What is Zirconium Veneer?

Dental veneers are basically divided into two groups being metal-containing and metal-free. Zirconium dental veneer is a porcelain tooth veneering method with a zirconium dioxide infrastructure. They do not contain metal. Zirconium is combined with oxygen in special furnaces and converted into zirconium ceramics and used as dental veneering material. In recent years, it is a highly preferred method due to its advantages.  It generally is preferred by those who have tooth decay or those who wants a more aesthetic, whiter smile. It is widely used in anterior teeth due to its aesthetic effectiveness. It can be applied to the tooth surface or the areas of missing tooth. Gum fit is good. It is necessary to take care of the zirconium-veneered teeth as much as our natural teeth.

How is Zirconium Veneer Made?

It is a method used by dentists. First of all, the problem in the tooth is detected. Before starting the treatment, local anesthesia is administered to the relevant area of the patient so that there is no sensitivity. The teeth are reduced to the appropriate size. Impressions of the reduced teeth are taken with soft materials or digital methods. With the help of the color scale, the color of the teeth is selected according to the patient's request. Until the zirconium veneers are prepared, temporary teeth are placed in order to prevent sensitivity and not to affect the aesthetic appearance. Zirconium teeth are prepared in approximately 3 to 5 days. After the prepared teeth are approved by the patient, the temporary teeth are removed and zirconium veneers are placed. Special transparent adhesives are used to bond the tooth. Nothing should be eaten for half an hour after bonding. Regular checks are performed on the dates determined by the dentist.

Zirconium Dental Veneer Characteristics

Zirconium veneer can be applied to the upper and lower teeth. It is frequently applied for strength in the group of posterior teeth and aesthetic appearance in anterior group teeth. Zirconium dental veneers are materials with many advantages. The characteristics and advantages of them include:
 

• Their structures are quite solid as they are subjected to special kiln-drying processes.
• It is resistant to breakage, cracking and abrasion.
• It has highly resistant to corrosion.
• It has a light-permeable structure like natural tooth enamel.
• It does not contain any metal structures.
• It contributes to gum health by fitting to the gums.
• It has a natural white appearance thanks to its light-transmitting feature.
• It can be used safely for many years.
• Since it has low heat permeability, it does not cause sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Unlike metal-supported veneers, there is no taste change in the mouth.
• Thanks to its gum fit it reduces bad breath and does not leave a dark color on the gums.
• Color change is very rare compared to natural teeth.
• Allergic reactions caused by metal are prevented.
• Its surface is shiny and smooth. Therefore, it does not cause plaque accumulation.

Harms of Zirconium Dental Veneer

Zirconium is a highly preferred material today as a dental veneering material. However, in some cases its use is not preferred. Their prices are higher compared to metal-containing dental veneers. It is not suitable for use in areas with long edentulous spaces, as it may cause fractures. If the dentist's recommendations are not followed and the teeth are not cared well, the underlying teeth may decay or gum diseases may occur.

Those Who Have Zirconium Veneer

Anyone who is not satisfied with the appearance of the teeth and wants to have a more aesthetic smile can have a zirconium veneer. However, since the development of the jaw still continues in individuals who have not completed the age of 18, it should be waited and zirconium treatment should be postponed until the development is completed. Those who have zirconium veneer are mostly people with:
 

• decayed teeth,
• Teeth with a gap between the them (diastema),
• traumatized broken teeth,
• Teeth that have discolored for various reasons,
• Teeth that the whitening procedure does not help,
• missing teeth,
• Teeth with impaired aesthetics due to gingival recession,
• unaesthetic filled teeth,
• crooked teeth,
• Teeth with crowns and bridges.

Zirconium Veneer Prices

Zirconium veneer prices vary depending on the number of teeth to be applied and where they are applied.  It may be more expensive compared to metal-containing veneers. However, it has been preferred by many people recently. You can refer to the dental clinics of full-fledged hospitals to get precise information about the prices of zirconium veneer.

Lifespan of Zirconium Veneer

The lifespan of zirconium veneers varies from person to person. While some people use it for 5-10 years, some other may use it for a lifetime. Those who have regular dental examinations and pay attention to their dental health can use zirconium veneers for many years. Treatments that are not performed in the clinical setting will have a short lifespan and may be harmful for the health of the person.

Difference Between Zirconium Veneer and Laminated Veneer

The difference between zirconium veneer and laminated veneer is mainly in that they are applied to different surfaces. Zirconium veneer is a method that completely encloses the tooth. Laminate veneer, on the other hand, is a porcelain laminate method that is applied only to the front surface of the teeth and is made by thinning a small amount of teeth. In laminate veneering, every tooth is treated individually.

Difference Between Zirconium Veneer and Metal Plating

The difference between zirconium veneer and metal plating is mainly in that the supporting material of the porcelain is different. In zirconium dental veneers, there is zirconium material under the porcelain. In metal plating, there is a metal infrastructure under the porcelain. While the zirconium veneer has a light-transmitting structure and gives the teeth a natural look, metal plating have a porcelain matte white appearance. Zirconium veneers contribute to gingival health by adapting to the gum. However, metal coatings do not adapt to the gums, which in turn cause bruising on the gums. Allergic reactions arising from metal are rare with zirconium supported porcelains. Bad breath and taste disorders occur in metal plating while this is not seen in zirconium veneers.

Age Limit for Zirconium Veneers

The age limit for zirconium veneering is not certain. Zirconium veneer treatment can be applied easily in individuals who have completed their developmental age. However, since the development of the jaw still continues in individuals who are in developmental age, it should be waited and zirconium treatment should be postponed until the development is completed.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Zirconium Dental Treatment

1. Do zirconium teeth turn yellow?

Zirconium veneers do not turn yellow if cared well. However, teeth that turn yellow for some reason can be whitened again in the dental clinic setting.
 

2. Which foods cannot be consumed by people who have zirconium veneer?

People with zirconium teeth can consume any food they want. However, as for individuals with natural teeth, hard-shelled foods, sticky foods and acidic foods should be avoided as much as possible.
 

3. Can zirconium veneer be applied on the implant?

Zirconium veneer can be applied on the on-implant prostheses in the anterior region.
 

4. If the zirconium veneer needs to be removed, will the own teeth underneath be damaged?

Zirconium veneers do not damage the underlying natural teeth as they are cut and removed for replacement when desired.
 

5. Is there any pain during or after zirconium treatment?

During zirconium dental treatment, local anesthesia is applied and then temporary teeth are attached. Therefore, no pain is felt during and after the treatment.
 

6. Do zirconium veneers fall off?

Zirconium veneers, which are fixed to the natural tooth with special adhesives, do not move or fall off the tooth.

The question of what is zirconium veneer is among the most wondered topics recently. In dentistry, there are many denture  methods including zirconium veneering, metal supported veneering, crow, bridge etc. The selection of the most appropriate treatment should be made by the dentist, taking into account the expectations of the patients. If you want to have a better and healthier smile, remember to see a dentist as soon as possible.

* The Editorial Board of İsü Dent Hospital has contributed to the publication of this content.
* The contents on our website are for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at İsü Dent Hospital.