What is Zirconium?

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 translucence 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 translucence, it has eliminated the aesthetic concerns of the teeth like natural teeth. In fact, some companies have preferred zirconium to titanium in the production of dental implants and implant superstructure. Besides implants and implant superstructures, zirconium is also used in orthodontic braces. Along with steadily developing technology, the widespread use of computer-aided design and production (CAD-CAM applications) technology in dentistry has rendered the widespread use of zirconium.

Metal-Free Zirconium-Based Bridges

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.

Zirconium Dental Caps

With advances in Aesthetic Dentistry in the 2000s, zirconium, which is highly resistant to high forces and is tooth-colored, began to be used in dentistry. Unlike conventional metal bridges, zirconium, which is a white-alloy, is used instead of metal as a substructure in zirconium systems. This state-of-the-art infrastructure is the only material that can offer aesthetics and durability together. The biggest advantage of this system is that it provides a full aesthetic appearance in the bridges in the back region with its very high durability. A new era has been ushered in dentistry with the application of zirconium, which had previously been used successfully in other fields of medicine, rather than porcelain metal. Because these new zirconium-based porcelain coatings don’t cause gum problems and allergies, as well as providing us with an aesthetic and function close to natural teeth with its translucence feature. Crowns (coatings) and bridges made by clamping porcelain on them are referred to by the abbreviated name ‘Cercon,’ which is derived from the words, ‘ceramic’ and ‘Zirconium.’ With a resistance of 900 Mpa, this system has ushered a brand-new era in dentistry by covering the highest physical values, as well as translucence, tissue compatibility and many different indications. With increasing aesthetic demands, the use of aesthetic materials in the back region is at stake. Although metal-supported porcelains have been used for this purpose for many years, the lack of translucence in these systems has led us to seek new alternatives due to the fact that they occasionally cause allergic cases and grayish coloration of the gums. The use of zirconium in dentistry has come to the fore with its durability close to that of metal infrastructure; it doesn’t reflect from beneath porcelain like other metals used, it doesn’t cause gum discoloration and being resistant to corrosion. In fact, some companies have preferred zirconium material to titanium in the construction of dental implants and abutments (implant superstructure). Apart from these, it is also used in post-core, inlay-onlay and orthodontic braces. With the spread of CAD-CAM (computer aided design and production) technology in dentistry and its use in dental laboratories, zirconium production has become widespread.

Advantages of Zirconium Crowns

Like natural tooth enamel, zirconium porcelains are semi-translucent. Therefore, they reflect some light and absorb others. Thanks to this translucence feature, a natural toothlike appearance can be obtained, especially in regard to front restorations.
Since zirconium crowns have the translucence of natural teeth, depth and vitality emerge, whereby the closest aesthetic appearance to the natural tooth is provided. Nevertheless, even if it is very well made, metal-supported porcelain reflects the dull and artificial appearance of the white coating material spread over the metal, causing aesthetic problems.
In gum recessions, metal-supported restorations create a gray appearance in the parts that connect with the tooth, while such an appearance doesn’t occur in full porcelain restorations even if the gums are recessed.
Since metal isn’t used in the infrastructure, dark lines don’t occur at the junction of the gums and the restoration.
The risk of allergy to some metals (nickel, etc.) in the metal alloy used in the infrastructure is eliminated.
Since they are bonded with special cement, they adhere better to the tooth on which they are placed, and their colors appear more natural due to the properties of the cement.

With the use of ready-made ceramic structures such as ‘zirconium’ in restorative dentistry in recent years, high durability, aesthetic vision, and not harming the gums are among the great results of zirconium teeth. The preparation process of zirconium teeth in the mouth is the same as the preparation and measurement of classic porcelain teeth. The difference starts with the lab procedure. Zirconium can be made with computer aided devices equipped with CadCam technology. In this method, measurements taken from the patient’s mouth are scanned with optical readers in the computer environment. Thanks to the drilling (frez) systems, it is cut and shaped from zirconium plates by computer, without a human touch. The data obtained with the help of the camera gets uploaded to the computer. Then designs (CAD) are created and production (CAM) is started. Crystal or zirconium is found in the infrastructure of the porcelain used in this system, thus achieving perfect aesthetic quality and naturality and reducing the production time.

