What is The Purpose of a Crown?
A crown’s job is simple: to save a tooth that’s too weak to stand on its own. Think of it as a shield that covers the tooth completely, giving it back its strength and shape. If a tooth is cracked, worn down, or treated with a root canal, a crown helps it look and work just like a natural one again.
What are The Different Types of Crowns and Their Longevity?
Not all crowns are created equal. Some are made to look super natural; some are built like little tanks. Here are some differences:
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia Crowns are the strong ones. Seriously strong. You can bite, chew, and smile without worrying about cracks or chips. They also look really natural, which is why so many people pick them. If you brush and floss them, they can easily last 15 to 25 years, or even more sometimes.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
These have been around forever. They’ve got a metal base for strength and porcelain on top to make them look like a real tooth. Sounds perfect, right? The only catch is that after a while, the metal can start to show near your gums and ruin the look a bit. They usually stick around for 10 to 15 years.
All-Porcelain Crowns
If looks are everything for you, these are gorgeous. Porcelain crowns blend in perfectly with your real teeth, especially in the front. But they’re a bit fragile, so you’ve got to treat them kindly. Expect around 10–15 years of life from these.
Gold Crowns
Okay, they’re not everyone’s favourites in terms of style, but gold crowns are basically indestructible. They don’t chip, they don’t wear down your other teeth, and they can easily last 20 years or more.
At the end of the day, zirconia crowns are the best of both worlds; they’re tough like metal but still look clean and natural. That’s why so many dentists (and patients) are obsessed with them.
How Long Do Zirconium Crowns Last?
Usually, zirconium crowns stay strong for 15 to 25 years, sometimes even longer. It really comes down to how you treat them. Brush your teeth well and floss once a day, and don’t skip the dentist. Try not to chew on ice or hard things. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, a night guard helps protect them. Look after them the way you’d care for something expensive you wear every day, and they’ll stay strong and shiny for ages.
Comparing The Different Types of Tooth Crowns and How Long They Last
|
Crown Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Zirconia |
Very durable, natural look |
Can wear other teeth |
|
PFM |
Strong, looks natural |
Metal line may show |
|
All-Porcelain |
Best for front teeth |
Can chip easily |
|
Gold |
Super strong, gentle |
Color stands out |
|
Composite |
Cheap, blends in |
Wears and stains fast |
|
|
Material |
Lifespan |
|
Zirconia |
Strong ceramic |
15-25 years |
|
PFM |
Metal + porcelain |
10-15 years |
|
All-Porcelain |
Pure ceramic |
10-12 years |
|
Gold |
Gold alloy |
20 + years |
|
Composite |
Resin |
5-10 years |
How Much Do Zirconia Teeth Cost in Turkey, The UN & The US?
In Turkey, zirconia crowns usually cost around $150 to $300 per tooth, which is pretty reasonable.
In the UK, they’re closer to £700 to £1,100.
In the US, they can go up to $1,000 to $2,500.
Prices change a lot depending on the material your dentist uses, if you need any extra work, and how the clinic sets its fees. Some use high-end zirconia or digital tools that make the fit perfect but raise the cost a bit. The best way to know for sure is to have your teeth checked and get a plan made just for you.
Features of Zirconia Crowns
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Material |
Made from high-strength zirconium oxide ceramic |
|
Durability |
Extremely strong and resistant to cracks or chips |
|
Appearance |
Looks natural with a tooth-like color and translucency |
|
Biocompatibility |
Safe for gums and doesn’t cause allergic reactions |
|
Comfort |
Smooth surface that feels natural in the mouth |
|
Stain resistance |
Doesn’t discolor easily from coffee, tea, or smoking |
|
Maintenance |
Easy to clean, same care as natural teeth |
|
Lifespan |
Lasts about 15-25 years with proper care |
The Procedure for Getting a Zirconia Crown
- The dentist checks your tooth.
- The tooth gets shaped.
- A digital scan or mould is taken.
- The scan goes to the lab.
- Milling the zirconia crown.
- Baking and colouring.
- Fitting and bonding.
- Final check.
Your dentist first takes a close look to see if your tooth really needs a crown. If it’s cracked, weak or has a root canal, then he starts. Sometimes they’ll take an X-ray just to make sure everything underneath is okay.
Next, the dentist trims your tooth a little so the crown will sit nicely on top. You’ll be numb, so you won’t feel a thing.
