Zirconium is a white alloy found in porcelain, it gives support to the porcelain, so it has a solid structure. Since zirconium and porcelain have a completely white structure, the light transmittance is very good, it is suitable for the natural tooth structure, so it has an aesthetic structure. Nowadays, with ever-increasing aesthetic demands, attention has been paid to the aesthetics of materials used in certain areas of the mouth. Metal-supported porcelains have been used for many years for this purpose. However, new alternatives have been sought since these systems do not provide a natural appearance due to the lack of light permeability and causes allergies from time to time, as well as the gradual graying of the gums. For years, metal supported substructures under porcelain teeth were used in known classic dental work restorations.
Since this metal infrastructure has negative effects on the gums, dental tissue, general body health and aesthetic appearance of the person over time, technologies that can be developed as an alternative to metal infrastructure have begun to be researched. Having already been used in other fields of medicine, zirconium, with its tissue-friendly feature, has been incorporated in dentistry as well. With the use of zirconium in dentistry, durability close to that of metal infrastructure has been achieved. The fact that it doesn’t reflect like other medals beneath porcelain, and doesn’t cause gum discoloration, as well as its resistance to corrosion has increased the use of zirconium. With this new zirconium infrastructure, the durability in the use of metal has been ensured, and thanks to the harmony with the individual’s biology and tissue, allergic reactions caused by the metals have been eliminated. Thanks to its permeable light feature, it has eliminated the aesthetic concerns of the teeth like natural teeth.
In zirconium-based bridges without metal support, zirconium alloy, which is white in color, is used as a substructure instead of metal. With an aesthetic appearance, it is more durable and robust material. In the absence of one or more teeth, it is the process of reducing the adjacent teeth and filling the gaps by taking on support from special caps. In case of any tooth loss, the neighboring teeth begin to move towards the gap, as a result, problems such as gum problems, bone loss, aesthetic deterioration and decrease in chewing force arise in the adjacent teeth. If this gap is not treated for an extended time (by means of an implant or bridge), the neighboring teeth may also be lost. During this treatment, the dental region in question is put under anesthesia and tooth measurement is taken. Temporary teeth are affixed to the tooth surfaces so that there’s no gap until the next stage, thus preventing sensitivity in the teeth. Then gum compatibility is checked with the infrastructure rehearsal prepared in the laboratory. In the final stage, an aesthetic rehearsal is carried out. Before the bonding process, molds prepared in the form of tooth color and form decided at the beginning, are adjusted on the teeth according to the face and mouth structure, and the checks are conducted and the final stage is reached. This treatment takes approximately 7-10 days. Thanks to zirconium, which is used extensively in dentistry, great progress has been made particularly over the past decade. This material has begun to be used as an alternative to normal crown coatings. While porcelain work is normally carried out on metal in dentistry, zirconium has succeeded in replacing metal over time. It’s a tooth- and tissue-friendly material that’s more durable, providing an aesthetic appearance with its white structure. It’s used in people who are missing teeth and want to have prosthesis. It can be used in crown bridge works as well as on implant prostheses. The top of the zirconium material is coated with porcelain and ceramic, and aesthetically successful results are obtained. However, the most important feature is that it is tissue-friendly.
Porcelain tooth shapes applied on the zirconium infrastructure have become more popular because they provide more aesthetic gain for the person. They look more natural than metal-supported bridges. It’s quite resistant to chewing pressure, because it is tooth-colored, and it doesn’t reflect the gray from the gums.
With its aesthetic structure, it’s very difficult to distinguish it from natural teeth. The opaque image that occurs in metal-supported porcelains, especially in daylight and photographic flash, doesn’t occur in zirconium porcelains. Even metal-supported porcelains, which are very well made, feature a dull appearance and artificiality. Since zirconium teeth pass light, they create aesthetics that are quite similar to natural tooth structure. They’re anti-allergic materials. Frequently seen in gum diseases and gum recessions, bruised gums aren’t visible in zirconium. In metal-supported porcelain, the gums eventually take on a metallic color, whereas a gray line is formed between the porcelain starting points and gums. Such a problem is not seen in zirconium substructure porcelains. A more aesthetic appearance is provided. Since their heat insulating properties are very good, they prevent cold-hot sensitivity.
