How are zirconia crowns designed and prepared?

Zirconia crowns are made of a zirconium oxide material which is stronger than porcelain and metal alloys ideal for people who chew, grind the food excessively. They are biocompatible and tend to cause less stress and damage on opposing teeth. It will prevent tooth decay and improve the affected tooth’s appearance. It also resists cold and hot temperatures as well and lessens the incidence of hypersensitivity related to other crowns.

To make zirconia crowns zirconium dioxide material is used. Made of ceramic, this material is wear-resistant and more durable, which is why patients choose it more often. Before installation it requires zirconia crown preparation; ground down the required amount according to the protocol or take an impression of a patient’s teeth from the prepared tooth. After the impression is taken the dentist sends the received materials to the laboratory when, using 3D modeling, creates a tooth preparation design for a future zirconia crown. The collected data is then sent to the milling machine, where the dental crown is machined with the help of burs. After the model is created, it is sent to professional high-temperature furnaces, where the sintering process takes place and after that, the zirconia crown becomes hard adjusting to the comfort of the patient.

Preparation guidelines for zirconia crown

Zirconia crown restoration has become the better choice for dentists whose goal is to provide their patients with the most technologically advanced metal-free dental restoration. It allows for greater shade translucence and variation which also closely resemble natural teeth. Along with improved esthetics, the physical properties of zirconia also offer great strength, durability and precision-fitting restoration.

For the success of zirconia restoration as well as to have minimal chair time, it is of utmost importance that the dental professionals follow proper preparation and guidelines. Here are the more about the different zirconia crown preparation:

Preparation guidelines for anterior zirconia crowns

For, anterior zirconia crowns preparation dentist will prepare a tooth for an interior zirconia crown. There should be enough room for the wall thickness, which required a minimum of 0.3 mm and at least 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm or 1.8-2.0 mm incisal reduction. There also should be a visible and continuous circumferential chamfer with at least 0.5mm reduction at the gingival margin. Anterior zirconia crowns are also crucial to have an angle of approximately 5 degrees and a bevel is certainly not advisable for the vertical and horizontal preparation of the tooth. Lastly, all incisal edges should also be rounded.

Preparation guidelines for posterior zirconia crowns

For posterior zirconia crowns preparation, you need to make sure that there is enough room for the wall thickness to have a minimum of 0.5mm and at least between 1mm and 1.5mm or 1.5 to 2mm occlusal reduction. It must be tapered within an angle of 4 and 8 degrees. posterior zirconia crowns also a need for visible and continuous circumferential chamfer and reduction-wise, there should be at least 0.5mm at the gingival margin. Similarly, to anterior crown preparation a bevel should not be used and all occlusal edges must be rounded.