Yes, you can switch from a gold crown to zirconia if the tooth structure and fit are suitable.
Years back, a gold crown was just the thing to get. Folks used to be all right with the grin of a shiny metal tooth. They were selling the idea of a super-tough and durable tooth.
Most likely, you’ve gone through your mirror reflection and came up with a great dislike of the metal teeth of yore. These days, the task of transporting metal crown patients thrives every month, who come to Turkey for their replacement after a metal crown upgrade. And you probably are just the same kind of patient.
It is a question of whether a glued-on gold crown can be changed to a new zirconia crown.
Crowns can be changed. Therefore, it seems. I will explain the method that ensures a risk-free operation of that nature.
The Architecture of a Crown Replacement
Look at a gold crown as if it were a heavy steel safe. Imagine it preventing any liberty to your tooth. You may only relax, being assured that it is safe, but you would also find it ugly and bulky. Zirconia is a totally different story. It reminds one of the heat shield on a spaceship, for instance. Apart from that, it is inconceivably strong, safe for your body, and last but not least, it reflects light exactly like a human tooth.
Besides cosmetic considerations, in Lema Dental Clinic‘s clinical practice, these were recorded as the top three prompting factors for people wanting to change their crowns: firstly, the dislike of the metal look, secondly,y the exposure of the dark line of the metal due to shrinking of the gums, and finally, ly the wearing down of natural teeth by the hard gold.
Removing the Gold: A Safe and Gentle Process
We never just yank or pull an old crown. What a risky thing to do! Your natural tooth underneath is so very precious that we should save every tiny piece of it, says Prof. Dr. Coşkun Yıldız several times.
Then, by directing a small and sharp instrument at the gold, we make a tiny incision. We gradually and very gently open the metal until the old adhesive gives way. The crown gracefully slides off without any forceful pull.
Your Smile Makeover in Turkey
The following is a list of what is typically seen during your clinic visit:
- Rapid Digitization: We don’t need to cover your teeth with the paste. A 3D camera is utilized to take exact shots of your teeth.
- Personalized Carving: Your new crown is carved with precision from a piece of zirconia by the lab. This gives the crown maximum strength.
- Flecking: The white shade is matched exactly to the real teeth. No one will tell the difference.
- Bonding: Special glue allows the crown to be permanently fixed to the tooth.
Comparing Your Options: Gold vs. Zirconia
| Feature | Old Gold Crown | New Zirconia Crown |
| Looks | A dull metal shine | A nice natural tooth look |
| Strength | Extremely difficult to break | Extremely difficult to break |
| Body Safety | May have the side effect of a metal allergy | Absolutely no metal: Fine. |
| Hot and Cold | Feeling of being hot and cold instantly | Insulation against hot and cold |
| Gum Health | Might irritate and discolor the gums | Smooth white surface: Painless gums |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We are very careful. We cut the metal and break the glue. Your real tooth stays completely safe the whole time.
You will not feel pain. We numb the area very well. When you leave the chair, you will have a safe, temporary tooth covering the area until the real one is ready.
At Lema Dental Clinic, it takes just a few days. We make the crowns right here in our own lab. You will have plenty of time to enjoy a nice vacation in Istanbul.
Yes, it is. Dentists call it “ceramic steel.” It handles hard chewing very well. It is a great choice for the back teeth.
Yes! Gums love zirconia. It has zero metal. If your gums are red or dark from the old gold, they will often heal fast after the switch.
- Al-Amleh, B., Lyons, K., Swain, M., & Payne, A. G. (2010). Clinical trials in zirconia: a systematic review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 37(8), 641-652.
- Denry, I., & Kelly, J. R. (2008). State of the art of zirconia for dental applications. Dental Materials, 24(3), 299-307.
- Guess, P. C., Schultheis, S., Bonfante, E. A., Coelho, P. G., Ferencz, J. L., & Silva, N. R. (2011). All-ceramic systems: laboratory and clinical performance. Dental Clinics of North America, 55(2), 333-352.
- Miyazaki, T., Nakamura, T., Matsumura, H., Ban, S., & Kobayashi, T. (2013). Current status of zirconia restoration. Journal of Prosthodontic Research, 57(4), 236-261.
- Rekow, E. D., Silva, N. R., Coelho, P. G., Zhang, Y., Guess, P., & Thompson, V. P. (2011). Performance of dental ceramics: challenges for improvements. Journal of Dental Research, 90(8), 937-952.
