Guidance on Zirconia Dental Crowns From Bridgeville Dentist, Dr. DiBartola
At DiBartola Dental, we understand that maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile is essential to your overall well-being. As a trusted Allegheny County dental practice, we provide attractive and highly functional dental restorations, such as zirconia dental crowns. Bridgeville restorative dentist, Dr. Wayne DiBartola and our experienced team are committed to providing exceptional dental care to patients throughout Bridgeville and surrounding communities, including Canonsburg, Brentwood, and Oakdale.
Ready to learn more about zirconia crowns? Contact our Bridgeville office at (412) 221-9440 to schedule your dental crown consultation with Dr. DiBartola.
Please note that we may or may not offer this service at our Bridgeville dental practice. To learn more about our available dental crown options, please call us at (412) 221-9440.
What Are Zirconia Dental Crowns?
Zirconia dental crowns represent the latest advancement
in dental restoration technology. Made from zirconium oxide, these durable high-performance ceramic crowns offer unparalleled strength and aesthetic appeal. At our Allegheny County dental practice, Dr. DiBartola carefully selects the highest quality zirconia materials to ensure your restoration perfectly mimics the natural translucency and color variations of your surrounding teeth.
Types of Zirconia Dental Crowns
Monolithic Zirconia Crowns
Monolithic zirconia crowns are made entirely from a single block of zirconium dioxide. These crowns offer exceptional strength and durability, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. They provide a natural look without the need for a metal base, although they may not be as translucent as some other options.
Additionally, their strength allows for thinner crowns, which require less removal of healthy tooth structure. Monolithic zirconia crowns are particularly recommended for premolars and molars, especially in patients with bruxism.
Layered Zirconia Crowns
Layered zirconia crowns combine the strength of a zirconia core with the aesthetics of porcelain. A layer of porcelain is applied over the zirconium dioxide core, allowing for greater control over the final appearance, including shade and translucency.
These crowns offer improved aesthetics compared to monolithic zirconia crowns, making them ideal for front teeth. Dentists often recommend layered zirconia crowns for incisors and canines, where aesthetics are particularly important.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Zirconia (PFZ) Crowns
PFZ crowns are similar to layered zirconia crowns but differ in their manufacturing process. A layer of porcelain is fused to a zirconium dioxide core, providing excellent durability while maintaining a natural-looking appearance. The main distinction between PFZ and layered zirconia crowns lies in how the porcelain is added to the zirconia base.
Solid Zirconia Crowns
Solid zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide enhanced with additional elements. These crowns are highly resistant to chipping and breaking, ensuring long-lasting performance. They also maintain their color over time and are well-tolerated by patients, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Solid zirconia crowns are typically recommended for molars and premolars, especially in individuals with bruxism.
CAD/CAM Zirconia Crowns
CAD/CAM zirconia crowns utilize advanced Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing technology for their fabrication. This process allows for highly precise custom-made crowns based on a digital model of the patient’s mouth. CAD/CAM technology can produce crowns more quickly than traditional methods while offering various types of zirconia, including monolithic or layered options depending on the specific needs of the patient.
Benefits of Zirconia Crowns
When you choose DiBartola Dental for your dental restoration needs, you’ll discover many benefits and numerous advantages of zirconia crowns:
- Superior Durability: Zirconia crowns boast exceptional strength that rivals natural tooth enamel, making them highly resistant to chips, cracks, and normal wear and tear. This durability makes them an excellent long-term investment in your oral health.
- Stunning Aesthetics: Our zirconia crowns are carefully crafted to match your natural tooth color and translucency. Dr. DiBartola’s attention to detail ensures that your restoration blends seamlessly with your smile, making it virtually impossible to distinguish from your natural teeth.
- Biocompatibility: We prioritize your health and safety. Zirconia is a biocompatible material that rarely causes allergic reactions or sensitivity issues, making it an excellent choice for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
- Advanced Technology: Using cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology, we can design and mill your zirconia crown with incredible precision, ensuring a perfect fit and minimal adjustments. This technology allows us to complete your restoration efficiently while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Wondering if zirconia crowns are the right choice for your smile? Call (412) 221-9440 to discuss your options with Dr. DiBartola.
