What are the Zirconium Types?
There are 2 popular types of zirconium crowns preferred by dentists. The following two types of zirconium coatings are suitable solution methods for the use of porcelain-metal composites and full-metal mixtures. These zirconium types are;
1. Frame zirconium (layered zirconium):
It consists of a zirconium base and a ceramic coating. Frame zirconium is the most suitable material for multi-unit bridge treatment, front, and back. Masking can be done on this material with porcelain or glass, which will make the tooth look like a natural tooth. Frame zirconium is an alternative coating to metal coatings. Its foremost advantage is that it adds a high aesthetic appearance.
2. Full zirconium (solid zirconium, anatomical zirconium):
In this type of veneer, also called monolithic zirconium, the color is darker at the bottom of the tooth and lighter at the edges. This zirconium crown gives the most suitable appearance to the natural tooth. Such crowns are quite transparent. Monolithic zirconium, whose amount of alumina stabilizer is reduced from 0.25% to 0.05%, has a different structure. This feature increases transparency and creates a usage area without ceramics. With the application of monolithic zirconium, different features can arise in every field of use.
For example;
Dental bridges last longer but have less transparency
Balanced transparency and durability between posterior and lateral molars
Layering to be minimal in applications on anterior teeth (crown in the outer part–in the visible part)
The zirconium coating does not contain ceramics thanks to its multi-layered structure and and possible for posterior teeth
High durability for clenching (bruxism) problem
Are zirconium Crowns safe?
All-ceramic zirconium dioxide, which has been used in the field of medical prostheses since the past years (1960), has also started to be used in dentistry treatments in the 1990s. In the first
years, it was applied in an endodontic post and dental implant treatment. Zirconium became commercially available after 2010.
As we mentioned at the beginning, zirconium has been used in the human body for many years in full harmony. With this experience, it has become safe to use in tooth replacement and correction treatments. No allergic reaction has been observed with the use of zirconium coatings.
How Durable Are Zirconium Crowns?
The use of zirconium materials for medical purposes is very common. Zirconium oxide, which is the main ingredient of zirconium coatings, has superior durability and excellent durability thanks to its mechanical properties. The fact that zirconium is semi-metal makes it very strong compared to others. The zirconium coating does not break unless the patient receives a very large blow from the outside. When looking at other dental crowns, the most durable ones are zirconium crowns. Zirconium crowns can be used for more than 15 years. One of its superior features compared to other coatings is its longevity.
Comentarios