Zirconium or Porcelain?
Porcelain and zirconium treatments have been preferred dental coating methods for many years. Patients who are offered dental veneer treatment ask the question “Should I choose porcelain or zirconium?” The question arises. The answer to this question is not the same in every case. We will try to give detailed answers to which patients and when these treatments should be preferred.
First of all, we must accept the fact that these treatments have their own advantages and disadvantages. When deciding on the treatment option, these advantages and disadvantages should be evaluated separately for each patient.
The most common application, popularly known as porcelain veneer, is medically defined as metal-supported porcelain veneer. In this article, we will define it as porcelain dental veneer.
What is Porcelain Dental Veneer?
We see the first examples of use of porcelain in dentistry in the 18th century. Porcelain, a transparent (light-transmitting) material, is produced by mixing it with materials such as quartz, kaolin and feldspar. Porcelain, which displays an appearance close to the natural texture of the tooth; Since it is fragile, it is usually used with a metal support. In porcelain veneer treatment, which is generally known as dental ceramic, a metal bridge is usually made using gold or platinum. These materials used to increase durability increase the cost. Steel durability can be achieved by adding chromium-cobalt alloy to these materials. Nowadays, zirconium is also used for support purposes instead of metal.
Porcelain dental veneer is a treatment performed on metal supports using porcelain material. The material used is white in color. It is suitable for the human body in terms of biocompatibility. It is very durable as metal support is used in its infrastructure. It is applied for missing teeth, caries, yellowing of teeth and gum problems.
Although a very successful performance is achieved in terms of functionality, the expected naturalness may not always be achieved in terms of aesthetics. It has an opaque (light-proof) and matte structure due to its structure. For this reason, it cannot adapt to the transparent (light-transmitting) and transparent appearance of the teeth. Although highly advanced techniques are used with today’s technological possibilities, the exact harmony with the natural tooth form and color cannot be achieved due to the structure of the metal-supported material used in its infrastructure.
Porcelain dental veneers have the risk of causing gum problems over time. Since a metal infrastructure is used, it may not fully adapt to the gums. Additionally, if it does not fit properly into the gum, food residues may remain. It is one of the most important causes of gingivitis. As food residue accumulates, bad breath and tooth decay may occur.
In porcelain dental veneers, the patient’s teeth are filed, thinned and cut. Excessive thinning may be done to prevent a rough appearance. Considering the economic cost, porcelain dental veneer prices are more economical than zirconium dental veneers.
In parallel with technological developments, porcelain dental coatings, Empress in the 1990s and E-max in 2005, began to be produced and became among the porcelain dental coating options under the name E-max & Empress. It has gone even further and started to be applied in porcelain laminate dental veneers.
What is Zirconium Dental Coating?
In recent years, another alternative in dental coating treatments is zirconium dental coating treatment. Zirconium, produced with zirconium oxide, is one of the strongest materials in nature and is made harder and more durable with a special baking technique. Zirconium dental coatings are more preferred due to their higher aesthetic appearance and greater compatibility with the gums. Zirconium coatings, named after the material used, are generally designed and produced with technological design. In dentistry, it is used in the construction of porcelain veneer infrastructure, dental veneer, filling, root canal treatment, implant spacer, implant, composite resin reinforcement, crown and bridge. When the zirconia material reacts with oxygen during the process, it becomes very hard.
It is becoming increasingly common as it is a newer technology than porcelain dental veneer treatment. No metal support is used in its infrastructure. Since zirconium dental veneer treatment requires less intervention than porcelain veneer treatment, thinning and filing is less. When it comes to zirconium dental coating, the first thing that comes to mind is aesthetics and durability.
What are the differences between porcelain and zirconium?
Although both treatment methods are used in aesthetic dentistry practices; They vary in terms of functionality, material variety and pricing. You can make the best decision together with your dentist.
