Zirconia Crowns: What They Are and When They’re Recommended

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Your dentist says a tooth needs a crown, then asks which material you’d like. Suddenly you’re hearing about porcelain, metal and zirconia crowns, and it’s hard to know which questions to ask. That’s a very normal place to be because it’s a big decision for a tooth you want to keep.

Our team at Blue Gum Dental in Brentwood is happy to talk through that choice with you. This guide explains what a zirconia crown is and when a dentist may recommend one. It also covers what the process involves, so you can arrive at your appointment with a clearer picture.

What Is a Zirconia Crown?

A crown, sometimes called a tooth crown or cap, is a tooth-shaped covering. It fits over a tooth once your dentist has reshaped it. Dentists can make crowns from several materials, including porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy, or a mix of porcelain and metal. Zirconia is a strong ceramic, and a lab usually makes a zirconia dental crown to fit your tooth.

You may see the phrase zirconia teeth online. A zirconia crown isn’t a new tooth, though. It sits over your own tooth to protect it, and it can make that tooth stronger. Our dentists can match the colour of zirconia to your other teeth. Zirconia is also free of metal, which some people prefer.

Zirconia crowns come in more than one style. Some come from one solid block of zirconia, which is called a monolithic zirconia crown. Others have a zirconia core with a layer of porcelain on top. Each style has its own trade-offs, so our team can explain which one may suit your tooth.

When Are Crowns Recommended?

Healthdirect says a dentist may suggest a crown when a tooth is weak, damaged or has a cosmetic concern. Dentists may consider a crown in situations such as:

badly broken or cracked teeth
decay that has damaged a large part of the tooth
root canal treatment, particularly on a back tooth
a very large filling that has left the tooth weak
wear over time
stains, chips or an unusual tooth shape
a bridge that needs crowns on the teeth either side of a gap

A crown isn’t the only option, so our team looks at your tooth, bite and goals first. Depending on the situation, we may also discuss other choices such as a filling or a veneer.

When Might a Dentist Suggest Zirconia?

Choosing a crown also means choosing a material. Our team considers how much chewing force the tooth handles and how the crown will look. We also ask about your bite, any grinding habits, and any allergies or sensitivities. No single material suits every tooth, so our team may suggest a different one for you.

Back Teeth and Heavy Chewing

Because zirconia is strong, our team may consider it for back teeth, where chewing forces are higher. A 2022 review of dental zirconia reports promising results for monolithic zirconia crowns. Its authors also say more long-term research is needed, so it’s worth asking our team what the evidence currently shows. Clenching or grinding adds extra load to a tooth, which is why our team asks about those habits, too.

Front Teeth and Appearance

For front teeth, appearance often matters most. Zirconia lets less light through than some other tooth-coloured ceramics, so it can look less natural in some cases. Newer types let more light through, but the same review notes that more see-through zirconia tends to be less strong. Zirconia crowns may suit some teeth and not others, so our team will weigh up that trade-off with you.

What to Expect When You Get a Zirconia Crown

The steps for zirconia crowns are similar to those for most crown materials. A crown often takes two appointments, although our team will confirm what to expect for your tooth. Here’s how it usually goes:

Check-up and planning: Our team examines the tooth and talks through your options.
Tooth reshaping: The dentist reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown. They may use a local anaesthetic to help keep you comfortable.
Impression or scan: The dentist takes an impression or 3D scan so the lab can make your crown.
Temporary crown: A temporary crown protects the tooth while the lab makes the permanent one.
Fitting: At the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the fit, bite and colour.
Cementing: Once you’re both happy, the dentist cements the crown in place.

You may feel some discomfort afterwards, and minor adjustments at a follow-up visit are sometimes needed. If the crown feels high or uncomfortable when you bite, let our team know.

Caring for a Zirconia Crown

A crown needs the same daily care as your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day. The crown itself can’t decay, but the tooth underneath still can, so healthy gums and regular check-ups matter. At check-ups, our team can also look at the edges of the crown and the gums around it.

It also helps to avoid chewing ice or using your teeth to open packets. If you clench or grind your teeth, our team may discuss whether a nighttime grinding splint suits you.

Things to Know Before You Decide

Like any dental treatment, a crown has limits, and Healthdirect lists possible complications. These include a crown coming loose, chipping or breaking, decay around the crown, sore gums, and a poor fit. Crowns can also need replacing if they chip, fracture or no longer match the colour of your teeth.

Zirconia is also very hard, which means it can wear the tooth it bites against. Polishing the crown may help, which our team can check during your fitting. Cost is part of the decision too, so it’s worth asking our team about costs before you start.

Is a Zirconia Crown Right for Your Tooth?

Zirconia crowns are one of several crown options, and each comes with its own strengths and trade-offs. Zirconia offers strength and can be colour-matched. It can look different on front teeth, though, and more long-term research is needed.

The right choice depends on your tooth, your bite and what matters most to you. If you’d like to explore your options, you can read more about our dental crowns and bridges service.

Our team at Blue Gum Dental in Brentwood can look at your tooth and talk through your choices at your own pace. When you’re ready, book a consultation with us and bring any questions you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Zirconia Crowns Look Natural?

Our dentists can match zirconia to the colour of your other teeth. They work with the dental technician to match the shade as closely as they can. Because zirconia lets less light through than some other ceramics, the look can vary, especially on front teeth. It’s a good idea to talk through shade and material options with our team before you decide.

How Much Does a Zirconia Crown Cost?

Zirconia crown cost can vary from person to person, depending on your treatment plan. When considering the treatment, be sure to ask about costs before you start. Our team can talk you through this at your consultation.

Can a Zirconia Crown Chip or Come Loose?

Any crown can chip, loosen or need replacing at some point, as Healthdirect explains. Good daily cleaning and regular check-ups help keep the crown and the tooth underneath healthy. If your crown feels loose or your bite feels different, contact our team.

Zirconia Crown vs Porcelain: What’s the Difference?

Both are tooth-coloured ceramics, and our dentists can match either one to the colour of your other teeth. Zirconia is known for its strength, while porcelain can let more light through, which may suit some front teeth. Which one suits you depends on your tooth, your bite and your priorities. Our team can talk it through with you.