Zirconia crowns are a durable dental crown option, typically used for back teeth where strength is a priority. This page explains the characteristics of zirconia crowns, how they compare to other crown types, the treatment process, costs, and risks.
All costs on this page are indicative. Full costs will be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment and may vary based on your individual case.
Strength: Zirconia crowns are among the strongest crown options, making them suited to back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.
Durability: Zirconia crowns can last up to 20 years with appropriate care, though individual longevity depends on oral hygiene, grinding habits, and the condition of the underlying tooth. Monolithic zirconia crowns (made entirely from zirconia) may offer additional durability.
Same-day fabrication: Unlike some other crown types, zirconia crowns can sometimes be designed and fabricated in-house using digital scanning and milling technology, potentially allowing placement in a single appointment. Not all dental practices offer this — Gorgeous Smiles does offer same-day zirconia crowns where clinically appropriate.
Biocompatibility: Zirconia is considered biocompatible, meaning it is less likely to cause an immune reaction than some other crown materials. However, as with any dental material, individual reactions can occur.
Wear on adjacent teeth: Zirconia is a very hard material and can cause wear on the teeth it contacts. Your dentist will consider this when recommending a crown material.
Colour matching: Zirconia crowns are more opaque than porcelain and can be harder to match to natural tooth colour. Monolithic zirconia crowns tend to be the most opaque. Crowns that combine zirconia with other materials may appear more natural. For back teeth, colour matching is less of a concern.
Cost: Zirconia crowns are among the more expensive crown options.
At Gorgeous Smiles, several crown types are available:
Resin crowns — made from dental plastic, colour-matched to natural teeth.
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns — feature a metal core with a porcelain shell, combining strength with a tooth-coloured appearance.
Stainless steel crowns — often used as temporary restorations, particularly for children.
Gold crowns — typically used for back teeth, offering durability.
Porcelain crowns — tooth-coloured and translucent, designed to match natural teeth. Resistant to staining.
Your dentist will assess your clinical situation and discuss which crown type is most appropriate based on the tooth location, your bite, and your oral health.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
Zirconia crowns cost between $1,500 and $2,000 per tooth at Gorgeous Smiles. The cost depends on the treatment required before the crown can be placed and whether you choose a monolithic zirconia crown or one made with additional materials.
Payment plans are available through AfterPay, Humm, and Zip, including interest-free options.
Your dentist examines your mouth using X-rays and digital scans to assess the tooth and determine whether a zirconia crown is appropriate. The treatment plan, cost, and alternatives are discussed.
The tooth is prepared by removing any damaged or decaying structure and shaping it to accommodate the crown. Local anaesthetic is used, though you may experience some discomfort during or after preparation. Digital scans are taken to fabricate the crown. Where same-day fabrication is possible, the crown is made in-house. If not, a temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is fabricated.
The zirconia crown is fitted, checked for comfort and bite alignment, and bonded with dental cement. Your dentist provides aftercare instructions.
Care for your zirconia crown as you would natural teeth — brush and floss daily. Avoid biting hard objects or using your teeth to open lids or bottles. If you grind your teeth, discuss a night guard with your dentist. Attend regular dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor the crown and your oral health.
All dental treatments carry risks. Risks of zirconia crown treatment include tooth sensitivity after placement, which may be temporary or in some cases persist; the possibility of the crown loosening, cracking, or failing over time; the potential need for root canal treatment if the nerve of the tooth is affected during preparation; decay developing under or around the crown if oral hygiene is not maintained; bite changes or discomfort after placement; and wear on adjacent or opposing teeth due to the hardness of zirconia. Zirconia crowns, while durable, are not guaranteed to last indefinitely — individual outcomes depend on oral hygiene, grinding habits, and the condition of the underlying tooth.
Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your case before treatment.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
If you're considering a dental crown, a consultation is the appropriate starting point. Your dentist will assess your tooth, discuss whether zirconia or another crown type is clinically appropriate, provide a treatment plan with costs, and discuss all risks involved.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
Zirconia crowns can last up to 20 years or longer with appropriate care. Individual longevity depends on oral hygiene, grinding habits, and the condition of the underlying tooth. Like all dental restorations, zirconia crowns may eventually need replacement.
Zirconia crowns are more opaque than porcelain and may look less natural, particularly on front teeth. Crowns that combine zirconia with other materials can appear more translucent. Your dentist can discuss which material is most appropriate for the tooth being treated.
Zirconia is considered biocompatible and is generally well tolerated. However, like all dental treatments, crown placement carries risks including sensitivity, potential crown failure, and wear on adjacent teeth. Your dentist will discuss all risks before treatment.
No. Zirconia crowns do not respond to whitening treatments. The shade is selected before fabrication. If you want to lighten your overall tooth colour, whitening should be done on natural teeth before the crown is made, so the crown shade can be matched to the lighter colour.
Zirconia is generally considered stronger and more durable than porcelain. However, porcelain is thinner and can replicate the translucency of natural teeth more closely. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate material based on the tooth's location and function.
Zirconia crowns can be placed on front teeth, but their opaque appearance may make them less natural-looking than porcelain alternatives. Porcelain or layered zirconia crowns are generally preferred for front teeth where aesthetics are a priority.
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.