Need a strong, natural-looking crown—especially for back teeth or heavy biters? Zirconia crowns deliver exceptional durability with modern esthetics. At Blue Dental on the Upper East Side, we customize zirconia to your bite forces, smile shade, and gum line for a seamless result.

Why Choose Zirconia

• High strength: Excellent fracture resistance for molars and grinders/clenchers.
• Modern esthetics: New translucent zirconias look remarkably natural—far beyond older opaque versions.
• Biocompatible & metal-free: Kind to gums, no gray lines at the margin.
• Precision fit: Digital scanning and CAD/CAM design for accurate contacts and comfortable bite.

When Zirconia Is Recommended

• Heavily restored or cracked molars/premolars
• Teeth with high chewing loads or parafunction (clenching/grinding)
• Replacement of failing metal or PFM crowns
• Patients who prefer metal-free materials
• Implant crowns needing extra strength (with proper abutment planning)

Zirconia Types We Use

• Monolithic Zirconia: One piece, maximum strength; ideal for posterior teeth and bruxers.
• Translucent Zirconia: Better light transmission for a more natural look—great balance of beauty and strength.
• Layered Zirconia: Zirconia core with porcelain layering for highly detailed front-tooth esthetics when indicated.

Zirconia vs. Other Ceramics

• Zirconia: Top-tier toughness; newer formulas are esthetic enough for many smiles—especially posterior.
• Lithium Disilicate (e.g., e.max-type): Superb translucency for front teeth and many premolars; adequate strength for many cases.
• PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal): Strong but may show a dark margin over time; less translucent than modern ceramics.

How the Procedure Works

1. Exam & shade plan: Photos, bite analysis, and shade mapping tailored to your smile.
2. Conservative prep: Remove damaged structure; place a comfortable, natural-looking temporary.
3. Digital scan: Precise 3D imaging—no messy impressions.
4. Fabrication: CAD/CAM-milled zirconia, then stained/polished (or layered) for lifelike color.
5. Fit & cement: Verify margins, contacts, and bite; finalize with high-strength cement and polish.

Most cases finish in two visits after consultation.

Longevity & Care

Zirconia crowns are highly durable. Brush and floss normally (yes—floss around the crown). If you clench or grind, a night guard protects all your dentistry and natural teeth.

Sensitivity & Comfort

Mild temperature sensitivity can occur for a few days after placement and usually resolves quickly. If your bite feels “high,” we’ll adjust for instant comfort.

Cost & Insurance

Fees vary by tooth and case complexity. Most PPO plans contribute to crowns when medically necessary. We’ll verify benefits, provide a clear written estimate, and handle claims.

FAQs

Will a zirconia crown look natural?
Yes. Today’s translucent zirconias are color-matched and characterized to blend in, especially for premolars and molars.

Is zirconia too hard on opposing teeth?
Properly polished and glazed zirconia is kind to opposing enamel. We finish and adjust carefully to protect your bite.

Front tooth or back tooth?
Zirconia excels in the back. For front teeth, we may choose translucent zirconia or lithium disilicate depending on your esthetic needs.

Do I need a root canal first?
Only if the tooth’s nerve is infected or symptomatic. Many zirconia crowns go on healthy, vital teeth.

Implant crowns—zirconia or something else?
Zirconia is a great option for implant restorations. We’ll select materials and abutments based on strength, esthetics, and bite.

Ready for a Strong, Seamless Crown?

Book a zirconia crown consultation at our Upper East Side office. We’ll design a restoration that feels great and looks natural—built to last.