Can Zirconia Dental Crowns Crack?
Has your dentist recently recommended you consider a dental crown? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the purpose of a dental crown is to strengthen a natural tooth that needs repair but that does not have enough healthy tooth to fix with other approaches. A dental crown is an artificial tooth that is used to cover the natural tooth that has become compromised. Dental crowns can be used to strengthen or repair fractured, cracked or broken natural teeth. Recently, zirconia dental crowns have become a popular choice among dental providers. This is because zirconia crowns can last for decades with proper care and routine dental checkups. Below is more information on the durability and longevity of zirconia dental crowns.
What is a Zirconia Crown?
Zirconia dental crowns are made from Zirconia dioxide, a metal oxide, making them incredibly strong. Zirconia crowns were first used in dental practice in 2010 and have become increasingly popular since. Unlike porcelain crowns that have a metal frame, zirconia crowns don’t require any metal substructure for stability, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result. Additionally, zirconia is resistant to wear and difficult to crack.
How Long Do Zirconia Crowns Last?
Zirconia crowns are incredibly strong, durable, and resistant to fractures. In fact, many dental professionals will tell you that zirconia is the strongest non-metallic material for crowns. Therefore, dental crown providers believe zirconia crowns are the most durable dental crown available. With proper maintenance, including daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups a zirconia crown can last 10 years to several decades.
Can Zirconia Crowns Crack?
One of the biggest benefits of zirconia is its strength and durability, however zirconia crowns can fracture. Most often the reason for the fracture involves issues with the manufacturing or handling of the crown. Here are some of the most common causes of zirconia crown factures:
- Poor prep design: It is important that the laboratory have the right measurements for the crown and enough space to work with. Another issue is dental providers will prepare the tooth for a high quality zirconia restoration, but use another zirconia product instead. This can create issues with the right placement and fit. Another prep design issue is leaving sharp corners or edges on the natural tooth which can create a point of contact or friction between the natural tooth and the crown.
- Poor material handling: Often fractures may be caused by poor material handling in the dental lab where the crown is being made or by the dental provider installing the crown. For example, a provider can cause a zirconia crown fracture by drilling on the crown while trying to adjust the crown fit.
- Poorly made crown: The most common reason a zirconia crown fractures is simply that it has been made too thin. The thickness of the zirconia crown has a big impact on its strength.
While zirconia crowns can fracture, it is very rare if your dental provider is skilled with dental restorations and uses a high quality lab for their restoration materials. If you are considering repairing a cracked or broken tooth, have a conversation with your provider today about zirconia dental crowns.