If you’ve been to a dental clinic in Dubai in recent times, you’ve probably come across the term zirconia dental crowns. They’ve been all over the place in the clinic, in the recommendations of the dentists and in the online discussions of patients. Are they just another fad, though? The answer is no; the popularity of the zirconia crown in Dubai is very much grounded in reality. It’s based on actual science, on patient demand and on a change in the way people are looking at their dental care. This article looks at what makes zirconia so special and why more and more people are opting for it over other types of dental crowns.
What Is a Zirconia Dental Crown?
A zirconia dental crown is a crown made from zirconium dioxide (a ceramic). It’s placed over a tooth that’s been damaged or weakened in some way to restore its shape, size and function. It’s a completely ceramic crown (as opposed to a metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown) and, as such, has a natural tooth appearance as well as good strength.
Zirconia has been used in a medical context for many years, and its biocompatibility is well established. In dentistry, it’s a material that can be used for crowns on both the anterior and posterior teeth.
Why Are Dental Crowns So Popular in Dubai?
Dubai is a very diverse city, and people are generally quite health-conscious in terms of their appearance. A dental crown is one of the most common restorative procedures, and demand for them has been on the rise for a number of reasons.
Firstly, there’s the social and professional culture in Dubai where a healthy smile is very much the thing. A chipped tooth, a discoloured tooth or a broken tooth can have a massive impact on how you feel about yourself. A dental crown will obviously deal with that issue both functionally and from an aesthetic point of view.
Secondly, access to modern dental technology in Dubai has seen a huge improvement in the quality of dental work over the past five years. Getting a zirconia crown, for instance, is far more accurate now than it was five years ago. The use of digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology enables the dentist to design and fit the crown with a great deal of precision, which in turn reduces the number of visits required.
Thirdly, there’s greater awareness. People now know that a crown isn’t just for looks. It protects a compromised tooth, it restores the chewing function, and it can be an integral part of a full crowns and bridges treatment.
Zirconia vs Other Dental Crown Materials
There are a number of materials used for dental crowns, and each has its own merits. Here’s how zirconia stacks up.
Metal crowns are strong but look absolutely nothing like a natural tooth and are generally used on the back teeth where aesthetics aren’t as important. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are much better in terms of aesthetics, but over time the metal can show as a dark line at the gum line. All-ceramic crowns are the most aesthetic option as they look completely natural but may not be strong enough for the areas that are going to be under a lot of biting force.
A zirconia crown is strong and very natural-looking. It’s very resistant to chipping and cracking, and as there’s no metal underneath, there’s no risk of that grey line at the gum margin. It’s become one of the materials of choice for dental professionals in Dubai when fitting a crown to a patient who wants something that looks natural and is going to be durable.
Who Needs a Zirconia Dental Crown?
A zirconia dental crown may be indicated in a number of circumstances. A crown is often recommended for a tooth that has undergone a root canal, as it will protect the tooth from fracturing. A crown may also be indicated for a tooth with a large filling which has compromised the remaining tooth structure. A zirconia crown may be used to restore the appearance of a severely discoloured or misshapen tooth where other cosmetic options are not appropriate.
People who grind their teeth at night are also ideal candidates as zirconia can cope with the extra pressure better than a lot of other ceramics. For those requiring crowns and bridges as part of a full restoration, zirconia provides a consistent level of strength and esthetics throughout the arch.
The Role of Crowns and Bridges in Modern Dentistry
Crowns and bridges are still some of the most reliable ways of restoring a damaged or missing tooth. A crown is a restoration that covers a single tooth. A bridge is a restoration which uses crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap to support a false tooth in that gap. The result is that the patient can eat, speak and smile without any difficulty at all.
What’s changed is the material, really. Zirconia is now so widely available that both crowns and bridges can be made from zirconia. The result is a much more uniform appearance, especially when you’re restoring several teeth.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Getting a zirconia dental crown generally involves two visits. On the first visit, the tooth is prepared by the dentist (a bit of enamel is removed to make room for the crown), an impression is taken (either digitally or physically) and sent to the lab where the zirconia crown is fabricated.
A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth whilst the final crown is being made. On the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the zirconia crown is bonded into place. Your dentist will check the fit, the bite and the colour before the job is complete.
The process is very simple, and the majority of patients get used to their new crown within a few days.
Conclusion
The popularity of the zirconia dental crown in Dubai is not a passing trend. It is the result of a material that delivers well on strength, appearance, and longevity. Whether you need a single dental crown or a full set of crowns and bridges, zirconia offers a dependable and natural-looking solution. If you are considering a dental crown, speaking with a qualified dentist about whether zirconia suits your situation is a good starting point.
Contact Us
At Magnum Dental Clinic, we are always happy to welcome new patients and help you understand your options for crowns and bridges. Our team is here to answer your questions and walk you through every step of your treatment. We look forward to seeing you.
Magnum Dental Clinic – JLT
Shop No. 2, Indigo Tower, Cluster D, Al Thanyah Fifth, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 54 452 2332
