Zirconia crowns are among the most welcomed dental crown prosthesis because they have features in endurance, robustness, and esthetic beauty. If you recently had a zirconia crown fitted, or are planning a treatment, you might be questioning how long this solution will last. But how long does it take to have a zirconia crown?
In this blog, we will help you understand more about zirconia crowns and how long such crowns will stand on a particular patient.
What is a Zirconia Crown?
A zirconia crown is made of zirconium oxide; a material that is rank sturdy and closely resembles the human tooth enamel. Zirconia is a ceramic and inflammation cemetery of the material is low, so the probability of the allergic treatment is also low.
How Long Do These last?
People may require a zirconia crown and the duration of the crown may be restricted in its use thus the life of a crown involves some factors. If proper care is exercised then the crown of the tooth can last between a period of 10 to 15 years or even longer. Depending on the location, zirconia crowns may last a little shorter or much longer, however they can last up to 20 years or more.
Several factors influence the longevity of a zirconia crown, including:
Oral Hygiene:
The two main diseases that cause a deterioration of restoration work in the mouth include cavities and gum diseases. Using miswak for cleaning the teeth twice a day, flossing the teeth daily and regular dental checkups at least twice a year will lead to healthy crowned teeth.
Lifestyle Habits:
Some behavior that leads to excessive wear include; bruxism, chewing hard items, or using teeth to cut things will lead to reduced longevity of the zirconia crown. If you are a teeth grinder, wear a mouth guard which serves as a protective layer to your natural teeth and your crown.
Location of the Crown:
Molars or back teeth have crowns set on them with more pressure during chewing and may last longer than the front teeth’s crowns. More resistant zirconia can effectively treat the target locations.
Dental Health:
A crown may perfectly fit in terms of appearance. However, if the gum tissue becomes diseased or has dental caries, the stability of the crown becomes jeopardized.
Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns offer several advantages over other types of crowns, contributing to their longevity:
Durability:
Zirconia crowns are extremely durable, and they do not chip, crack, or wear easily, thus they are appropriate for any patient who requires permanent dental prostheses.
Natural Appearance:
They are also transparent and disappear behind the natural teeth as depicted in the figure below.
Biocompatibility:
Zirconia is biocompatible and it will not cause a patient to experience an allergic reaction to their gums.
Minimal Wear on Adjacent Teeth:
Porcelain is one of the materials that may sometimes lead to wear on the other teeth that bite against it. Nonetheless, zirconia is much smoother and it cannot cause such type of damage.
How to Care for Your Zirconia Crown:
Here are some tips to keep your crown in excellent condition:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene:
You should brush your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day and floss as well. Take care of the crown because it is easy to accumulate and lead to infection of the gum.
Avoid Hard Foods:
You should not bite on hard items such as ice, nuts, hard candy, etc. because zirconia crowns can be damaged as a result.
Wear a Mouth guard:
It is advisable to wear a mouth guard for those who grin in sleep or engage in contact sports activities since this construction places extra pressure on your crown.
Regular Dental Check-Ups:
Since a dental crown is fixed on any other tooth in your mouth, you are required to visit your dentist who examines if it is healthy and the other tooth as well. When you are with your dentist, the dentist evaluates your current fillings and informs you of a plan if they are deteriorated, broken, or rotten.
Limit Staining Substances:
However, since zirconia does not stain, it is advisable for a client who wants the best prosthesis to avoid typical staining products such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco that may stain the natural teeth.
In most cases, patients require a new restoration because they have chipped, fractured, or worn out their Zirconia crown.
Some signs for a replacement include:
Visible wear and tear: If the crown is worn, it might be chipped, cracked, or at times severely worn then there’s no harm in replacing that crown too.
Gum recession: In the case where gums pull back, more of the outer edge of the crown can become visible, altering the teeth’s appearance and in some instances, their usefulness.
Discomfort or pain: Dental discomfort or pain in the area of the crowned tooth can be attributed to the problems with the pulp of the underlying tooth, or with the crown.
Final Thoughts:
Zirconia crowns are a durable and long-lasting treatment option for damaged teeth, which may be chipped, worn down, or broken. When they are maintained properly, they can last for 9-14 years or even more of a functional life. Although zirconia crowns are as strong as some of the most effective ways of protecting your smile for the long term.
If you’re considering getting a zirconia crown you’re encouraged to visit SKN Cosmetic and consult with our best dental surgeon.
