Traditionally, crowns came in three varieties: all-metal, all-porcelain (or ceramic), and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Each provides great coverage and durability, while alleviating the intense toothache caused by deep decay or fracture. However, there’s a fourth dental material that affords all of the positive attributes of the three standard materials. With zirconium, crowns offer intense strength, durability, longevity, and the all-white, natural appearance of porcelain. Zirconia is the manmade material often used as an imitation diamond in high-end costume jewelry. Dr. Peddicord offers zirconium crowns in her Ankeny dental practice. Today, she explains what zirconium offers the patient, besides toothache relief.
The Better Crown Choice
Though zirconium crowns can cause some minor friction between the surrounding teeth and the crown, that’s minor complaint in comparison to the number of benefits a zirconium crown can bring.
- Natural look. Manufactured from zirconium or zirconium oxide, these crowns have the strength of a metal crown and the natural appearance of a porcelain crowns. Their translucence and light-reflecting qualities allow them to blend beautifully with natural teeth.
- Durability and strength. Typically, crowns last roughly ten years, yet zirconium crowns could last a lifetime. Zirconia crowns resist chips and have five times the strength of porcelain or metal crowns.
- Compatible to body chemistry. Zirconium is naturally compatible with your body chemistry, which means anyone can wear one, even patients with metal allergies.
- Minimally invasive. Since zirconia crowns require less removal of your enamel, more natural tooth structure remains intact – which is conservative and always preferred.
- Cost effective. These crowns provide an affordable option, and cost about the same as a metal-based crown, yet zirconium crowns offer greater benefits that ultimately make them more cost-effective.
Peddicord Family Dentistry Offers Crown Placement
If you’re suffering from a toothache that may be caused by a deep cavity or fracture, talk to your 50021 dentist about treatment and pain relief. Dr. Peddicord can explain crown placement and help you determine whether zirconium is the right choice for your case. To schedule an appointment, call our Ankeny dentist office at (515) 963-3339. You can also visit our website to print patient forms and view a full listing of our services. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.