The difference between a zirconium crown and a metal-ceramic crown

Features of metal-ceramic crowns

The advantage of a metal-ceramic crown is that the frame is made from precious noble and non-precious alloys. The result is a super-strong base that rarely breaks. Structures made from natural materials are not attacked by microbes. Such crowns are excellent for hygienic types of prosthetics. There is no risk of damage to tissues or adjacent teeth; the material is not stained by food products. The service life of a metal-ceramic crown depends on proper care, correct installation, and the type of frame. If the base is made of gold, the design will retain its characteristics for up to 12-15 years.

Why troubles happen and what to do

Causes of problems with crowns:

• Wear
  . The old crown has expired and is time to replace it.
• Exceeding the permitted load
  . Especially relevant for ceramics or porcelain coatings.
• The material may crack due to temperature changes
  . For example, after eating ice cream, the patient washes it down with hot tea. Such actions are also harmful to natural teeth.
• The tooth under the crown is broken or rotting
  . The denture has nothing to hold onto; it falls out with the remaining part of the tooth.
• Errors of a technician
  or doctor. This may be a violation of manufacturing technology or incorrect processing of the tooth.

If the crown breaks or falls out, in the period before visiting the dentist, reduce the load on this part of the dentition as much as possible. Only a doctor will be able to assess the condition of the tissues and root of the tooth, so you should not try to put on a fallen denture yourself if it seems that everything is fine with the tooth.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal-ceramic crowns

The main difference between a zirconium crown and a metal-ceramic crown is the risk of an allergic reaction to alloys made of nickel, chromium-nickel, gold, and other components. The metal oxidizes over time under the influence of saliva, and there is a possibility that a dark border will appear at the base of the prosthesis.

Advantages:

• Versatility - prosthetics of anterior teeth, high-quality restoration of chewing teeth.
• Aesthetics - the difference between metal-ceramic crowns and real teeth is difficult to determine visually, since the shade of the veneer is carefully selected.
• Maintainability - small chips, defects can be eliminated without removing the prosthesis.
• The fit is strong, there is no risk of developing caries due to the penetration of bacteria under the structure, but the fit is inferior in accuracy to zirconium, since the metal is cast and the zirconium crown is milled.
• Increased strength.
• High biocompatibility.

The disadvantages of metal-ceramic crowns include the need for significant grinding of teeth before installation. Prosthetics are not recommended if the teeth are severely damaged.

What to choose?

When installing crowns

When choosing a material for crowns, you must be guided by the following criteria:

• Despite its excellent aesthetic qualities, zirconium loses in strength, while a competing product has a more affordable pricing policy

  reliability of the design;

• strength;
• durability;
• safety of installation and wearing;
• hypoallergenic;
• affordable price.

When analyzing metal ceramics and zirconium dioxide, a certain duality is observed.

Despite its excellent aesthetic qualities, zirconium loses in strength, while a competing product has a more affordable price policy.

An important factor is the degree of safety of the installation; in the case of a zirconium prosthesis, the tooth is subject to minimal grinding, and metal ceramics require depulpation.

Based on the information presented, the conclusion suggests itself that metal-ceramic products are more suitable for prosthetics of teeth performing the chewing function, and zirconium crowns are more suitable for the anterior teeth.

Before choosing any material, it is reasonable for the patient to consult a doctor. A specialist will help you understand this issue and advise which crown is best to install, taking into account the condition of the tooth’s bone tissue, dentin and other factors.

Metal-ceramic crowns - the disadvantage is the appearance of a black border along the gingival edge

Upon implantation

Zirconium dioxide is more suitable for prosthetics of anterior teeth

Despite the wide range of materials suitable for the manufacture of prostheses, only two types are most suitable for implantation: metal-ceramic and zirconium.

When using other options, different difficulties arise.

For example, chips and cracks appear on ceramic products, plastic tends to change tone and absorb odors, metal is generally not suitable in combination with pins.

Taking into account the advantages and features of metal ceramics and zirconium dioxide, we can summarize that the second option is more suitable for prosthetics of anterior teeth.

This is due to the light transmittance of the material, which allows you to skillfully imitate natural teeth.

If a metal-ceramic product is installed, there may be a problem with the lumen of the frame and the formation of cyanosis of the gums at the junction of the crown with the soft tissue.

Both options are ideal for prosthetics of chewing teeth. Therefore, when choosing a material for an implant, the patient should be guided by the budget and individual preferences.

Features of zirconium crowns

Zirconium dioxide crowns are a modern alternative to their analogues; they have no disadvantages or contraindications for the patient. The design is made of heavy-duty material and is 100% biocompatible, does not react with aggressive environments, and is not attacked by microbes. The main thing is the absence of a metal frame, which provokes allergies, oxidation, and the appearance of a dark stripe near the gums.

