A dental crown is the most effective way to save a tooth if it is worn down, cracked, or chipped. A crown helps to preserve the natural tooth’s size, shape, and strength. Metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics are among the most common materials used to make dental crowns. Another optional material, zirconia, has grown in popularity as a material for dental restorations. Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide. Its ceramic properties, as well as the fact that it is milled from a single block, make it a strong dental prosthetic. The procedure for placing a zirconia crown is essentially the same as for a traditional crown.
As part of our comprehensive general dentistry services, Cunning Dental Group specializes in custom dental crowns that restore both function and aesthetics.
During the first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged areas of the tooth. After that, impressions of the prepared teeth are taken. Your new restoration is then created by a trained technician based on your unique oral anatomy. The tooth will be prepared by your dentist by removing the temporary crown and cleaning the surrounding area. Dental cement will be used to attach the crown to your natural tooth. Once it’s in place, your dentist will make any minor adjustments needed to ensure that it fits your bite comfortably.
Types of Zirconia Crowns:
There are three types of zirconia crowns available: solid zirconia, layered zirconia, and high translucent zirconia:
- Solid zirconia, also known as “monolithic zirconia” is more stable than high translucent zirconia, making it more resistant to the impact of chewing forces. Monolithic restorations are best placed in the back of the mouth due to their high opacity. It’s also great for covering up darkened dental preps from previous dental treatments, like a post and core or an implant-supported restoration.
- Layered zirconia is more translucent and opalescent, making it ideal for anterior crowns. These layered porcelains provide the realistic translucence required for front teeth restorations. Lithium disilicate ceramic is layered on top to create layered zirconia. Both solid and layered zirconia crowns have the same strength and consistency as traditional restorations, but these have far better aesthetics.
- High translucent zirconia is much more durable than porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations, while still retaining a natural, vibrant translucency. High translucent zirconia saves the patient’s time because no shading liquids or drying time is required. Restorations will always appear natural due to their inherent natural fluorescence under any lighting condition.
Several factors influence deciding which type of crown is right for you. These considerations include the location in your mouth where the crown will be implanted, the condition being treated, as well as your individual lifestyle and budget.
The advantages of zirconia dental crowns:
- Zirconia crowns do not contain any metal, making them biocompatible. This means they are less likely to cause the body to react or produce an immunological response such as inflammation.
- You won’t have to worry about developing the common grey line around the edge of the tooth that is often seen with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
- Zirconia crowns are strong enough to withstand the impact of chewing and biting forces applied by the back teeth.
- They are more split-resistant, stiffer, and stronger than glass ceramics and dental composites.
- Zirconia dental crowns require less tooth structure to be removed in order to be placed.
For Montclair patients, Cunning Dental Group offers dental crowns that combine superior strength, durability, and natural aesthetics for a smile that looks and functions beautifully for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a zirconia crown?
A zirconia crown is a dental cap made from zirconium dioxide, a strong, biocompatible ceramic. It restores a damaged, cracked, or heavily filled tooth while blending in with your natural teeth. Zirconia is prized for its strength and durability, making it a popular alternative to metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Zirconia vs. porcelain crowns — what’s the difference?
Zirconia crowns are significantly stronger and more fracture-resistant, which makes them ideal for molars and patients who grind their teeth. Traditional porcelain (and porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns can offer slightly more translucency for a natural look on front teeth, but modern translucent zirconia now closes much of that aesthetic gap while remaining far more durable.
What are the types of zirconia crowns?
There are two main types. Solid (monolithic) zirconia is milled from a single block for maximum strength — best for back teeth. Layered or translucent zirconia has a more lifelike, light-transmitting appearance better suited to front teeth where aesthetics matter most.
Are zirconia crowns good for front teeth?
Yes. High-translucency zirconia is designed specifically for front teeth, mimicking the light-reflecting quality of natural enamel while keeping zirconia’s strength. Your dentist will recommend the right type based on the tooth’s visibility and function.
What are the disadvantages or problems with zirconia crowns?
Zirconia’s main trade-offs are that solid zirconia can be slightly more opaque than porcelain (less of an issue with newer translucent versions), and its hardness means it must be carefully adjusted so it doesn’t wear opposing teeth. When placed by an experienced dentist, these issues are easily managed.
How long do zirconia crowns last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, zirconia crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years or more, and often outlast other crown materials thanks to their fracture resistance.
Dr. Serino is the lead dentist at Cunning Dental in Montclair, CA with over 16 years of experience providing exceptional general, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. As a licensed California dentist, he combines advanced clinical training with a deeply compassionate, patient-first philosophy, ensuring each visit is comfortable, transparent, and tailored to individual needs. Dr. Serino is committed to building lasting relationships within the Montclair community, offering trusted, high-quality dental services for individuals and families throughout the area.