This part’s easy! They either use a small camera to scan your teeth or take soft moulds. It’s basically your tooth’s 3D photo so the crown can be made to fit perfectly.
That image or mould is sent to the dental lab, where technicians design your crown on a computer. They match its colour, size, and shape to your other teeth so it blends in completely.
Here’s where your crown is actually born. A special machine cuts it out from a solid block of zirconia, kind of like sculpting, but done by a precise robot.
Once it’s shaped, the crown goes into a super-hot oven to make it strong. Then it’s polished and coloured to look just like your real teeth; no one will know the difference.
When your crown is ready, you head back to the dentist. They try it on, check how it feels when you bite, and once it fits perfectly, they glue it in place with strong dental cement.
Your dentist makes sure everything feels smooth and comfortable. You bite down, smile, maybe test it a few times, and that’s it. You leave with a new, strong, natural-looking tooth that’s ready to handle anything.
What can Affect The Lifespan of a Zirconia Crown?
- Not cleaning your teeth well can make the tooth under the crown decay.
- Biting hard stuff all the time slowly wears the crown down.
- Grinding your teeth at night puts pressure and weakens them.
- If your gums pull back, the edge of the crown can start showing.
- Bad glue or loose bonding can make it fall off sooner.
- A crown that doesn’t fit right lets bacteria sneak in.
- Cheap zirconia doesn’t last as long or look as nice.
- Too much sugar or acid in your diet weakens the area around it.
- Smoking or lots of coffee can stain and hurt your gums.
- Skipping dentist visits means small problems go unnoticed.
- A hit or accident can chip or crack the crown right away.
Advantages of Zirconia Crowns
- They’re super strong and last for many years.
- Look very natural and match real teeth perfectly.
- Don’t cause allergies or gum irritation.
- Resist stains from coffee, tea, or smoking.
- Fit comfortably and feel like your teeth.
Zirconia Crowns Disadvantages
- They are more expensive than other crowns.
- Hardness may wear down nearby teeth over time.
- Colour can look slightly opaque if not layered with porcelain.
- Adjustments are harder once it’s finished.
- Needs a skilled dentist and good lab work for the best result.
Care and Maintenance of Zirconia Crown
Think of your zirconia crown like a little VIP guest in your mouth; it needs some attention, but nothing crazy. Brush it twice a day, nice and easy, with a soft brush. Don’t go scrubbing like you’re cleaning the floor. Floss around it too; that’s where tiny food bits love to hide. A quick mouthwash rinse? Even better, it keeps everything fresh and clean.
Now, don’t chew on ice or crack nuts with your teeth. And maybe go easy on the coffee and cigarettes. Otherwise, they can dull the shine over time.
Check in with your dentist every few months, just to be sure everything’s sitting right. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, get a night guard; it’s a small thing that saves your crown big time. And if one day it feels loose or weird, don’t panic; just call your dentist.
Zirconium Crown Before & After at Monarch Smile Turkey
To see more please click here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can zirconia crowns last forever?
No, nothing does. But zirconia crowns hold around 15 to 25 years.
How long do zirconia crowns last on front teeth?
Front teeth don’t do much chewing, so those crowns can stay strong for 20 years or more.
Are zirconia crowns suitable for all teeth?
Yes, they fit anywhere. They look natural in the front and are tough enough for the back.
Can zirconia crowns be whitened?
No, whitening doesn’t work on zirconia.
Are zirconia crowns pricier than other types of crowns?
They are, a bit. But you get what you pay for; they look better and last much longer.
Can zirconia crowns cause any allergic reactions?
No, they’re safe. Zirconia doesn’t cause allergies.
Can zirconia crowns crack?
Not easily, but if you grind your teeth or bite something hard, it may happen.
Will I need a root canal procedure before my tooth crown?
Only if the tooth is already damaged or infected. Otherwise, no need.
Will my zirconia crown look natural?
Yes, it will. It blends right in with your real teeth — no one can tell the difference.
Are zirconia crowns suitable for molars?
Yes, they’re perfect for molars. They handle chewing without wearing down.
Is the zirconia crown procedure painful?
No, you’ll be numb during the whole thing. You might feel a bit of pressure, but that’s it.
Sources
PubMed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38902278/
As MonarchSmileTurkey dental clinic, we are pleased to achieve results that exceed expectations even in the most difficult dental cases.
For more detailed information, please contact us or visit us at our dental clinic.
