ZIRCONIA CROWNS

If your child has a tooth made fragile from a large filling or multiple dental procedures, our pediatric dentist  may recommend a zirconia crown. A dental crown (sometimes called a “tooth cap” by our patients) covers the entire visible portion of your child’s tooth above the gum line.

Zirconia is an extremely durable material, which means the crown can be made thinner. As a result, your child’s dentist won’t need to remove as much tooth enamel to make room for the dental crown. Many years from now, when your child needs their crown replaced, they’ll have more of their tooth left than if they had a crown made from a different material.

BENEFITS OF ZIRCONIA CROWNS

A zirconia crown is durable enough to stand up to years of wear and tear. In fact, zirconia is strong enough that it is also used for artificial joints. This tough ceramic crown also has a translucent appearance, which helps it blend in with your child’s natural teeth. For teeth that are visible when your child smiles or talks, our dentist may recommend a front tooth crown made of zirconia to help them maintain a beautiful smile. However, zirconia crowns are also strong enough to be used for molars (back teeth).

DENTAL CROWN PROCEDURE

The dental crown procedure is the same whether you decide on zirconia or a different material. During your child’s first appointment, the dentist will remove enough enamel that the crown won’t look bulky sitting on top of their tooth. Next, they will take impressions of your child’s teeth and send them to the lab where the crown will be made.