Laminated Teeth – Leaf Porcelains: Laminated teeth are aesthetic structures that don’t require full covering of the teeth, but are produced by affixing leaf-shaped porcelains to the front surfaces of the teeth. In cases when laminated teeth, porcelain caps can be applied to the teeth: those who have color differences and deformities between their teeth; those whose teeth are crooked and don’t want to have braces; Those who have large fillings or fractures in their front teeth; Those who have gaps between their front teeth and aren’t satisfied with the appearance of their front teeth. In cases where the palate is too prominent, it can be applied to our patients who want a more aesthetic smile with gum surgery. Nowadays, aesthetic dentistry applications have become personalized applications. Your doctor will advise you in the healthiest way which applications are suitable for you.

Advantages of Zirconium Porcelain Dental Caps

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 are translucent, they create aesthetics that are quite similar to natural tooth structure.

• They are 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.
• Zirconium porcelains have a resistance of approximately 900 megapascals. Thanks to these features, they can be used very easily on back teeth regions.
• Zirconium is quite light compared to metal supported prostheses. They also don’t cause taste disorders in the mouth.
• While metal-supported porcelain crown-bridge (caps) are affixed mechanically to the tooth, zirconium is attached to the tooth both mechanically and chemically. Therefore, their binding power is much higher than metal supports.
• The pressure and bruises on the gums due to metal-supported porcelain crowns made previously are completely eliminated by the application of zirconium crowns, whereby an aesthetic and natural appearance is obtained.
• Zirconium preserves its aesthetic appearance even when the gums recede, while metal porcelain creates a bad appearance in the area where they join the tooth.
• It doesn’t change color due to external factors such as coffee, tea, cigarettes.
• It’s a healthy material that doesn’t cause taste disorders, gum problems or bad breath.
• Porcelains with zirconium substructure don’t carry the risk of allergy to some metals (nickel, etc.) used in the infrastructure.
• Zirconium coating surfaces provide less plaque adhesion, thus contributing to oral hygiene.
• Its insulating feature suppresses hot / cold sensitivity.
• Since it is perfectly compatible with our body, it can be used easily on people who have gum disease or who are prone to gum disease. Its compatibility with the gums is very good, and doesn’t cause gum problems if oral hygiene is given importance.

Zirconium Porcelain Capped Teeth?

It is actually a good idea to cap worn and decaying teeth. That’s because it is necessary to remove the tooth from the oral environment and sever its contact with bacteria that cause cavities. Skin color and eye color are matters to be considered. In order for teeth to highlight the appearance of the patient, the tooth should be prepared by carefully balancing all elements. Final arrangements are made in the rehearsal, taking the patient’s opinion into account.
At the last rehearsal, the patient should be asked whether he has a problem with the shape, color and size of the teeth. If necessary, the opinion of a relative is obtained and final arrangements are made whereas the closure of the teeth with each other is checked. If everything is fine, it is sent to the laboratory for finishing. Teeth that come from the laboratory in their final shape are scrutinized by the dentist. It is inserted into the mouth after making sure that the thickness in the kole parts, interfaces and gum papilla areas are well opened.
Called ‘cementation,’ this stage is very important. The medication used when bonding zirconium or porcelain teeth is shot under the gums, freezing them. The medication under the gums must be completely cleaned away.
Otherwise, it will cause gingivitis and start problems that can progress to the point of wasting all the effort. During bonding, another important issue is the exact fit of the teeth. Generally, when the cement hardens, the cap can’t be fully seated and may remain slightly elevated. In such situations, the bonding should be removed and re-glued before the cement hardens. Does it cause allergies? No, Zirconium Oxide is a tissue compatible substance that doesn’t cause allergies. Will there be recession in the gums? No, studies have shown that it’s perfectly compatible with the gums. Of course, it can’t hinder gum recession that develops naturally with age.

