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This zirconia-based all-ceramic crown replaces a metal crown. Also known as artificial diamond, Zirconia is made of the highest-strength fine ceramic called zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Because of its strength, it is widely used from the space industry to medical technology. Some examples include thermal insulators for space shuttles and the artificial crotch joint. Zirconia is a proven material for superior properties such as high strength, durability, oxidation resistance and safety. In addition, a zirconia all-ceramic crown does not contain a silver ion, which causes gum discoloration and recession. Because the traditional all-ceramic crowns use only ceramics, it was weaker and easier to crack than a crown with metal. Thus, it often could not be used for a back tooth, which receives a great deal of pressure. A Zirconia crown is strong enough and suitable for the restoration of back teeth. ・Strong A zirconia crown is strong yet flexible. It can be used for back teeth as well as the front teeth. ・Long-lasting durability Due to a fine crystal structure, Zirconia is durable and resists wear for a long time. ・Aesthetic Because a zirconia crown has a high-level of light transmittance, it is slightly transparent similar to a natural tooth. Also, it does not cause gum discoloration. ・Biocompatible A zirconia crown is highly biocompatible because it is metal-free. The left photograph is a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, and the right photograph shows a zirconia all-ceramic crown, Lava frame. When lighting from the back of the teeth, the Lava frame lets the light transmitted as the natural tooth, but the underlying metal prevents the light from getting through the crown. As shown above, a zirconia crown provide a more natural look than a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. This photograph shows the front teeth of a patient treated for discoloration of teeth. Through X-rays, we found that the nerves of these two teeth had already been removed. Just like a tree without roots, a tooth without a nerve becomes weak. The weakened tooth may become discolored over time. The next photograph shows the teeth after the treatment. The two teeth have zirconia all-ceramic crowns. In order to use the brighter color for the crowns, the front teeth have been bleached using the At-Home Bleaching method. Since the gum was also treated, the patient got his healthy teeth back. |