Best Zirconia Crowns: 2025 Guide to Top Brands, Costs, & What Dentists Recommend
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Zirconia crowns are the strongest dental crowns you can get. Top brands like BruxZir and Prettau lead in how long they last. They cost between $1,000-$2,500. This depends on the lab quality and your dentist’s skill. Zirconia crowns work best for back teeth, people who grind their teeth, and kids. They are stronger than porcelain but may not look as natural for front teeth.
What Makes Zirconia Crowns the Best?
Unmatched Strength & Durability
Zirconia crowns are very strong. They can take up to 1,200 MPa of force. This is much more than porcelain crowns that only take 400 MPa. This means they won’t break or chip as easily.
Studies show that zirconia crowns have a 97% survival rate after two years. This makes them a safe choice for your teeth.
Zirconia does not wear down easily. It also helps stop new cavities from forming where the crown meets your tooth.
Aesthetics & Biocompatibility
Zirconia crowns can look natural. Newer types like Katana UTML are more see-through like real teeth.
They come in monolithic (one piece) or multi-layer styles. This helps them match your other teeth better.
Zirconia is hypoallergenic. This means it won’t cause allergic reactions like some metal crowns might.
Longevity
With good care, zirconia crowns can last 15+ years. This is longer than many other crown types.
A study found 0% fracture rate in zirconia compared to 4% in other types over 3 years.
Zirconia Crown Cost: Value vs. Price
The average cost for a zirconia crown is $1,000-$2,500. Front teeth often cost more because they need to look more natural.
Factors Affecting Price:
- Lab quality: Does your dentist use in-office computer design or send out to labs?
- Where you live: Costs more in big cities than in small towns.
- Crown type: One-piece crowns cost less than layered ones.
Key Questions to Ask Your Dentist
When getting a zirconia crown, ask your dentist:
- Do you make crowns in your office or send them to a lab?
- What brand of zirconia do you use?
- How do you make sure the crown will fit right?
- How long is the warranty on the crown?
Pros & Cons of Zirconia Crowns
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Last 15+ years | Less see-through than porcelain |
| No metal, won’t cause allergies | Cost more than metal-porcelain crowns |
| Need less tooth removal | Need special cement |
Alternatives to Zirconia Crowns
If zirconia isn’t right for you, you might try:
- Lithium Disilicate (e.max): Better for front teeth aesthetics. More see-through but not as strong.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Cheaper but won’t last as long.
- Gold Crowns: Not used much now, but very strong.
Caring for Zirconia Crowns
To make your zirconia crowns last:
- Use soft toothpaste, not rough kinds.
- Don’t chew ice or hard candy.
- See your dentist once a year to check the edges.
Studies show modern polished zirconia causes 50% less wear on other teeth than older types.
Clinical Data About Zirconia Crowns
| What We Measured | What We Found | Where We Found It |
|---|---|---|
| How long they last | 97% survived after two years | Study of 24 people |
| Chipping | Only 8% had small chips (vs. 22% in layered designs) | Study of 24 crowns |
| Strength | New types: 600-800 MPa; Old types: 1,200 MPa | Lab tests |
| How they look | People rated them 4.2 out of 5 for looking natural | Clinical reviews |
| Breaking | 0% broke (vs. 4% of e.max crowns) over 3 years | Study comparing crowns |
Zirconia Crowns for Different Teeth
Front Teeth
For front teeth, translucent zirconia crowns work best. Brands like Prettau and Katana UTML look more natural and see-through.
The anterior zirconia crown must look good when you smile. Studies show people are very happy with how these look.
Back Teeth
For back teeth, strength is most important. The zirconia crown molar needs to take lots of biting force.
Zirconia crowns for posterior teeth have a 0% break rate in studies. This makes them perfect for people who grind their teeth.
Special Cases: Children and Bruxism
Pediatric zirconia crowns work well for kids. They are strong and cause no allergies in 100% of cases.
For people who grind their teeth (bruxism), BruxZir is the top choice. It won’t wear down like other materials.
Zirconia Crowns vs. Other Materials
Zirconia vs. Porcelain
Zirconia is 3 times stronger than porcelain. It won’t chip as easily.
Porcelain looks more natural but breaks more often.
Zirconia vs. PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal)
Zirconia costs more but lasts longer than PFM crowns.
PFM can show a dark line at the gum over time.
Zirconia vs. Gold
Gold is very gentle on opposing teeth but doesn’t look natural.
Zirconia is almost as strong but looks like a real tooth.
Types of Zirconia Crowns
Full Contour (Monolithic)
Full contour zirconia crowns are made from one piece. They are:
- Strongest type
- Less likely to chip
- Not as see-through
Layered Zirconia
Layered zirconia crowns have porcelain on top of a zirconia base. They:
- Look more natural
- May chip more easily
- Cost more
How Zirconia Crowns Are Made
- Your dentist takes a scan or mold of your tooth.
- A computer designs the crown to fit perfectly.
- A block of zirconia is cut to match the design.
- The crown is sintered (heated) to make it strong.
- The crown is polished and may be colored to match your teeth.
The best labs use CAD/CAM technology for the most precise fit.
FAQs About Zirconia Crowns
Can zirconia crowns stain?
No, zirconia resists stains from coffee and wine very well.
Are they safe for children?
Yes! Studies show parents are very happy with zirconia crowns for their kids.
Do they wear down opposing teeth?
Modern polished zirconia wears opposing teeth much less than older types.
How long do zirconia crowns last?
With good care, they can last 15+ years, which is longer than most other crown types.
Can I get zirconia crowns for all my teeth?
Yes, but for front teeth, you might want more translucent types like Prettau or Katana UTML.
Do zirconia crowns look fake?
New zirconia materials look very natural. Only a dentist might notice the difference.
Are zirconia crowns worth the cost?
Yes, because they last longer and need fewer replacements over time.
Choosing the Right Dental Lab
Working with a quality zirconia lab is key to getting the best results. Good labs use:
- High-grade materials
- Latest technology
- Skilled technicians
Ask your dentist which lab they use and why.
Conclusion
Zirconia crowns are the strongest and most durable option for dental crowns in 2024. They cost between $1,000-$2,500 but last 15+ years with good care.
Top brands include BruxZir, Prettau, and Katana. For front teeth, more translucent types work best. For back teeth and people who grind, stronger types are better.
Studies show zirconia crowns have a 97% survival rate after two years, with only 8% showing minor chips.
Ask your dentist about which type is best for you, and remember to check if they use a quality lab and offer a good warranty.
With proper care, your zirconia crown will serve you well for many years to come!