Metal-Free Zirconium Based Crowns and Bridges

Porcelain containing metal is gradually being abandoned in aesthetic dentistry. In this system, which has all the features we want, i.e., healthier, more aesthetic and more resistant, zirconium, which is a , is used as the infrastructure instead of metal. We prefer zirconium-based porcelains because they’re natural enough to be used on front teeth and because they’re strong enough to be used on back teeth. These systems make the lives of both physician and patient easier and increase the quality of life of those involved. In classical dental restorations, a metal substructure was used beneath the porcelain tooth for durability in porcelain applications. Since the disadvantages of this metal infrastructure, i.e., gums, dental tissue, general body health and most importantly aesthetics are known, alternatives to metal were sought in general. A new era has opened in dentistry with the application of zirconium, which has been previously used successfully instead of porcelain metal in other fields of medicine. Because these new zirconium-based porcelain caps stand out from other dental materials with their mechanical resistance, bio-compatibility and fracture resistance. It doesn’t cause gum problems and allergies, whereas its translucence allows us to achieve aesthetics and function close to natural teeth.

Where Can Zirconium Porcelain Caps Be Used?

• In single tooth crowns.
• In bridges prepared for back tooth deficiencies.
• Aesthetic crown-bridge work over the implant.

Can Teeth Be Redesigned With Computerized Technology?

While many technicians are redesigning people’s smiles, computer-assisted applications ensure that the desired teeth and smile are achieved with zero errors. CAD/CAM (computer aided design-computer design/computer aided manufacturing) means new designs on teeth with the help of computer. Individuals who aren’t satisfied with the appearance and smile of their teeth can have the natural teeth and smile they want with these advanced technology porcelain systems. Teeth restoration is conducted by the dentist and technician in the computer environment, whereas the teeth are formed from specially prepared porcelain blocks with the computerized drilling (frez) technique. The porcelain used in this system contains crystal or zirconium in its internal structure, thus achieving perfect aesthetic quality and naturalness. Until now, zirconium oxide hadn’t been used in dental applications due to high production costs. Thanks to a project developed by the Zurich Federal Institute of Technology, zirconium oxide has become economically usable in dentistry. Zirconium has been used in medicine since the 1960s, whereas long-term studies have proven the reliability of the material. Zirconium has been used for a myriad of purposes in various parts of the body, especially in hip joint prostheses, whereas it has been determined that it doesn’t have any harmful side effects, and doesn’t cause allergies. Zirconium is an element that is impervious to high temperatures, impact, light, doesn’t conduct heat and electricity, and is translucent. Moreover, it is a healthy material that doesn’t cause taste disorders, gum problems or halitosis. A wax model of your teeth is prepared on a mold prepared with the measurement taken from your teeth. A computer-assisted device prepares the infrastructure of your teeth by abrading the zirconium oxide block in line with information it acquires from the mold. The work is completed by imbedding ceramics of the appropriate color over the structures prepared by purification. Now, metal-free strong and aesthetic restorations can be successfully made with zirconium oxide, which is a new high-tech product. What are the advantages for the patient and the physician? Application time is shortened. If desired, a new smile can be provided to the person in one day. The aesthetic quality of the tooth is very high, its translucence and stance are like a natural tooth. Since the porcelain blocks used are porcelain blocks previously prepared under factory conditions, the physical properties of the material don’t change, whereas the margin of error is minimized. Since the intermediate stages are reduced, it saves time for the physician. Does hot-cold sensitivity develop? No, hot-cold sensitivity doesn’t develop. That’s because Zirconium Oxide has heat insulating properties. Does it cause allergies? No, Zirconium Oxide is a tissue compatible substance and doesn’t cause allergies. Will there be recession in the gums? No, it has been found in research that it is perfectly compatible with the gums. Of course, it can’t prevent gum recession that develops naturally with age. Since the prepared caps will be highly compatible with the teeth and gums, gum recession due to gingivitis will not develop.