Zirconia

Metal-ceramic crowns are used in dental practice for a long time and quite successfully. They are strong, but have some drawbacks in terms of appearance. The effect of a living tooth is only partially created, no matter how carefully the color of the ceramic is chosen. This is explained by the fact that the metal of the frame has its own color, it is not always possible to completely disguise it. Another drawback of such prostheses is the negative effect of metal on the gum. Whole-ceramic crowns are free from these drawbacks, but they are far less durable than crowns with a metal frame.

In modern dentistry, when choosing materials for prosthetics, not only its functional but also aesthetic properties are taken into account. Zirconia , Which has been used for prosthetics in medical practice since 1969, is increasingly being used to make dentures. Sometimes, not using its exact chemical name, this material is called simply zirconium. In dentistry, it is usually used to make the skeleton of dental crowns.

Crowns with a frame of zirconia, have the ability to transmit light, comparable to the translucency of natural teeth, so it looks natural and does not differ from natural teeth. At the same time they have strength comparable to the strength of metal-ceramic crowns.

In the manufacture of dentures, the base for the crown is usually melted. Crowns made of zirconia are the exception. The laser scanner determines the shape of the future crown, the data is processed by a computer program, and the computer designs the crown model. Then a special machine, in accordance with the computer program specified, saws out a single piece of zirconia. The resulting crown has not only high accuracy, but also provides an impeccable appearance.

Until recently, crowns of ceramic materials were installed only on the front teeth, that is, their use was caused, rather, by aesthetic considerations than practical application. The use of zirconia has no limitations. It is suitable for prosthetics of the front and chewing teeth, and also ideally combined with implants. Using this technology, make single crowns and extended bridges. Zirconium dioxide is hypoallergenic and absolutely bioinertious in relation to the human body material, therefore it can be used for prosthetics even in patients prone to allergic reactions. By the degree of bioinertity, it surpasses even gold.

Zirconia has high thermal insulation properties, so crowns protect teeth from sudden temperature changes. This is a real salvation for those patients whose teeth are sensitive to cold and hot food.

The crown frame is very thin, its thickness is only 0.4 mm. Therefore, the ease of the design of the denture provides almost instantaneous adaptation to the "new teeth". In addition, the frame of zirconia, in contrast to metal, does not deform with time. Ceramics designed specifically for these purposes and having a similar light permeability are used for the cladding of the frame.

Many people are familiar with the fear of damaging the dental crown when eating too hard food. Zirconium dioxide will allow to get rid of this anxiety forever. If a microcrack occurs, the material independently restores its structure at the molecular level.

When denture with both metal and cermet crowns, a black rim often appears in the gum area. Crowns with a frame of zirconium dioxide, even with prolonged use, do not cause any changes in the gums.