Understanding the Drawbacks
While zirconia crowns offer numerous benefits, we believe in providing our patients with comprehensive information about all aspects of their dental care:
- Investment Considerations: Quality zirconia crowns represent a higher initial investment compared to traditional options, reflecting the advanced materials and technology required for their fabrication.
- Adjustment Limitations: The precise milling process and material hardness can make chairside adjustments more challenging, emphasizing the importance of accurate initial preparation and design.
- Material Properties: Though extremely durable, zirconia crowns can potentially chip under severe trauma or extreme force, making proper care and protection essential.
- Technical Considerations: The bonding process requires specific expertise and materials, which is why choosing an experienced provider like Dr. DiBartola is crucial for optimal results.
The Zirconia Dental Crown Process at DiBartola Dental
Initial Consultation and Preparation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation at our Bridgeville office. Dr. DiBartola will carefully evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if a zirconia crown is the best solution for your needs. If you’re a candidate, we’ll prepare your tooth by removing any decay and carefully shaping it to accommodate your new crown.
Digital Impressions and Temporary Protection
Using advanced digital scanning technology, we’ll create precise impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding area. These detailed scans ensure your permanent crown will fit your mouth perfectly and match your natural smile. While your custom crown is being crafted, we’ll protect your prepared tooth with a temporary crown.
Permanent Crown Placement
Once your custom zirconia crown arrives from our trusted dental laboratory, you’ll return to our office for placement. Dr. DiBartola will carefully check the fit, color match, and bite alignment before permanently securing your new crown. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures optimal comfort and aesthetics.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
We’re committed to your long-term oral health success. Our team will provide detailed care instructions and schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your crown’s condition. With proper maintenance and regular dental visits, your zirconia crown can provide years of beautiful, reliable service.
Why Choose DiBartola Dental for Your Dental Crowns
At DiBartola Dental, we bring over two decades of expertise in dental crown procedures, with Dr. Wayne DiBartola’s extensive experience and successful track record of thousands of crown placements. Our practice stays at the forefront of dental technology, utilizing digital impression systems, 3D imaging, and advanced shade-matching equipment to ensure precise, aesthetically pleasing results for every patient.
We prioritize patient comfort and convenience, offering a modern office environment, flexible scheduling options, and sedation dentistry for anxious patients. Our experienced team of dental technicians specializes in crown preparation and placement, while maintaining rigorous sterilization protocols and providing clear communication throughout your treatment journey, including same-day emergency repairs when possible.
Care and Maintenance For Dental Crowns
Proper maintenance of your zirconia crown is essential for ensuring its longevity and maintaining your oral health. Follow these detailed guidelines to protect your investment:
Daily Care Routine
- Brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Clean around the crown’s margins thoroughly to prevent bacteria buildup
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the crown’s surface
- Floss daily, using the proper technique around crowned teeth
- Consider using a water flosser for enhanced cleaning around the crown
Protection and Prevention
- Wear a custom night guard if you grind your teeth during sleep
- Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails
- Use a mouthguard during sports activities
- Schedule regular dental checkups every six months
Foods and Beverages to Watch
- Limit sticky foods that could potentially dislodge the crown
- Be cautious with very hard foods like nuts and hard candies
- Minimize consumption of staining beverages like coffee and red wine
- Rinse with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks
Warning Signs to Monitor
- Sensitivity around the crowned tooth
- Changes in your bite alignment
- Visible chips or cracks
- Looseness or movement of the crown
- Persistent discomfort when chewing
Contact our office immediately if you notice any of these issues. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications.