A prosthesis based on zirconium dioxide is distinguished by aesthetics, lasts 25-30 years, and does not darken. The method of its manufacture eliminates the risk of chipping, since the element is machined from a very hard monolithic block in a dental laboratory.

Zirconium crowns are made in different types:

• Monolithic - heavy-duty structures made from a whole block. Feature - the top layer is not covered with porcelain, the base and outer surface are the same. No risk of chipping.
• Classic - two-component design. The frame is made of zirconium dioxide, the top layer is porcelain lining.

The advantages of zirconium crowns over metal-ceramic ones are low-traumatic, safe prosthetics. Before installation, there is no heavy grinding of the enamel; there is no risk of injuring surrounding tissues.

What is the basis for comparing these materials?

Why does the question of which is better most often arise about artificial teeth, which contain metal-ceramics or zirconium dioxide? Both of these materials have high strength and wear resistance. They cope well with any load and are suitable for restoring chewing teeth. Modern technologies make it possible to process these materials in such a way that they look good on the teeth located in the smile zone. Yes, yes, provided that structures are created from metal-ceramics with shoulder mass and the use of really high-quality expensive material, this is possible, but we will expand on the topic a little later.

They can be used to make inlays, crowns, extended bridges, as well as fixed structures supported by implants. But that’s where the similarities, strictly speaking, end.

Disadvantages of zirconium crowns

Disadvantages of durable structures

• Installation restrictions - it is not recommended to install dentures in the anterior region due to the low transparency of the base and limited choice of shades. But if the prostheses are made using Prettau technology, there are no restrictions due to the good aesthetics and natural color of the structures.
• Chips - this disadvantage is mitigated when choosing monolithic analogues.
• High price.

Orthopedic structures should be installed by an experienced doctor, which will reduce the risks of negative consequences for the patient.

Benefits of zirconium crowns

Prostheses are lightweight and compete in strength with their metal counterparts. The patient quickly gets used to the design, which has low thermal conductivity. Does not feel discomfort when eating cold or hot foods.

Advantages:

• Biocompatibility - the inert material will not cause inflammation, gum irritation, allergies, or damage to soft tissues.
• Preservation of primary characteristics - color, structure, density, integrity do not change during operation. The material is not colored with food dyes.
• Strength - the metal-free frame is not afraid of cracks, does not bend, and the risk of chipping is minimized.
• Resistant to chewing loads - you can eat hard foods.
• Durability - at least 15 years, in practice with proper care - 25-30.
• Aesthetics - the structure of the translucent material resembles a real tooth. You can create an exact copy that cannot be distinguished from the natural series by color and density.
• Hypoallergenic - does not provoke allergies, is harmless to the body, there are no contraindications.
• Comfort - due to their low weight, perfect fit, dentures do not interfere or create pressure on the gums.

The main differences between a zirconium crown and a metal-ceramic crown

Difference between zirconium and metal-ceramic crowns:

The Axioma Dental clinic invites patients for prosthetics and correction of complex dental defects. Highly qualified doctors, modern equipment - you are guaranteed an excellent smile.

Sources:

1. Stepanov Alexander Gennadievich. Innovative concept of tooth-preserving medical technologies, 2018
2. Fadeev A. Yu. Laboratory and experimental substantiation of the possibility of using zirconium fixed dentures. Abstract. dis. for the job application scientist step. Ph.D. Specialist. 14.00.21, 2002
3. Maksimov G.V. Optimization of orthopedic treatment with metal-ceramic crowns on non-cast gold frames, 2004

Expert author:

Amiridi Marina Vladimirovna

Orthopedic dentist

The information presented in this article is provided for reference purposes and does not replace the advice of a qualified specialist.

At the first signs of illness, you should consult a doctor.

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Comparative analysis of prices for installing crowns in Moscow clinics

When comparing prices for installing metal-ceramic crowns, it is necessary to clarify that by default, patients are offered products based on base metals. If the client wants to supply a structure made using gold, the cost will increase by 1.5-2 times.

The average cost of installing a zirconium crown per tooth in Moscow is 20,000-30,000 rubles. Most dentists offer discounts on microprosthetics for the entire dentition.

The average cost of metal-ceramic overlays is 10,000-15,000 rubles per unit. If precious metals and modern ceramics in natural shades are used, the price can increase to 40,000 rubles.

It should be borne in mind that compulsory health insurance policies and most standard voluntary health insurance plans do not provide for reimbursement of the cost of installing crowns. When deciding to undergo microprosthetics, it is necessary to obtain an individual estimate from the dentist in advance with the final cost of the procedure.