If you need a dental crown, then your dentist may provide you with several options when it comes to the crown creation and placement process. While porcelain crowns are often chosen, your dentist may also tell you that zirconia can be chosen. Zirconia is a type of white metal that is translucent like porcelain. The material has several benefits over porcelain though, so keep reading to learn about a few.

The Material Is Strong

While porcelain is often chosen for its aesthetic value, the material is not as hard or strong as steel. This means that a metallic crown is likely to last longer. This may be important when a crown is secured on one of the molars where the teeth are placed under a great deal of stress. This often leaves individuals with the difficult choice between a natural looking crown and a strong one.

If you pick a zirconia crown, then you can have an artificial tooth secured that is both strong and aesthetically pleasing. However, you should know that zirconia can wear away the enamel that sits on the teeth adjacent to the crown. This means that you should think about using a dental guard if you happen to grind your teeth at night. Speak with your dentist about having a guard made when your crown is made. 

Less Tooth Material Needs To Be Removed

If your dentist explains the difference between the different crown materials, then you may understand that porcelain crowns require the dentist to remove a good deal of the natural tooth enamel. As much as one half to one millimeter of the enamel needs to be ground off in some cases. This depends on tooth damage and the way the tooth is prepared.

In general, a good deal of enamel needs to be released from your tooth because porcelain crowns need to be fairly thick. Metal crowns do not need to be as thick and neither do zirconia varieties. This means that more of the natural dental enamel can remain intact on your tooth. This is best to retain the strength of the tooth underneath the crown. Also, if the crown needs to be removed at some point in the future, then the tooth is unlikely to be damaged when it is released from the tooth.

Another benefit of the material that can help it fit better on the tooth is the fact that zirconia can be laser etched or milled in a dental laboratory. This means that the crown can be made in a more exact fashion. Very few adjustments will be needed once the crown is cemented in place.

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