Zirconia Crowns

A zirconia crown, as the name suggests, is made from zirconium dioxide — an artificially synthesized material with high strength characteristics. Another important property of the material is its high density, which helps reduce the risk of crown cracking during use.

Zirconium dioxide has been used in medicine for quite a long time. Initially, it was used for manufacturing joint implants. With the development of computer modelling technologies and automated prosthesis manufacturing, the material began to be used in dentistry as well. Zirconia teeth started gaining popularity in the early 1990s.

Depending on the design and manufacturing technology, zirconia dental crowns are divided into two main types:

1. Solid zirconia dental crowns.

These are made exclusively from zirconium dioxide without the use of additional materials or layers. When zirconia crowns are placed on molars, solid constructions are most often recommended. They have high strength and can withstand significant loads.

2. Zirconia dental crowns with ceramic layering.

These are made from two layers: the inner base is zirconia, and the outer layer is ceramic. The ceramic coating adds translucency and aesthetics. Logically, zirconia crowns with ceramic layering are better suited for front teeth. Moreover, we recommend placing such zirconia crowns on front teeth because they provide the best match to natural teeth in colour and structure.

• Restoration of a damaged tooth.

A general indication for crown placement is damage to the crown part of the patient’s tooth exceeding 30%. In such cases, a crown is necessary to restore chewing function and aesthetics.

• Dental restoration.

If the patient wants to improve the aesthetics of their smile, a zirconia crown can be used to achieve this goal. Crowns can also be used to correct defects involving changes in the shape and colour of the patient’s own teeth.

• Bite correction.

Zirconia crowns are also used to change bite height or restore occlusion (the relationship between dental arches).

• Bruxism.

Bruxism (teeth grinding) leads to enamel wear. To protect the patient’s own teeth, durable and load-resistant zirconia crowns can be placed.

• Metal allergy.

For patients with metal allergies, a zirconia crown is an excellent solution, as the material is hypoallergenic and does not cause any reaction from the body. Unlike metal-ceramic crowns, it contains no metal, eliminating the risk of mucosal irritation or allergies.

• Implantation.

Zirconia crowns are often used as the final step when placing dental implants.

Placement of a zirconia crown is not possible in the following cases:

• Severe bite pathology.

In cases of significant bite disorders or improper tooth positioning (e.g., deep bite, improper occlusion), placing zirconia crowns may be complicated. Prior orthodontic correction is required.

• Severe forms of periodontitis.

In cases of severe diseases of the mucosa and periodontium (bone tissue around the tooth), such as severe periodontitis, placing crowns may be inadvisable. It is necessary to first eliminate inflammatory processes and stabilize the condition of soft tissues.

• Tooth mobility.

Reliable fixation of the structure cannot be ensured on mobile teeth.

Modern dentistry widely uses various types of crowns based on materials. These include metal-ceramic, all-ceramic, metal, composite, and zirconia crowns. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, before placing a zirconia crown, it is important to weigh all the pros and cons and make sure to ask your doctor any questions.

Zirconium dioxide dental crowns: pros and cons

A zirconia crown can be placed both on a damaged natural tooth and on an implant.

“Zirconia teeth”: placement stages

The cost of zirconia crown placement depends on a number of factors. On average in Ukraine, the price of the crown itself starts from 13–14 thousand hryvnias, with prices being higher in Kyiv.

The cost of zirconia crown placement varies depending on the type: solid zirconia crowns are usually cheaper than combined ones. The complexity of the clinical case also matters: the more complex the situation, the higher the price. Placing zirconia crowns on implants usually costs slightly more and includes the price of the abutment. On average in Kyiv, the service price starts from 15 thousand hryvnias.