth crown, thus fulfilling both functional and aesthetic factors.
In which types of situation are dental crowns recommended?
- to restore the functionality of severely decayed teeth.
- when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, excessively chipped or worn.
- in treated teeth, i.e. teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment, followed by significant damage
- when the tooth has changed color due to nerve removal.
- when we want to enhance the smile aesthetic
Types of dental crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, distinguished by the materials they are made of:
- metal-ceramic crowns
- zirconia-ceramic crowns
- all-ceramic crowns.
Metal-ceramic crowns
Since their first application in 1950, metal-ceramic crowns have become essential dental prosthetics. The base is made of metal onto which layers of ceramic are applied. Metal-ceramic crowns are exceptionally strong, making them suitable for placement in the posterior region of the jaw, where the chewing forces are the strongest.
The base of metal-ceramic crowns can be made from different materials; base is then covered with an aesthetic ceramic layer:
- gold-platinum alloys
- chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloys
- nickel-titanium alloys coated with an aesthetic ceramic layer.
Why can metal cause problems with dental crowns?
Nickel and cobalt are usually part of the metal base in metal-ceramic crowns. As nickel is one of the most common contact allergens, metal-ceramic crowns are not recommended for individuals allergic to nickel or cobalt.
Metal-free crowns
Metal-free crowns, as the name suggests, do not contain any metal in their composition. Their base can be made from two materials:
- ceramics – E.max and Empress dental crowns
- zirconia – zirconia or zirconia-ceramic crowns.
Why are zirconia-ceramic crowns the pinnacle of dental prosthetics?
Zirconia-ceramic crowns fall into the category of metal-free crowns because they are made from a combination of two materials:
- zirconium oxide/ zirconia oxide – for the crown’s base
- ceramic – applied in layers on the zirconia base.
Thanks to zirconia oxide and ceramic, dental crowns reflect and transmit light, just like natural teeth.
Advantages of metal-free crowns compared to metal-ceramic crowns
○ They do not cause gingival irritations because they enable precise fit (allowance).
○ They have the ability of transparency, i.e., light transmittance.
○ They create a natural tooth impression.
○ They do not leave a dark margin next to the gum line.
○ They are resistant to chemical influences and corrosion.
○ The gum does not change color as there is no metal to stain it.
○ They are biocompatible. They do not cause allergic reactions as they do not contain metal.
Protocol
- Diagnostics – X-ray images.
- Taking dental photographs for medical documentation – case study (before, during and after treatment).
- Mock-up – a demonstration model of future teeth is made directly in the mouth using temporary material.
- Wax-up – another demonstration model is made from wax on working models and then transferred to the patient’s mouth for evaluation and mutual agreement.
- Local anesthesia.
- Tooth filing.
- Taking impressions.
- Sending impressions to the laboratory.
- Making temporary crowns.
- Trial fitting of the crowns.
- Aesthetic trial and possible adjustments.
- Cementation of the crowns.
- Photographing the new smile at the end of the treatment for the case study.
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Is tooth filing for dental crowns painful?
Tooth filing is not painful as it is performed under local anesthesia.
Why should you choose Miličić Dent for your new smile?
We choose the best biocompatible materials for making dental caps, characterized by transparency, to achieve a natural appearance of teeth. If you want a smile like you once had or a red-carpet smile, trust us to make your dream smile a reality with dental veneers or zirconia-ceramic crowns.
