What Are Zirconia and Metal-Ceramic Teeth? A Complete Guide: Advantages, Prices, and Care

16 September 2022

What Are Zirconia and Metal-Ceramic Teeth?

The development of modern technologies has significantly changed the approach to dental prosthetics. Zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns have practically replaced older types of dental restorations that were made from various metal alloys such as steel, gold, or platinum.

Today, zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns are considered one of the most popular and effective methods for restoring teeth. Zirconia restorations are especially popular because they closely resemble natural teeth in appearance while also providing excellent strength and aesthetic results.

What Are Zirconia Teeth?

Zirconia teeth are modern dental restorations made from a highly durable and biocompatible material called zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂). Zirconia crowns do not contain metal, which means they do not cause allergic reactions and maintain a natural appearance near the gums without creating dark edges.

This material is known for its high durability and compatibility with the human body, which is why it is often used for both single tooth crowns and dental bridges. These characteristics are the reason why zirconia teeth, also known as porcelain or ceramic teeth, have become so popular among patients.

Zirconia crowns are usually recommended in cases where the tooth damage is extensive, when there is a fracture or risk of fracture, cracks on the tooth surface, large fillings, heavily restored crowns, severely discolored teeth, bruxism, or pathological tooth wear.

Zirconia Crown Procedure – Treatment Stages

The process of placing a zirconia crown consists of several stages, each of which is important to ensure a natural, aesthetic result and restore chewing function.

Step 1: Tooth Preparation
The dentist prepares the tooth by slightly reshaping its surface using special instruments so that the zirconia crown fits properly and naturally within the dental arch.

Step 2: Impression or Digital Scanning
An accurate dental impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth is taken. Based on this data, a customized zirconia crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory to match the patient’s tooth shape and color.

Step 3: Temporary Crown Placement
Until the permanent zirconia crown is ready, a temporary crown is placed on the tooth to protect it from sensitivity and damage while maintaining aesthetics.

Step 4: Crown Fitting
Once the zirconia crown is ready, the dentist checks its shape, color, and fit. Minor adjustments may be made to achieve the most natural appearance.

Step 5: Final Fixation
At the final stage, the zirconia crown is permanently fixed to the tooth using special dental cement. The result is a durable, aesthetic, and natural-looking tooth that fully restores both function and appearance.

Advantages of Zirconia Teeth

Biocompatibility – Zirconia crowns integrate well with the soft tissues of the mouth and do not irritate the gums.

Hypoallergenic – Zirconium dioxide is a hypoallergenic material similar to porcelain, which means allergic reactions are extremely unlikely.

Natural Aesthetics – Zirconia crowns are highly aesthetic and closely replicate the natural shape and color of real teeth.

Long-lasting Results – With proper care, zirconia crowns maintain their function and appearance for many years.

High Strength – The material is very strong and resistant, capable of withstanding daily chewing forces without easily cracking or breaking.

Blits Dental – Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic (located in Vera, 11 Kuchishvili Street) offers modern dental equipment and advanced methods to help patients achieve their desired smile in the fastest, most comfortable, and painless way possible.

How Long Do Zirconia Teeth Last?

Zirconia teeth are highly durable dental restorations. On average, they last 10 –15 years, and in many cases even longer. With proper fabrication and maintenance, zirconia crowns can often maintain their function and aesthetic appearance for up to 20 years.

Their longevity depends on several factors, including oral hygiene, the condition of surrounding teeth, chewing pressure, and regular dental check-ups. Patients who maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly can keep zirconia crowns strong, stain-free, and natural-looking for many years.

Zirconia Crown Care – How to Maintain Zirconia Teeth

Zirconia teeth are durable and relatively easy to maintain, but proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for long-term success. While zirconia itself is resistant to damage and discoloration, the health of the surrounding gums and natural teeth plays an important role.

Basic care rules include:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene – Brush teeth at least twice a day using a soft or medium-bristle toothbrush and quality toothpaste.

• Use dental floss – Floss helps remove plaque between teeth and prevents gum inflammation.

• Use mouthwash – Antibacterial mouth rinses help reduce bacteria and maintain gum health.

• Regular dental visits – Preventive check-ups and professional cleaning are recommended every six months.

With proper care, zirconia teeth can maintain their strength, function, and natural appearance for many years.

What Are Metal-Ceramic Teeth?

Although modern dentistry allows artificial crowns to be made from many different materials (such as porcelain, zirconium dioxide, or various metal alloys), metal-ceramic crowns remain one of the most widely used methods for tooth restoration.

Metal-ceramic teeth are dental crowns or bridges made from two layers:

• an inner metal framework for strength and durability

• an outer ceramic (porcelain) layer that provides a natural tooth-like appearance.

The metal base ensures structural strength, while the ceramic surface gives the crown a natural color and aesthetic appearance. Because of this combination, metal-ceramic restorations have long been considered a reliable and widely used solution in dentistry.

They are often used to restore severely damaged teeth or to create dental bridges when several teeth are missing, as they can withstand significant chewing forces and offer long-lasting results.

Metal-Ceramic vs Zirconia Crowns

Both metal-ceramic and zirconia crowns are widely used materials for dental restorations. The choice between them usually depends on the patient’s needs, aesthetic expectations, and oral health condition.

Metal-ceramic crowns are known for their strength and long-standing reliability. Their metal base provides durability, while the ceramic layer creates a natural appearance. However, in some cases a dark line may appear near the gum line over time due to the metal structure underneath.

Zirconia crowns, on the other hand, are completely metal-free and made entirely from zirconium dioxide. They offer a more natural appearance, greater translucency, and better aesthetic integration with natural teeth. They are also biocompatible and do not cause allergic reactions.

The final choice should always be made after consultation with a dentist, who evaluates the condition of the teeth, chewing forces, and the patient’s aesthetic expectations.

How Much Do Zirconia and Metal-Ceramic Teeth Cost?

The price of zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns depends on several factors, so the exact cost can only be determined after a consultation with a dentist. The price is influenced by:

• the condition of the tooth

• the number of required procedures

• gum and oral health

• the quality and technology of the clinic.

Blits Dental – Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic offers a modern, technologically advanced and comfortable environment tailored to each patient’s needs. Our dentists provide professional consultations and help you choose the best solution for dental prosthetics (zirconia or metal-ceramic crowns), veneers, or other treatments to achieve the desired results in the shortest possible time and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile.

Contact

You can view our prices and doctors’ work online.

To schedule a consultation, call (+995) 32 222 15 16 or book online.