Metal-free crowns (zirconium)

Zirconia crowns are suitable for restoring teeth in the smile zone. It is important to note, however, that zirconium dioxide itself does not possess the same natural translucency as tooth enamel. For this reason, anterior restorations are fabricated as bi-layer (two-component) prosthetic constructions. A high-strength zirconia framework serves as the base, onto which a special ceramic layer is applied. This veneering layer provides the required level of translucency. It is then shade-matched to the patient’s natural enamel colour and, to achieve benchmark aesthetics, is further characterised with individual shading and finished with high-gloss polishing of the outer surface.

Modern aesthetic dentistry can therefore recommend not only all-ceramic but also zirconia crowns for anterior teeth. Zirconia-based restorations offer superior overall strength and longevity, although they are more expensive. Which option will be optimal in your case is something your prosthodontist at DENTART will determine after a comprehensive initial consultation.

Zirconium dioxide is an extremely strong material, which allows the crown to be made very thin (around 1 mm) while still easily withstanding all chewing loads and other mechanical forces on the molars. For posterior (lateral) teeth, DENTART in Kyiv recommends using monolithic zirconia crowns. They are made entirely from this high-strength material and do not require any additional veneering layers. As a result, such restorations are highly resistant to chipping, cracking and other types of damage.

Given all these advantages, zirconia crowns can be used to restore posterior teeth even in patients with bruxism (involuntary night-time grinding). Using ceramic or metal-ceramic alternatives in such cases increases the risk of fractures and chipping of the ceramic layer.

When choosing implant-supported restorations, patients naturally expect not only to regain full function and aesthetics of the dentition, but also to maintain these results for many years. That is why, at the prosthetic stage — when crowns or other restorations are placed — zirconium dioxide constructions are often the most reasonable choice. Like titanium, zirconia is a completely biocompatible material that does not trigger allergic reactions. In addition, zirconia crowns are characterised by very high strength and exceptional longevity, with a service life that can exceed 20 years.

Additional advantages of zirconia crowns on implants include:

1. Versatility. Zirconia is ideal for restoring posterior teeth, while zirconia crowns with a ceramic veneering layer are perfectly suited for anterior teeth.
2. Stable shape and colour. Zirconia is highly resistant to mechanical damage, wear and staining from food dyes. As a result, zirconia crowns on implants maintain impeccable aesthetics throughout their entire service life.
3. Digital 3D planning. The use of digital 3D modelling ensures not only exceptional precision of implant placement and crown fit but also additional benefits, such as the ability to preview and “try on” your future smile even before treatment begins.

Zirconia crowns differ from E-max prosthetic restorations not only in the material used (E-max crowns are made from pressed glass-ceramic). They also have different fabrication workflows and performance characteristics.

For posterior teeth, zirconia crowns are definitely the priority choice. For restorations in the smile zone, both E-max crowns and zirconia-based restorations with ceramic veneering are suitable. Which option will be best for you personally will be determined by our DENTART prosthodontist after a comprehensive initial consultation, which includes all necessary diagnostics, such as CT imaging. Compare zirconia crowns and E-max crowns:

Modern materials (zirconium dioxide) and fabrication methods (CAD/CAM technology) are gradually replacing outdated crown types. However, metal-ceramic restorations have not yet been completely pushed into the past by metal-free options. Their almost only remaining advantage is their more affordable cost.

We recommend opting for zirconia crowns, as they offer benchmark strength, full biocompatibility and superior aesthetics — including natural translucency when combined with a ceramic veneering layer — without drawbacks such as the dark gum-line margin typical of metal-ceramic restorations. For a tailored selection of the optimal prosthetic solution, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our DENTART specialist in Kyiv.Let’s compare zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns in detail:

In favour of these crowns are their undeniable strengths, i.e.:

• high strength and reliability that is as good as metal;
• excellent aesthetic properties. The zirconia variety of crowns with a special ceramic coating is perfectly harmonious in a natural dentition. All you need to do is choose the right colour, which is no problem for our experienced orthopaedists;
• durability without changing shape or colour. Such crowns are not subject to warping or staining with food colours;
• perfect biological compatibility: allergic and galvanic reactions are excluded, and the crown material does not oxidise because of constant exposure to saliva;
• low thickness (approx. 1 mm), which minimises the need for preparation when using metal-ceramic crowns;
• excellent adhesion, which minimises the risk of complications, including infection of the tissue with bacteria;
• minimum thermal conductivity of the material. As a result, you can consume hot or cold food (drinks) without fear of discomfort;
• no dark band at the gingival edge, which is characteristic of metal-ceramic crowns.