What Is a Zirconia Crown?

Written by Kendall K. Morgan
Medically Reviewed by Robert Brennan, DDS on October 14, 2025
7 min read

It's a type of dental crown. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers or caps you can use when your tooth is damaged, misshapen, or decayed beyond what a filling can fix. They fully cover your tooth, helping restore its appearance and function.

Zirconia crowns are made from a strong ceramic. Many newer crowns are this type. Other types of crowns may be made from:

  • Resin
  • Metal
  • Porcelain

They can also be made from more than one material. For example, you may have crowns in your mouth made from porcelain fused to metal.

If you're in need of a dental crown, ask your dentist what material you should use and why. Crowns made of different materials may vary in their:

  • Strength
  • Appearance
  • Biologic reactivity
  • Longevity
  • Wear on other teeth

"A dentist can explain why different materials might work better in a certain part of the mouth," says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, at UCLA School of Dentistry in Los Angeles, California. Hewlett is a consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

Crowns in the back of your mouth need to be strong enough to handle a lot of force to prevent chipping or breaking, he explained. In the front, you will likely want to prioritize a crown with the most natural appearance. In general, Hewlett says, zirconia crowns have largely replaced older materials, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Zirconia is a more recent material for dental treatments. It's stronger than porcelain and some metal alloys. It also gets fewer sharp edges from normal "wear and tear" that happens over time. Its chemical name is zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). This means that it's a crystalline oxide of zirconium. Crystalline oxides contain oxygen and have an ordered, crystal structure. Zirconium is a strong metal similar to titanium.

Many things can damage your teeth, and you may need a zirconia crown. Tooth decay, injuries, and natural aging are among the leading causes of tooth damage. Grinding your teeth, a crossbite, and chewing on hard objects might cause enough damage to your teeth that you could need a crown.

Getting a zirconia crown won't help grow your natural tooth back to health, but it can prevent further decay and make your teeth look better, too. Your dentist may use a dental crown to fix many problems in your mouth. The most common are:

  • Preventing fractures in a weak tooth
  • Keeping a tooth together when it's in bad shape
  • Improving the look of your smile
  • Restoring a broken or worn-down tooth
  • Improving your bite
  • Covering large fillings, dental implants, and root canals
  • Capping misshapen or discolored teeth

Compared to porcelain crowns, zirconia crowns tend to cause less stress and damage to your other teeth when you chew. The latter might act like sandpaper when rubbing against your other teeth to cause enamel erosion. While you may have some other new options to consider, that's one of the many reasons dentists might recommend zirconia for your crowns or other dental procedures.

"Zirconia is so extremely common now," Hewlett says. "It just exploded into the industry around 15 years ago."

A 2021 study by the American Dental Association (ADA) found 99% of dentists use this crystalline mineral for natural tooth restorations. They noted that zirconia has many advantages when it comes to smoothness and strength.

 

Dental zirconia comes in different types. It may have different elements in it to make it stable. The details of its chemistry can affect its properties and how it looks.

Sometimes, zirconia is layered or used in combination with other materials, such as porcelain. Or you may have monolithic zirconia that doesn't include any other materials. Zirconia used in dentistry may have one or more colors to make it look more natural. Its chemistry can also affect how translucent it is. Ask your dentist about what specific type of zirconia your crown will contain and what that will mean for its appearance and function.

Zirconia's use in dentistry is based on its material properties, including:

  • Toughness
  • Strength
  • Resistance to fatigue or wear
  • Biocompatibility

Zirconia is more split-resistant, stiffer, and stronger than some other options. Its properties make cracking and chipping less likely, both on the surrounding teeth and the one underneath the crown. Zirconia can withstand more force while restoring your teeth and smile.

"Zirconia is really strong," Hewlett said. "It's much less susceptible to chipping and fracture than the porcelain-infused metal we used for so many decades. It's also completely bio-inert. It doesn't react with anything in the mouth."

