What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

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When a tooth is broken, cracked, or missing altogether, a dental crown can restore not just your smile, but also your confidence and comfort. At New Horizon Dental Center in Gilbert, AZ, our dentists are committed to helping patients reclaim their ability to eat, speak, and smile without worry. One of the most advanced solutions we provide is the zirconia implant crown, a modern alternative that is both strong and natural-looking. But what exactly are dental crowns made of, and why is zirconia often the top choice for implant restorations? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is essentially a cap that covers or replaces the visible portion of a damaged or missing tooth. Traditional crowns have been made from materials like porcelain fused to metal, full metal alloys, or ceramic. While these options are still in use today, advances in dentistry have given patients a more durable and natural-looking choice: zirconia crowns, especially when paired with dental implants.

When placed on top of an implant, a zirconia crown doesn’t just repair your smile—it restores full function so you can bite into your favorite foods with confidence.

Why Zirconia for Implant Crowns?

Zirconia is a type of ceramic made from zirconium oxide, a highly durable material known for its strength and biocompatibility. Unlike some metals, zirconia integrates well with the body and does not cause irritation. It also resists chips, cracks, and stains, making it one of the longest-lasting materials available for dental restorations.

Here are the main benefits of zirconia implant crowns:

1. Exceptional Strength

Zirconia is one of the strongest crown materials available. Because implant crowns need to withstand daily chewing forces, this strength ensures long-term success and fewer replacements.

2. Natural Appearance

Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored and highly translucent, closely mimicking the look of natural enamel. Unlike metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, they don’t leave behind a dark line at the gumline.

3. Biocompatibility

The body readily accepts zirconia, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions or gum irritation. Patients with metal sensitivities often find zirconia to be the safest, most comfortable option.

4. Long-Term Durability

Because zirconia is resistant to staining and wear, it continues to look and function beautifully for many years. With proper care, zirconia crowns can last well over a decade.

The Process of Getting a Zirconia Implant Crown

At New Horizon Dental Center, our team has helped countless patients restore their smiles with affordable, high-quality implant crowns. Here’s what you can expect if you need a zirconia crown:

  1. Implant Placement – If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant (a small titanium post) will be placed into your jawbone to act as the tooth’s root.

  2. Healing and Integration – Over time, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a strong foundation.

  3. Crown Design and Placement – Once healed, we carefully design a custom zirconia crown to match your natural teeth. This crown is then securely attached to the implant, restoring your full smile.

Are Zirconia Implant Crowns Affordable?

At private dental practices, the cost of an implant and crown can be overwhelming—sometimes reaching $4,500 per tooth. At New Horizon Dental Center, our mission is to make quality care accessible. We offer a single-tooth implant with a zirconia crown starting at just $1,540. That’s less than half of what you’d pay elsewhere.

Our goal is to ensure patients in Gilbert, AZ, and beyond can receive the life-changing treatment they deserve without the financial burden. We also provide flexible financing solutions to help keep your care within reach.

Restoring Smiles, Restoring Lives in Gilbert

Choosing a zirconia implant crown means choosing strength, beauty, and reliability for your smile. At New Horizon Dental Center, we believe everyone deserves the chance to smile with confidence again. Whether you are struggling with a damaged tooth or missing teeth, our dentists are here to help with compassionate, affordable solutions.

If you’d like to learn more about zirconia crowns or see if you’re a candidate for implant treatment, give us a call today at (480) 664-2270 or visit us in Gilbert, AZ. Together, we can rebuild your smile—and change your life.

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