Clinicians who wish to provide patients with excellent dental restorations often choose zirconia crowns. This presentation compares solid and layered zirconia and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of zirconia crowns.

1. THE ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES OF
ZIRCONIA
DENTAL CROWNS

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ZIRCONIA CROWNS INTRODUCTION
Clinicians who wish to provide patients with excellent
dental restorations often choose zirconia crowns.
These crowns are chosen over conventional PFMs
(Porcelain Fused to Metal) or full-gold crowns due to:
● Superior strength
● Durability
● Excellent aesthetics

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SHOULD YOU
CHOOSE
SOLID ZIRCONIA
OR LAYERED
ZIRCONIA?

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SOLID ZIRCONIA
● Has a natural translucency and opalescence
● Generally recommended for posterior crowns.
● Particularly suitable for patients who may grind
their teeth because of its high strength.
● Only minimal clearance is required and there is
low wear on opposing teeth.
● Very effective for masking highly discolored dental
preps, specifically those that have darkened due to
previous dental treatments

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LAYERED ZIRCONIA
● More translucent and opalescent.
● Especially suitable for anterior crowns.
● May also be used for posterior crowns if there is
sufficient clearance from other teeth.
● When done skillfully, the very best aesthetic results
can be achieved.

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SOLID & LAYERED ZIRCONIA
Both solid and layered zirconia crowns have a
strength and consistency that is comparable with
traditional PFM restorations, yet they provide far
superior aesthetics.

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ADVANTAGES
OF CHOOSING
ZIRCONIA
CROWNS

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ADVANTAGES
● Zirconia crowns are highly biocompatible, as the
smooth surface helps to reduce plaque
accumulation.
● Solid zirconia crowns are extremely strong.
● Chipping and fracturing are extremely rare.
● The material promotes a healthy tissue response.
● Suitable for patients with metal allergies or who
would prefer to have metal-free restorations.
● Zirconia is metal-free, which prevents darkening
around the gingival area.

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ADVANTAGES (CONTINUED)
● Eliminates the possibility of metal margins
becoming exposed due to gum recession.
● The translucent nature of zirconia can transmit the
color of adjacent teeth and it is manufactured in a
wide variety of shades, making it easy to accurately
match the color of the patient’s natural teeth.
● Crowns can be conventionally cemented in place
using traditional bonding techniques.
● Zirconia crowns are comfortable for patients, as
they do not transmit hot and cold in the same way
as conventional PFMs.

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DISADVANTAGES
OF CHOOSING
ZIRCONIA
CROWNS

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DISADVANTAGES
The disadvantages of zirconia crowns are minimal.
The toughness of the material has raised some
concerns about friction against the tooth root and
wearing down opposing teeth. Frequent checks,
however, help to reduce any possible risks to
opposing teeth.

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THANK YOU
Find more Zirconia related articles here:
https://blog.ddslab.com/topic/zirconia

13. COMPLEMENTARY COMPARISON CHART
CROWN & BRIDGES
MATERIAL GUIDE
WHICH MATERIAL IS BEST?
DOWNLOAD HERE »

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