Zirconia Crown Problems: Key Issues, Risks, and How to Avoid Them

Are you looking at zirconia crowns? They look good. But they can have problems. This big guide will help you know what can go wrong with zirconia crowns.

What Are Zirconia Crowns?

Zirconia crowns are teeth caps made of a strong white material. Many people like them because they:

• Look like real teeth
• Have no metal
• Are very strong
• Do not stain easily

But like all teeth fixes, they are not perfect. Let’s look at the good and bad parts.

Benefits of Zirconia Crowns Before We Look at Problems

Before we talk about the problems, let’s see why many people still pick zirconia crowns:

• They are metal-free (good if you have metal allergies)
• They are very strong and can last many years
• They look more like real teeth than metal crowns
• They don’t show a dark line at the gums like some crowns do
• They can be used for front teeth or back teeth

Most Common Zirconia Crown Problems

Now, the big part. Here are the main problems people have with zirconia crowns:

1. Chipping and Breaking

Zirconia is hard but can still chip. A big study found that 6-15% of zirconia crowns had chips within 3-5 years.

This happens more with layered zirconia crowns. These have a zirconia base with a porcelain layer on top. The porcelain part can chip away.

When dentists need to adjust these crowns, they can make them weaker by grinding them. This makes them more likely to break later.

2. Fit and Feel Problems

Some zirconia crown problems come from how they fit in your mouth:

• They are very hard – this can wear down the teeth they bite against
• CAD/CAM (computer) errors can make them not fit right
• Some people feel pain or sensitivity after getting them

3. They Don’t Always Look Natural

While zirconia crowns can look good, they sometimes don’t look like real teeth:

• They can be too white or bright
• They don’t let light pass through like real teeth do
• The color can look flat or dull

Many people want full contour zirconia crowns for anterior teeth but are not happy with how they look.

4. Long-Term Problems

Over a long time, zirconia crowns can have these issues:

• They can become less strong (this is called low-temperature degradation)
• They can wear down other teeth
• Some older types can become less stable over many years

A study looking at many zirconia crowns found they have a 98.1% survival rate, but only a 94.3% success rate after 5 years. This means while most stay in place, some have problems.

The Science Behind Zirconia Crown Issues

Some problems with zirconia crowns come from how the material works:

Phase Changes

Zirconia can change its structure over time:

• It can go from monoclinic to cubic form
• This can make tiny cracks inside
• Water from your mouth can speed this up

Hard to Bond

Zirconia is smooth and does not bond well with cement. This can cause:

• Loose crowns
• Leaking at the edges
• Bacteria getting under the crown

Can Zirconia Crowns Cause Health Issues?

Most people have no health problems with zirconia crowns, but some might have:

• Gum irritation if the crown edges are not smooth
• Rare allergic reactions in some people
• Pain when biting if not fitted right

When to Choose Zirconia vs. Other Crowns

Zirconia crowns work best for:

• Back teeth where you need strength
• People who grind their teeth
• When you want no metal

Other options might be better if:

• You want the most natural look (try Emax crowns instead)
• You have limited space for a crown
• You need a crown that’s easy to adjust

For front teeth, you might look at zirconia crowns for anterior teeth to see if they meet your needs.

How to Avoid Zirconia Crown Problems

You can make your zirconia crowns last longer by:

1. Picking a good dentist who knows how to work with zirconia
2. Using a night guard if you grind your teeth
3. Not biting hard things like ice or pens
4. Getting the right kind of zirconia for where the crown will go
5. Going to check-ups to make sure the crown is still good

Cost vs. Benefit: Is Zirconia Worth It?

Zirconia crowns cost about $1,000-$2,500 per tooth.

This is more than some other crowns. But they can last longer if made well. If you want a strong, white crown with no metal, the cost may be worth it.

What People Ask About Zirconia Crown Problems

Zirconia vs. Other Dental Crown Materials

Here’s how zirconia compares to other crown types:

When to Call Your Dentist

Call your dentist if your zirconia crown has:

• Pain when biting
• A chip or crack
• Feels loose
• Gum swelling around it
• Dark spot at the edge

Who Should Avoid Zirconia Crowns?

Zirconia crowns may not be right for people who:

• Have very little tooth left
• Need a very thin crown
• Have a very strong bite or clench a lot
• Want the most natural look

Conclusion: Are Zirconia Crowns Right for You?

Zirconia crowns are strong and look good. But they can have problems like chipping, wear on other teeth, and fit issues.

They work best for back teeth where strength is most important. For front teeth, other options like layered zirconia crown might look more natural.

Talk with your dentist about if zirconia is right for your needs. Make sure you know the risks and how to care for your crown to make it last as long as possible.

Remember that no dental fix is perfect. What works best depends on your teeth, your bite, and what you want your smile to look like.