Zirconium Crowns in Turkey: Types, Prices, Procedures and Patients Reviews

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover a damaged tooth such as a fractured tooth, crooked tooth, chipped tooth, or discoloured tooth, etc., restoring its function and appearance. Dental crowns can also serve as artificial teeth and are used alongside dental implants for replacing missing teeth.

Crowns are made from different materials such as ceramics (porcelain, zirconium etc), metal and combination of metal and ceramic. Depending on the material used, ceramic dental crowns are divided into porcelain crowns, zirconium crowns, etc.

Porcelain Crown

A porcelain crown is made from high-quality porcelain - a glassy ceramic material used in making fine china. It is customized and designed to appear like natural teeth. Since it is made from porcelain material, it is translucent, glassy, aesthetically pleasing, strong and also resistant to staining.

Metal Crown

A metal crown is made from metals such as gold, palladium, chromium, nickel etc. It is strong and lasts the longest, but it is highly prone to discolouration, and it's not aesthetically pleasing, especially for anterior teeth.

All Resin Crown

All resin crowns are made from resin material, and are not as strong, being more liable to fracturing or cracking compared to other types of crowns. Hence, they are often used as temporary crowns.

Zirconium crown is a dental restoration made from zirconium oxide, and used for improving the aesthetic of the teeth. Zirconium oxide is a ceramic known for its durability and strength. It is usually placed over a dental implant or an imperfect tooth to conceal inadequacies such as weak, crooked or chipped teeth or discolouration of the teeth.

Due to the material from which it is made, zirconium crown is very strong and durable, making it one of the best crown options.

Types of Zirconium Crowns

The two major zirconium crowns available are:

• Monolithic Zirconium Crowns: They are also referred to as solid zirconium crowns. They are made using only one block of zirconium. They are known for being resilient, durable and strong. They are mostly preferred for the posteriorly located teeth (molars and premolars) because of their opaque appearance, which is not suited for front teeth and their great strength.
• Layered Zirconium Crowns: They are also known as multilayered zirconium crowns because they contain layers of zirconium, porcelain and/or other ceramic materials. They are also strong and give a better natural look compared to monolithic zirconium crowns, making them a better choice for anterior teeth.

Comparing and Contrasting Monolithic and Layered Zirconium Crown

• Strength: Monolithic zirconium crown is stronger than layered zirconium crown.
• Aesthetics: Layered zirconium crown offers a better, natural look than monolithic zirconium crown.
• Teeth Placement: Due to the strength and durability of the monolithic zirconium crown, it is best applied to the posterior teeth, but a layered zirconium crown is best applied to the anterior teeth because it offers a better aesthetic appearance.

Properties of Zirconium Crown

Zirconium crowns possess some properties or features that make them one of the best cosmetic options.

• Strength: Zirconium crown is known for its strength since it is made from zirconium oxide which is a very strong and durable ceramic material. This property makes it a suitable choice for patients who prefer the strength of their crown to the aesthetics.
• Biocompatibility: Zirconium crown does not react with the tissues of the gum, clearing the issue of allergic reactions. Therefore, it is very much biocompatible with the gum.
• Aesthetics: Zirconium crown, especially layered zirconium crown, produces a very natural appearance; it is not easily distinguishable from your normal teeth.
• Cracking: Zirconium crowns are very strong and are resistant to cracking or fracturingl.
• Discolouration: It does not get discoloured over time. However, if you consume a lot of tooth-colouring foods and drinks, such as coffee, it can get slightly stained.

