What is Zirconium?

What is Zirconium Coating, Why is it Done, What are its Properties?

Zirconium coating, one of the most preferred applications in aesthetic dentistry today, stands out with its superior features both functionally and aesthetically. With the development of technology in modern dentistry, patients now demand both natural-looking and durable dental restorations. Zirconium coating is one of the methods that best responds to these needs.

What is Zirconium Coating?

Zirconium coating is a dental coating procedure performed using a specially prepared ceramic-based material called zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). Since zirconium has a color and light transmittance very close to natural tooth structure, it provides excellent results in terms of aesthetics. Additionally, since it contains no metal and is biocompatible, it shows perfect harmony with oral tissues. Zirconium coatings can be applied in the form of crowns covering the entire tooth or bridges covering multiple teeth.

Why is Zirconium Coating Done?

Zirconium coating is used in different situations such as:

• Discolorations and advanced stains on teeth,
• Shape deformities or misalignments,
• Repair of teeth with decay, fracture or excessive material loss,
• Implant-supported crown applications,
• Closing gaps between teeth (diastema closure),

Additionally, zirconium coating is preferred for renewing old fillings, eliminating aesthetic problems in metal-based porcelains, and designing a more aesthetic smile. Especially in front teeth, very close results to natural tooth appearance are achieved thanks to its light-transmitting property.

What are the Properties of Zirconium Coating?

• Aesthetics and Naturalness: Zirconium provides an image very close to natural tooth enamel with its light transmittance. This way, it is not easily understood that it is an artificial tooth.
• High Durability: Zirconium ceramic is much stronger than classical porcelains and is resistant to chewing forces. It offers long-term use.
• Biocompatible Material: Zirconium is a tissue-friendly material, the risk of allergic reactions is extremely low and it provides perfect harmony with gums.
• Advantage of Not Containing Metal: While gray-purple discolorations may occur at the gum edge in metal-supported coatings over time, there is no such risk with zirconium. Even if the gum recedes, the aesthetic appearance is preserved.
• Low Risk of Bad Breath and Plaque Accumulation: Thanks to the smooth surface of zirconium, bacterial attachment is minimal. This reduces the risk of bad breath, gum disease and plaque accumulation.
• Thermal Insulation: Since it contains no metal, hot-cold sensitivity is not experienced. The heat transmitted to the nerves in the tooth decreases and provides comfortable use.
• Color Stability: Zirconium coatings do not change color over time and do not stain, thus maintaining their aesthetic appearance for many years.

Zirconium Coating Process from a Dentist's Perspective

The main points that a dentist pays attention to when applying zirconium coating are:

• General evaluation of oral and dental health,
• Good analysis of the patient's aesthetic expectations,
• Use of correct indication and tooth cutting technique,
• Precise work to preserve gum health,
• Collaboration between clinic and laboratory, careful taking of digital measurement systems or classical measurements,
• Color selection and design of tooth shape suitable for the patient.

When zirconium coating is performed by an experienced dentist, it provides trouble-free use for many years both aesthetically and functionally.

Conclusion

Zirconium coating is one of the most ideal options today for those who want both an aesthetic and healthy smile. It is frequently preferred in dentistry with its natural tooth appearance, tissue-friendly structure, long-lasting and durable nature. You can also prefer zirconium coating treatment for a healthy, bright and natural smile.