Crown Material Comparison Guide
Understanding the differences between crown materials can help you make an informed decision about your dental restoration. Here’s a detailed comparison of popular options:
Zirconia Crowns
- Durability: Exceptional (rated 9/10)
- Aesthetic Appeal: Excellent (rated 9/10)
- Average Lifespan: 10-15+ years
- Cost Range: $1,200-$2,500
- Best For: Any location in the mouth, especially high-pressure areas
- Insurance Coverage: Usually covered at 50-80%
Traditional Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
- Durability: Good (rated 7/10)
- Aesthetic Appeal: Good (rated 7/10)
- Average Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Cost Range: $800-$1,500
- Best For: Back teeth requiring strength
- Insurance Coverage: Usually covered at 50-80%
All-Porcelain/Ceramic
- Durability: Moderate (rated 6/10)
- Aesthetic Appeal: Excellent (rated 9/10)
- Average Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Cost Range: $800-$3,000
- Best For: Front teeth requiring optimal aesthetics
- Insurance Coverage: Usually covered at 50-80%
Full Gold
- Durability: Excellent (rated 9/10)
- Aesthetic Appeal: Limited (rated 3/10)
- Average Lifespan: 15-30+ years
- Cost Range: $800-$2,000
- Best For: Back teeth requiring maximum durability
- Insurance Coverage: Usually covered at 50-80%
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Crown Material
Functional Requirements
- Location of the tooth
- Biting/chewing forces in the area
- Amount of natural tooth structure remaining
- Opposing tooth material
Aesthetic Considerations
- Visibility when smiling
- Natural tooth color
- Gum line aesthetics
- Light transmission properties
Practical Factors
- Budget constraints
- Insurance coverage
- Timeline for completion
- Long-term maintenance requirements
At DiBartola Dental, we’ll help you evaluate these factors to select the perfect crown material for your specific situation. Call (412) 221-9440 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options with Dr. DiBartola.
Zirconia Dental Crown Cost
At DiBartola Dental, zirconia crown investments typically range from $1,200 to $2,500. Several factors influence the final cost:
- Geographic Location: As a premier Allegheny County dental practice, our pricing reflects the high standard of care and expertise you’ll receive.
- Professional Skill: Dr. DiBartola’s extensive experience and continuing education ensure optimal results.
- Laboratory Quality: We partner with top-tier dental laboratories that specialize in custom zirconia restorations.
- Additional Treatments: Supporting procedures such as root canals or periodontal care may affect the total investment.
- Insurance Coverage: We’ll help you understand your insurance benefits and explore financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are zirconia crowns better than porcelain?
Both materials have distinct advantages, but zirconia crowns often edge out traditional porcelain in terms of durability and longevity. The exceptional strength of zirconia makes it particularly suitable for patients who experience teeth grinding or heavy bite forces.
Additionally, modern zirconia crowns offer aesthetic advantages with their natural light transmission properties and customizable shade options. At DiBartola Dental, Dr. DiBartola can help determine which material best suits your specific needs based on factors like tooth location, bite forces, and aesthetic goals.
How long do zirconia crowns last?
With proper care and maintenance, zirconia crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. The actual lifespan depends largely on factors such as oral hygiene practices, bite forces, and regular dental check-ups.
Dr. DiBartola and our team provide comprehensive care instructions and ongoing support to help maximize the longevity of your restoration. We recommend scheduling regular check-ups at our Bridgeville office to monitor your crown’s condition and address any concerns early.
Do zirconia crowns look like real teeth?
Modern zirconia crowns offer remarkably natural-looking results that can be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. The material’s translucent properties allow light to pass through similar to natural tooth enamel, creating a lifelike and natural appearance throughout.
At DiBartola Dental, we take precise shade measurements and work with expert ceramists to customize every aspect of your crown, from color gradients to surface texture. This attention to detail ensures your restoration seamlessly integrates with your smile.
Can zirconia crowns turn yellow?
Zirconia crowns maintain their color exceptionally well and are highly resistant to staining compared to natural teeth and other restoration materials. The non-porous nature of zirconia means that surface stains from coffee, wine, or tobacco are less likely to penetrate the material.
However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings at our office will help ensure your crown retains its beautiful appearance. Dr. DiBartola can provide specific care recommendations based on your lifestyle and habits.
Experience Excellence in Dental Restoration, Call Now!
Looking for quality crown treatment in the Bridgeville area? Trust DiBartola Dental to provide exceptional care and stunning results. Dr. DiBartola and our skilled team serve patients throughout Bridgeville, Canonsburg, Brentwood, Oakdale, and surrounding Allegheny County communities.
Take the first step toward your restored smile – call (412) 221-9440 today to schedule your consultation at our Bridgeville office.