Procedure For Zirconium Crown

• Dental Consultation: First, you will book an appointment with a cosmetic dentist and establish your tooth condition.
• Oral Examination: An oral examination of your teeth is carried out. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your oral cavity (mouth, teeth, gum) for any other dental diseases or abnormalities. After treatment, the particular tooth or teeth for the crown application will be thoroughly cleaned and deprived of tartar (brownish deposits on the teeth).
• Enamel Removal: A little portion of your enamel will be removed so that the crown fits well on your teeth.
• Impression: An impression of your teeth is made. The lab technician creates a model using this impression which is then further used to manufacture your crown in the laboratory.
• CAD/CAM (Computer-aided Design/Computer-aided Manufacturing): This is a technological device which gives an alternative way of manufacturing your crown. Your teeth are digitally scanned, and a model is made with special software. The information on this model is sent to the milling equipment where the crown is finally made. This takes about thirty minutes to complete.
• Temporary Crown: While your zirconium crown is being made either manually in the lab or using the CAD/CAM machine, you will be given a temporary crown.
• Placement Of The Crown: After fabrication of your dental crown, the temporary crown is removed for placement of the custom-made crown. The custom-made crown is fitted, cemented and polished. Necessary adjustments or corrections are also made. A special kind of dental cement is used to bond the crown to your tooth or teeth.

Advantages of Zirconium Crown

Zirconium crown has a lot of benefits, some of which are listed below;

• The zirconium crown is known for its strength, hence it is not easily fractured.
• It is biocompatible with the oral cavity and the body's tissues.
• It imitates the colour and translucency of your natural teeth.
• Highly durable, it lasts for a long period.
• Just a little portion of your teeth is removed, whereas in other crown types such as metal crowns, larger portions of your teeth may be removed.
• It is easily bonded to your teeth.
• It is resistant to discolouration.
• It is a good choice for people who are allergic to metals.

Disadvantages of Zirconium Crown

Although the zirconium crown is advantageous, it has its shortcomings which include:

• Cost: Zirconium crown is more expensive than most dental crown options.
• It is slightly opaque.
• Because of its strength, it can lead to wear on the surrounding teeth.
• Although very strong, it can still be fractured or cracked, especially when exposed to pressure.
• Part of your enamel will be removed which is not reversible.

How Long Does a Zirconium Crown Last?

Zirconium crowns have not been around for a long period compared to other dental crowns. It is a relatively recent innovation, with about ten years of use, so its long-term durability is still being studied.

Complications of Zirconium Crown

Possible complications that may arise following application of zirconium crowns include:

• Inflammation: Swelling of the gum could occur
• Damage to adjacent teeth due to wear from the zirconium crown.
• If the zirconium crown is not properly bonded to your teeth, it may fall off, and have to be reapplied.
• It may lead to bruxism. Bruxism simply means grinding your teeth. It can cause damage to your teeth and crown.

How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate For Zirconium Crown?

When you visit your dentist, he or she will explain to you the different options available and the one that suits you best. However, here are a few things you should look out for to determine if you need a zirconium crown:

• Damaged teeth
• Fractured, crooked or chipped teeth
• Preference for crown strength over aesthetics
• Improvement of teeth aesthetics
• Good jaw condition.

How to Care and Maintain My Zirconium Crown

Caring for your zirconium crown makes it more durable. Tips for caring for your zirconium crown include:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: You should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and flossing once daily.
• Food Consumption: Avoid biting into hard food substances, and limit your consumption of tooth-staining foods and drinks.
• If you have bruxism (teeth grinding), you should use a night guard.
• Use a mouthguard if you are playing an outdoor game.
• Dental Checkup Routine: You should visit your dentist at least once in six months.

Cost of Zirconium Crown in Turkey

Zirconium crowns are expensive, and the cost is not fixed, varying by region and country. The cost depends on the quality of the crown, the doctor's skills, and the dental clinic. However, the average cost range of zirconium crowns in Turkey is between $150 and $500, being more affordable compared to other top cosmetic dentistry destinations like the United States of America.

Why Should I Have a Zirconium Crown in Turkey?

Turkey is a good place to have your zirconium crown placed because:

• It is one of the leading countries in cosmetic and beauty surgeries
• They have top-notch equipment
• They have world-class experts
• Low cost for zirconium crown
• You can get a beautiful tourism experience
• Safe, serene and welcoming environment

Zirconium Versus Dental Veneers

Zirconium crowns and dental veneers are closely related, but they have different purposes. Zirconium crowns are used for full teeth coverage while dental veneers are used to cover a part of the teeth. zirconium crown can be used to cover dental implants but veneers cannot be used to cover dental implants. Zirconium crown is made from zirconium oxide which is a ceramic material but dental veneers are made from porcelain, metals and composite resin materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)