While zirconia crowns are durable and gentle on surrounding teeth, they do have some disadvantages. The material itself doesn't easily match the color of your real teeth. So it often needs to be coated with other materials for a more natural look. According to a recent survey by the American Dental Association, about 1 in 3 dentists noted disadvantages of zirconia for matching the shade of your teeth and translucency. More than 1 in 2 noted problems with bonding or debonding. Debonding happens when a dental restoration that's bonded to your tooth enamel fails.

If you need crowns to connect a bridge and fill in for a missing tooth, porcelain fused with metal may work better to make those connections, Hewlett says. The pros and cons of zirconia compared to those of other materials will depend on your preferences and the specific dental problems your dentist is planning to fix.

Any type of crown can have disadvantages, including crowns made of zirconia. For example, if your zirconia crown doesn't fit well, it may trap bacteria under it and cause decay in the tooth.

Crowns generally cost at least $1,000, but costs can vary depending on the type of zirconia crown you need. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on whether you have dental insurance and how much it will cover. Ask your dentist and your dental insurance company for an estimate of the cost. If you're worried about the cost of your zirconia crown, check if a dental school near you offers lower-cost services or whether any other financial aid programs can help you with the costs.

Most dental crowns last 5-15 years if you treat them with care. Their longevity will depend on your oral hygiene, among other personal habits. For example, if you grind your teeth in your sleep, you might need a replacement faster than someone who doesn't. Other practices that will lessen your zirconia crown's life expectancy include:

  • Chewing ice
  • Opening packages with your teeth
  • Biting your nails
  • Bad hygiene

Crowns can fail if they chip or break, Hewlett says, "and zirconia is far more resistant to those failures than porcelain fused to metal." However, if you get decay around the edges or margins of your crown, a zirconia crown will fail just like any other type. Hewlett says they are no more or less susceptible to that type of failure.

"You would expect a [zirconia] crown in a reasonably well-maintained mouth to last at least 10 years," he says. "They certainly can last longer than that. We see crowns that have been in the mouth for 20 years, not uncommonly."

Getting a zirconia crown is no different from any other type of crown. Your dentist will get your tooth ready for the crown first. They'll take impressions or scans of your teeth to have your dental crown made. They may place a temporary crown while waiting for your zirconia crown to come in.

Hewlett says there may be "fine nuances" that are different with a zirconia crown, but "for all intents and purposes, it is the same procedure." If you've gotten a different kind of crown before, you can expect your zirconia crown procedure to be similar, even though the material is different.

Innovation in restorative dental treatment materials allows for much more efficient procedures with longer-lasting results. When applied the right way, a zirconia crown can improve your overall oral health in a heartbeat. These common dentistry elements will keep your teeth in top shape and make you feel more confident in the process.

Much like any other material, zirconia has its pros and cons. Check with your dentist if a zirconia crown will work for you. To lower the chances of needing restorative dental procedures, take care of your smile by brushing your pearly whites at least twice a day.

Zirconia crowns are used more commonly today than older materials. That's because of their strength and resistance to chipping or breaking. You still need to take good care of your teeth to avoid tooth decay or gum disease that could cause your crown to fail. Ask your dentist if they recommend a zirconia crown, and what you should consider when it comes to cost, function, or appearance based on your specific concerns and needs.

Which is better, zirconia or porcelain crowns?

The best material can depend on your specific needs. Zirconia is generally stronger and more resistant to chips or cracks than porcelain crowns.

Do zirconia crowns stain?

They can stain just like your natural teeth. But it may be easier for a dentist to remove stains from your zirconia crown, Hewlett says. Good dental hygiene is essential to keep your mouth healthy and limit stains.

Can you eat normally with zirconia crowns?

Yes.

Can zirconia crowns get cavities?

They should protect your teeth from cavities, but you can still get cavities around the edges of a crown if it doesn't fit well.

Can you be allergic to zirconia crowns?

It's unusual to be allergic to zirconia crowns, but it's possible. That's when your body reacts to the zirconia or other elements associated with your crown. Ask your dentist if you think you may be allergic to zirconia.