One of the most frequently asked questions by patients in Dubai dental clinics is whether they should have a zirconia crown or a bridge. It’s a fairly straightforward question, but the answer is not necessarily so simple. It will depend on a number of factors, including the state of your teeth, the exact location of the damage and your long-term dental health objectives. This article will go into both options in some detail so that you can have a much more informed discussion with your dentist.
Understanding the Zirconia Dental Crown
A zirconia dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap made of zirconium dioxide (a very strong ceramic). It’s placed over a damaged tooth to restore its form, function and aesthetics. Zirconia has become the material of choice in many cases due to its strength and its natural appearance. It’s a ceramic, so there is no metal substructure and therefore no risk of dark lines appearing at the gum line as you would with some of the older types of crown.
A zirconia dental crown is generally indicated when the original tooth is still there but requires some reinforcement. This could be the case if the tooth has had a root canal, has a large cavity or is cracked. The crown will hold the tooth together and stop it deteriorating further.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis which fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is supported by the natural teeth on either side of the gap (the abutment teeth), which are prepared and crowned. A pontic (the false tooth) is then placed between the abutment teeth to fill the space.
A dental bridge will restore your ability to chew and to speak properly and will also help to prevent the adjacent teeth from moving into the space left by the missing tooth, which can lead to bite problems down the track. A zirconia bridge is a very strong restoration and will match your natural teeth in terms of appearance.
When does a dentist recommend a zirconia dental crown?
Dentists in Dubai will typically recommend a zirconia crown if the root of the tooth is in good health, but the visible portion is damaged. This would be the case with a tooth that has a large filling, a tooth that’s had a root canal, or a fractured tooth that’s still got a good root.
A zirconia crown is also a very sensible option for people who clench or grind their teeth, as it’s able to cope with the extra stress without chipping. For anterior teeth, the zirconia is very translucent, and so it’s a very common choice for people who want their crowns and bridges to look as natural as possible.
When is a dental bridge the better option?
A dental bridge is the solution when you’ve got a completely missing tooth. If there’s no root left to place a crown on, you just go with a bridge, which uses the adjacent teeth as support. That’s a classic approach in the treatment of crowns and bridges.
A dental bridge is frequently the recommended option when a patient is looking for a fixed solution rather than going down the route of implant surgery. It’s also the appropriate choice when the teeth on either side of the gap are already in need of crowns (due to decay or damage). In that situation, the bridge has a dual function in that it restores the teeth on either side and replaces the missing tooth.
Can you combine a zirconia dental crown with a dental bridge?
Yes. In fact, many of the dentists in Dubai will now fabricate their entire dental bridge from zirconia. The abutment crowns and the pontic are all zirconia, so you get a very uniform appearance and a very consistent strength throughout the bridge. So if you’re having crowns and bridges, then zirconia gives the dentist the option of using one material to do both.
This works very well in the visible smile zone where it’s all about colour match. A zirconia crown on one side and a zirconia bridge on the other side to match it will give you a result that blends in perfectly from all angles.
Crowns and Bridges: Making the Right Decision
The choice between a zirconia crown and a bridge is going to be dictated by what’s going on in your mouth. If the tooth is damaged but still has a root, a zirconia crown is the way to go. If the tooth is completely gone, then it’s a bridge or an implant that you’re looking at.
Your dentist will look at the health of the adjacent teeth, the state of your jawbone and your general oral health before making a recommendation. Crowns and bridges are not the same thing, and using the wrong one can lead to problems down the track.
Factors Dubai Patients Should Consider
Living in Dubai, you have access to a huge range of dental options, which can in turn make the decision quite difficult. A few things to bear in mind:
Budget is a factor but shouldn’t be the only factor. A lower grade crown or bridge may be cheaper initially but may end up needing replacing sooner. Zirconia in the long run is probably the best value as it’s so durable.
Your daily habits matter as well. If you’re a regular consumer of coffee, tea and the like, then zirconia will resist discolouration far better than a number of other materials. If you’re a sports person or otherwise have an active lifestyle, the fracture resistance of a zirconia crown is an additional advantage.
Conclusion
Both the zirconia dental crown and the dental bridge are used to restore your smile. The one you need is going to be determined by your individual dental situation, and the only way to find out is with a proper examination. Whether you’re after a single zirconia crown or a full dental bridge, the aim is always to achieve a healthy, functional and natural-looking result. Discuss with your dentist which of the crown and bridge options is best for you.
Contact Us
Your oral health is important, and so is you feeling heard. At Magnum Dental Clinic, we’re very keen to go through your crowns and bridges options in detail so you can make a fully informed decision. Give us a call or come in to book your consultation.
Magnum Dental Clinic – DSO
SIT Tower 101, Nr Choitram Super Market, above Baskin Robins Ice-cream, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 54 336 3340