When choosing zirconium or porcelain, you can determine your decision from the table.
|
Zirconium coating |
Porcelain Veneer |
|
No metal support is used in its infrastructure. |
Metal support is used in its infrastructure. |
|
Since it has high light transmittance, it has a natural tooth |
Natural tooth appearance is far from the desired level. |
|
It adapts well to other teeth and gums. |
Since it does not fit properly to the teeth and gums, it may cause sores and irritation in the mouth. |
|
It is aesthetically close to natural tooth tissue. |
Aesthetically, it gives a more artificial appearance. |
|
Less damage is caused to natural teeth during their construction. |
More damage is done to natural teeth during the construction phase. |
|
Since its surface is shiny and smooth, it appears more transparent. Tartar and plaque formation is very low. |
It looks more matte. Therefore, plaque and tartar formation is higher. |
|
It does not leave a bad metal-like aftertaste in your mouth. |
It leaves a bad taste in the mouth because it contains metal. |
|
Its thin and sharp structure makes it easier to chew. |
Because it is thick and dull, chewing movements are limited and difficult. |
|
The material structure is more resistant to wear and breakage. |
Material quality may cause breakage and cracking. |
Porcelain – Zirconium Difference
The most commonly used treatment for cavities in the mouth is the bridge bridge. Although implant treatment has become widespread, sometimes implants cannot be placed in the jawbone. Financial inadequacies may also be added to this. In these cases, the best alternative treatment is bridge. Veneers may also be preferred in the treatment of extensive enamel loss seen in single teeth.
The common method of making veneers is to produce teeth by stacking porcelain on a metal substructure. The most commonly known disadvantage of this method is that it does not look aesthetic. Porcelain reflects the appearance of the metal underneath. Therefore, it creates a matte and dull appearance. In addition, since it will oxidize over time, discoloration will also appear on the gums. Metal is not biocompatible with gums.
Therefore, over time, gum borders open and food accumulates.
Zirconium can be used easily because it does not suffer from these disadvantages. Zirconium is a durable material with high light transmittance. Due to its light transmittance, it reflects the color of the underlying tooth. This creates an image that is anatomically compatible with the real tooth and an aesthetic appearance is achieved. Research has revealed that there is an organic bond between zirconium and gums.
This ensures that the fit between the gum and zirconium is almost perfect. It looks more aesthetic and there is no food accumulation. The only disadvantage of zirconium is its higher cost. Considering the duration of use, it will be seen to be more economical in the long run.
Who is Porcelain Dental Veneer Suitable for?
Porcelain dental veneers are suitable for those who need restoration on their teeth or have missing teeth. Those who are not satisfied with the color of their teeth and the space between them can achieve very successful results by having porcelain laminate veneer treatment. Although laminate veneers are suitable for front teeth, porcelain veneers are not recommended for teeth that require chewing power. Since emax & empress applications, which are porcelain veneer types, are used more widely, you can get detailed information about this subject from our dentists.
- Disadvantages of Porcelain Dental Veneer with Metal Bottom Support
- Due to its matte structure, the appearance of natural teeth cannot be achieved.
- Over time, it causes color change in the gums, making them appear purple-gray.
- If proper and effective care is not taken, bad breath may occur.
- Sensitivity problems may occur in the teeth.
- Allergic reactions may occur, especially in patients with metal allergies.
The question of zirconium or porcelain mostly preoccupies patients who are considering dental veneer treatment and especially smile design. It is unrealistic to make a choice without obtaining sufficient information about the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneer treatments. First of all, you should know this: Porcelain teeth become damaged when tooth tissue is lost; Zirconium teeth are used in smile design treatments for purely aesthetic purposes.
After a detailed examination, our dentists choose porcelain or zirconium tooth coating in line with our patients’ expectations and possibilities.
Since zirconium is very durable, it is resistant even to hard foods. Since it is a biocompatible material, it does not pose any risk of allergy and can immediately adapt to the mouth. For this reason, zirconium lasts longer, especially in large restorations such as implant-supported prosthesis and normal prosthesis.
Porcelain on metal is more economical than zirconium coating. Since zirconium coatings are prepared with 3D scanners called CAD-CAM, their costs are high.
Zirconium Tooth Price
Many factors are taken into account when determining zirconium coating prices. These;
- Quality of material
- Dentist professional experience
- High technological infrastructure of the clinic
- Number of teeth to be treated
- Treatment duration
- Macro-economic criteria (Exchange rates)
