26/09/2020
(zirconium dioxide) is a white, powdered metal oxide. Like other common dental crown materials, it is a ceramic. Zirconia is made from zirconium, a metal with similar properties to titanium. Zirconium makes a good choice for dental material because it is chemically unreactive.
Zirconia has many properties that make it a good choice for dental crown material. Some of these beneficial properties include:
A natural, white color.
High hardness.
High fracture toughness (zirconia is difficult to crack).
Resistance to wear.
Resistance to oxidation.
No chemical corrosion.
Translucent appearance when sintered (baked).
Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
Because of these properties, zirconia offers many benefits to patients as a dental crown material. Zirconia crowns:
Can be easily modified, reshaped, and recolored.
Resemble natural tooth enamel due to their color and translucence.
Do not require a metal base.
Do not require as much of the original tooth be removed as with other types of crowns.
Resist staining better than acrylic or composite ceramic crowns.
Are biocompatible (they are safe to stay in the mouth a long time).
Resist hot and cold temperatures well. Thus, they reduce the frequency of hypersensitivity associated with other types of crowns.
Are extremely durable. Zirconia is about five times stronger than porcelain. Because of this, zirconia might be a better choice for patients who have had problems with other crown material or who have problems with grinding their teeth, excessively chew their gums, bite their nails, etc.
