In recent years, full smile transformation with zirconium crowns and/or bridges has been gaining increasing popularity, and we can confidently say that it has become a hit among people who desire a beautiful and healthy smile.
And although zirconium has become synonymous with quality and aesthetics in dentistry, there is a big “BUT” when it comes to quality. There are many different types of zirconium constructions on the market, but their quality is NOT the same, and recently, many patients have been left disappointed.
In today’s article, we will take a detailed look at the characteristics of the material you should watch for when choosing where and with whom to undergo your dental treatment. We will answer all your questions that you have sent us recently on how to make an informed choice before starting your dental treatment.
Why is Zirconium So Preferred?
Zirconium crowns are one of the most preferred methods for correcting and/or restoring a smile, as they offer durability, aesthetics, and excellent biocompatibility.
Traditionally, the price of these constructions is higher compared to other types (such as the metal-ceramic crowns commonly used in the past). And although zirconium has been established in recent years as one of the highest-quality materials used in dental treatment, the quality and, consequently, the prices of constructions made from this material can vary significantly.
How Can We Be Sure the Material Used Is of High Quality?
This is the most common question patients ask themselves, especially when they need to compare different treatment offers. The type, price, and origin of the material are the two key characteristics by which you can determine its quality.
Zirconium constructions, which are custom-made for each patient, are produced from special blocks of medical zirconium (these are the so-called “blanks”). The cost of one such blank, which we use in our dental laboratory, Impression Lab, is several hundred euros. It is made in Germany and has all the necessary quality certificates and guarantees from the manufacturer, so we, in turn, can guarantee the quality to the patient – a standard that Impression Dent strictly adheres to.
What Is the Problem with Cheaper Alternatives?
This is another frequently asked question that is often discussed in online forums dedicated to a beautiful smile. The short answer is that the problem lies in the quality. The fact is that much cheaper blanks can be found on the market, sometimes several times cheaper than the ones mentioned above. These are usually products made in China or Turkey with extremely low quality, often lacking the necessary certificates and not meeting quality standards. Many of them are freely sold on platforms like Aliexpress and Temu.
While it is true that the cost of teeth made from these materials is significantly lower, they often cannot meet the requirements for durability or aesthetics.
Low-quality zirconium is brittle and not particularly aesthetically pleasing. In comparison, high-quality zirconium has a multilayer structure, which allows achieving a look identical to natural teeth, characterized by certain depth, translucency, etc. Let’s not forget that the strength of these teeth is remarkable – various tests show that they can withstand loads many times greater than those of a natural tooth.
The equipment and machinery in the dental laboratory also play a crucial role in the final result the patient will receive. The production of zirconium constructions requires high-tech (and often expensive) dental machines for milling and sintering. For example, the milling machine we use at Impression Lab is the latest generation, and the cost of such equipment is around 70,000 BGN.
Why Does Cheap Often End Up Being Expensive?
In our practice, we have often encountered patients who come to us after already undergoing treatment at another clinic and who need retreatment. This situation is extremely unpleasant for them, as they have to invest additional funds and time to achieve their dream smile. Therefore, our advice is to be careful in your choice and to ask your questions to become informed before starting treatment. Only in this way can you ensure that the results will meet your expectations.
