Zirconia in fixed dental restorations

These days, functionality is not the only concern of patients. The esthetics, biocompatibility and cost play an important role when it comes to decide which material to use for a fixed restoration.
Zirconia is an excellent material that dentists use to meet the patient expectations and achieve outstanding results.
In this article, we will discuss what zirconia is and its uses in restorations. fixed dental.

Where does Zirconia come from?

Zirconium dioxide, commonly known as zirconium, is a ceramic material obtained by a chemical reaction where the mineral "zirconium" goes through a process of oxidation.
During oxidation, most of the metal atoms are separated from the zirconium, leaving a chemically non-reactive material, making it a free ceramic of metals.

Zirconia in dentistry

Zirconia is a resistant material with excellent aesthetic qualities. Therefore, It is an excellent option for fixed prostheses.
Zirconia dental crowns
Due to its strength and resistance, it works perfectly as a ceramic crown without need for metal frame.
Due to their position in the jaw, the molars withstand the forces of bite stronger. However, zirconia is capable of resisting them, which makes it the ideal material for esthetic molar restorations.
Its resistance makes it a durable material that can last for several years. before the need for a change or repair.
Furthermore, zirconia possesses exceptional aesthetic qualities with smooth surfaces and soft, similar to natural teeth. Therefore, it is an excellent alternative for anterior tooth cases.
However, its color can be dull, which sometimes makes pairing difficult. with the other teeth of the mouth. This can be fixed by adding a layer of porcelain coating to zirconia, improving its color properties.
Zirconia crowns can be manufactured using CAD/CAM technology. In addition, the dentist can make the crown the same day you visit. This way, you can avoid the need to deliver your dental impression to a lab while reducing the amount of time you have to wait to finish your crown.
Zirconia dental implants
Zirconia has become a popular implant option among patients seeking a more holistic approach to your treatment. Its metal-free property reduces the risk of implant rejection present in common titanium implants.
Its white color, similar to that of teeth, is especially useful in cases of high complexity and aesthetic demand. Also, unlike titanium implants, Zirconia is not pigmented or shows through thin gums.
In addition, zirconia is a non-conductive material, so it is less prone to bacterial colonization.
However, its design is still limited and it can be used mainly in simple cases with optimal conditions.
Today, zirconia has become one of the best materials for fixed restoration. Its qualities make it a material of great versatility, suitable for a wide variety of cases and scenarios.
Although it may not be as optimal as other options, such as Emax, it is a perfect solution if you are looking for a balance between quality, resistance, aesthetics and cost.