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Cosmetic dentistry

Zirconia crown

A tooth-coloured crown with a zirconia core, made for worn, broken or discoloured teeth. On this page we explain when a crown is considered, how it is made and how to look after it so it lasts.

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Laboratuvarda seramik kronun hazırlanması (temsilî görsel)
On this page
  1. In brief
  2. What is Zirconia crown?
  3. Who may it suit?
  4. Step-by-step process
  5. Aftercare
  6. Possible risks and precautions
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. Dentists who provide this treatment
  9. Related treatments and articles

In brief

Sessions
Usually 2–3
Total time
Usually 1–2 weeks
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia
In between
Temporary crown

Durations are general information and vary from person to person. Your own timeline is written in your treatment plan after the examination.

What is Zirconia crown?

A crown is an artificial tooth surface that covers the visible part of the tooth like a cap. In a zirconia crown, the core is made of zirconia, a strong ceramic close to tooth colour; if needed, porcelain is layered over it for a natural appearance.

For the crown to fit, some of the outer surface of the tooth is reduced. The impression is taken with a digital intraoral scanner and the crown is made in a laboratory. A temporary crown protects the tooth in the meantime.

Because zirconia is strong, it can be used on front and back teeth and for bridges. As it contains no metal, it does not leave a dark line at the gum edge.

Who may it suit?

Usually considered

  • Teeth with large fillings or fractures
  • Teeth that need protection after root canal treatment
  • Worn or misshapen teeth
  • Discolouration that does not respond to whitening
  • Bridges to replace a missing tooth

Further assessment may be needed

  • Clenching or grinding at night
  • Untreated gum disease or decay
  • Teeth with very short crowns
  • Sensitivity in the nerve of the tooth to be crowned
  • Healthy teeth that are only discoloured (options needing less reduction are considered first)

A crown removes some tooth structure irreversibly. That is why options that need less reduction (fillings, veneers, whitening) are discussed first if they are suitable.

Step-by-step process

  1. Examination and planning

    The condition of the tooth and gum is assessed with an examination and X-ray. Colour, shape and your expectations are discussed.

  2. Preparing the tooth

    The tooth is numbed with local anaesthesia and reduced just enough for the crown to fit.

  3. Impression and shade

    An impression is taken with a digital intraoral scanner; a shade matching the neighbouring teeth is chosen together.

  4. Temporary crown

    A temporary crown is fitted to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

  5. Try-in

    The crown is tried in the mouth; fit, bite and appearance are checked. Adjustments are made if needed.

  6. Cementation

    Once approved, the crown is permanently bonded to the tooth and the bite is checked one last time.

  7. Check-ups

    The crown and the surrounding gum are monitored with regular check-ups.

Aftercare

The first days

  • While you have the temporary crown, avoid sticky and very hard foods; if it comes off, call us.
  • For a few days after the permanent crown, there may be slight sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • If your bite feels high, do not wait to get used to it; call us for a check.

In the long term

The crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath and the gum at its edge can become diseased. Brush the crown edges too and use floss or interdental brushes. If you clench at night, a night guard may be recommended. Avoid habits such as opening bottles or biting nails with the crown.

Possible risks and precautions

The possible risks of crown treatment are explained to you at the examination.

  • The tooth may be temporarily sensitive after reduction.
  • Rarely, the nerve of the tooth may be affected and root canal treatment may be needed later.
  • The crown may come off or its porcelain layer may chip.
  • Over time the gum may recede and the crown edge may become visible.
  • With insufficient care, decay and gum inflammation may develop at the crown edge.
  • The crown’s colour does not change later; if neighbouring teeth are whitened, a colour difference may appear.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a zirconia crown last?

It depends on oral care, clenching habits, which tooth it is on and regular check-ups. It is not possible to give an exact duration.

Does a crowned tooth change colour?

The crown’s colour does not change noticeably over time. However, neighbouring natural teeth may change colour or be whitened; in that case the difference may become noticeable.

Will I feel pain during crown treatment?

The tooth is prepared under local anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is usually not needed for the impression and try-in sessions.

Zirconia or E-max?

Both are tooth-coloured ceramic crowns. Zirconia is stronger and is often chosen for back teeth and bridges; E-max lets more light through and may look more natural on front teeth. The choice is made at the examination based on the position and condition of the tooth.

Dentists who provide this treatment

Related treatments and articles

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