Zirconium is an exceptional ceramic material that is increasingly in demand for oral rehabilitation treatments, such as veneers. One of the main advantages of zirconium crowns is that they are much stronger than those made of porcelain, in addition to ensuring the stability of metal-ceramic-based prostheses, all while offering a more natural appearance. Aesthetics prevail, and over time, with technological advancements, patients can choose between porcelain veneers if they are only seeking an aesthetic result, or metal-based ones to ensure greater durability. However, the use of new materials like zirconium introduces a new option, allowing patients to choose a treatment that combines the benefits of the previous options: achieving a beautiful smile with the assurance of long-term stability.
Contribution of zirconium to aesthetics.
Talking about aesthetics in a dental implant means talking about zirconium. Being completely metal-free, this ceramic material is the pinnacle of aesthetics and efficiency. Zirconium is almost as translucent as a natural tooth, something that does not happen with porcelain. It also avoids the dark edges between the teeth and gums that conventional metal prosthetics produce. Additionally, as another strong point of zirconium, all pieces are customized in size, shape, and shade, as not everyone has the same shade of white teeth. The CAD-CAM technology used to create each zirconium piece allows for adjustments down to the smallest detail, ensuring the most natural look for your smile.
Benefits of zirconium oxide.
As we have seen so far, zirconium combines the best of both worlds: the strength of metal and the aesthetic properties of ceramics. Moreover, zirconium oxide, also known as high-strength ceramic, is the best recommendation when there is a significant absence of dental structure, with risks of flexion and tension, and where bonding and sealing cannot be maintained. The benefits of zirconium oxide are such that this material is also used in orthopedic implants, especially in hip replacements, due to its high strength and hardness. Its ability to be polished to a fine finish is another advantage for this type of intervention. Zirconium has also brought advancements in other fields; we find the use of this material in refractory applications, electronics, transportation, and in materials such as valves, sealants, metal utensils, and cutting tools.
Which Option to Choose: Zirconia Crowns or Metal-Porcelain Crowns?
Many patients are skeptical when a specialist recommends zirconia veneers. The truth is that there is still a lot of public ignorance about this material, which in some cases also leads to fears that their body might not react well to it, causing rejection, discomfort, and illnesses. Nothing could be further from the truth. The most notable feature of zirconia is that it offers maximum bio-compatibility, which reduces the risk of gum irritation and ensures the avoidance of allergies caused by other metals that have been used until now in implants, crowns, and bridges.
Like porcelain pieces, zirconia veneers are exceptionally lightweight. However, they surpass pure porcelain in strength. The issue with molars after a root canal, for example, is that they become more brittle. The function of the crown is to maintain the consistency of the tooth and allow proper chewing without risks or problems. In this case, zirconia’s strength is greater than that of porcelain, providing better results and efficacy, especially for molars. So far, the new material wins in the zirconia versus porcelain or metal debate. Lighter, stronger, and bio-compatible, zirconia veneers are the best option for achieving a beautiful, natural, and strong smile.
The only drawback is the price of zirconia dental crowns, which is slightly higher than other materials. But as with many other medical-aesthetic procedures, in this case, the price is justified by better results and longer-lasting treatment. Without a doubt, one of the most important advances in dentistry in recent decades has been the implementation of zirconia, one of the best ceramic products currently available for dental reconstructions.
Having a beautiful smile goes beyond practical concerns. A white, perfectly aligned set of teeth of the ideal size is part of aesthetic treatments. Gone are the days of gold inlays, now almost unthinkable. Patients desire greater naturalness compared to traditional prosthetics, and in this regard, zirconia crowns offer significant advantages. Visit our dental clinic in Spain to start your treatment!
Professional registration Nº 28004040
Degree in Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Madrid
Degree in Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid
Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid
University Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, San Rafael Hospital, Madrid
University Specialist in Individual and Public Oral Preventive Programs, Complutense University of Madrid
Director of Radiodiagnostic Facilities
Medical Director, Smiling Dental Center
Specialist in Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Bruce Crispin, Los Angeles, California
Member of the Spanish Society of Prosthodontics (SEPES)
CPR Course
Advanced English
