What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns Made from Zirconia

Zirconia crown with porcelain

You’ve just learned that zirconia can be a little hard to match to the rest of your teeth because of the material’s opacity. That’s why some dentists will layer porcelain on top of the zirconia when making the crown.

A crown that’s composed of zirconia with a layer of porcelain will give it a more natural appearance that can be easily color-matched to your surrounding teeth.

According to some experts, the porcelain layer can make the crown a little more likely to chip or delaminate (separate into layers). That may be something to consider.

Zirconia crown cost

In general, dental crowns in general can be very pricey, costing anywhere from $800 and $1,500.

Zirconia crowns typically cost more than other types of dental crowns, such as ceramic, metal, and porcelain. They range in price from $1,000 to $2,500. Your geographic location can also affect the cost.

Your insurance company may not cover the cost of a crown. But it’s definitely worth consulting your insurance company to find out if they cover all or part of the cost of a crown, or if they cover particular types of crowns.

Other types of dental crowns

Of course, zirconia crowns aren’t your only option. Other materials commonly used in crowns include:

• ceramic

• porcelain

• metal

• composite resin

• combinations of materials, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

You’ll want to discuss the best material for your situation with your dentist. This will include how much of your natural tooth remains, the location and function of the tooth that needs the crown, the amount of gum that’ll show when you smile or talk, and the color of your surrounding teeth.

The procedure

There are two main types of procedures for installing a dental crown. Your dentist can prepare your tooth and install a temporary crown during one visit and then cement the permanent crown into your mouth during the second visit.

Or, you can have a same-day procedure if your dentist has the appropriate technology and equipment to create a zirconia crown in-office.

Two-visit procedure

The dentist will:

1. Take an X-ray of your mouth and prepare your tooth for the procedure, which may include administering local anesthetic.

2. Remove part of the outer layer of your tooth, if necessary.

3. Make an impression of your tooth.

4. Install a temporary crown over your tooth.

5. Have a dental lab make the crown from your impressions.

6. Ask you return to their office after the new crown is made so that they can cement it to your tooth.

Same-day installation

With this procedure, the dentist will:

1. Examine your mouth, take digital pictures, and prepare your tooth for the procedure, which may include administering local anesthetic.

2. Use the digital scan from the photos to create the crown in the office.

3. Cement the crown into place.

Disadvantages of having a zirconia crown

Like many other dental procedures, there can be potential disadvantages to getting a zirconia crown.

Can be hard to match

One potential disadvantage of a zirconia crown is its opaque appearance, which can make it look less than natural. This is especially true for monolithic zirconia crowns, which are made just from zirconia, although it may be less of an issue for teeth in the back of your mouth.

Potential wear on other teeth

Some dentists have been hesitant to use zirconia crowns in some circumstances for fear that the hardness of the zirconia could cause wear and tear on opposing teeth.

While that may be a concern, a 2012 study in the Journal of Dentistry found that feldspathic porcelain was much more likely than zirconia ceramic to cause wear on the enamel of opposing teeth.