Zirconia Crowns v/s Composite Crowns Reinforced with Glass Fibre in Primary Molar Teeth

Taking care of dental health is one of the most important things for both adults and children. Most adults do not understand the requirement and importance of taking care of their dental health. Even though medical technologies have evolved so much and there are multiple ways people are being made aware of their health problems and the ways to take care of themselves, dental health often gets the short end of the stick. Especially when it comes to children, parents often think that it is unimportant to take care of minor dental issues as the teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth soon enough. But let us tell you something important - not having to take care of primary teeth because of their temporary nature is nothing but a myth! Infact, even losing out on primary teeth, both anterior or posterior must be looked into by a dentist and a suitable replacement must be put into place.

There are so many esthetic options (zirconia crowns, resin veneer crowns, composite crowns etc) and non-esthetic but functional options (stainless steel crowns) in the market when it comes to teeth replacement. Children must be offered temporary restorative solutions as primary teeth have a specific and undeniable role in the proper dental and skill development in children such as:

• Essential for proper Mastication function
• Proper alignment for permanent teeth
• Enhances jaw shape and facial features
• Helps with proper enunciation with speech development
• Helps in self awareness and confidence

All of these functions of primary teeth are undeniable in kids and therefore parents must seek temporary restorations when it comes to primary teeth issues such as tooth decay (early caries), cracking or missing tooth due to impact or accident).

Temporary Restorations for Primary Molar Teeth

When it comes to primary molar teeth, they are one of the most important for children as it helps in proper mastication and also is important to hold the space and alignment for permanent molar when they erupt naturally. Molars are indispensable when it comes to teeth functions and therefore, there are many temporary restorations available for children in such situations. Below are some of the options that can be considered by parents:

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia Crowns are Zirconium Dioxide based crowns that are artificially developed and created in labs based on computer based design technology. It is one of the most advanced methods present today to make personalised and unique crowns for each and every individual. Zirconia tooth crowns are made from a block of Zirconium dioxide material using CAD/CAM technology based on the measurements acquired by the dental technician to create a crown that perfectly serves as a temporary primary molar in children.

Zirconia dental crowns are preferred by many dentists because of some of their most advanced features. Zirconia is one of the most reliable crown materials and is preferred for both kids and adults because of its safe and reliable nature. Zirconia ceramic crowns are also great for temporary restorations in primary molars as they are one of the sturdiest and the most durable dental crown material and are most suited to be preferred for posterior restorations which need to be strong and resilient.

Even though it is suitable for posterior restorations, there are some unique features that make it excellent for anterior restorations as well, especially its teeth like nature. Zirconia has a thick opaque tooth- like appearance that makes it almost identical to original teeth and therefore one of the best esthetic options in the market. Although some may argue that the opaque, non-pearlescent finish may look artificial, when it comes to children, these restorations are temporary. So while they serve a purpose as crowns with excellent strength, durability, resilience, biocompatibility and esthetics, they are still temporary and will soon be replaced by natural permanent teeth.

Unlike stainless steel crowns or other synthetic veneer crowns, Zirconia ceramic crowns have excellent biocompatibility and are known to be one of the best options for those who have metal (especially nickel) allergies. They have a very biologically adaptable chemical composition and cause very rare to no allergies in humans. They also are very easy to be used and require very less chair side time, thanks to their complete technologically aided design process. Needless to say, they are adjusted quite easily by simple contouring and are also very low on maintenance.

Zirconia crowns cost as much as most other cosmetic restorations in the market. The cost of Zirconia Dental Crown is comparable to ceramic crowns or resin veneer crowns even. Zirconia crown price ranges from a few hundred dollars and some could even go higher than that based on cosmetic preference. Certain technologies allow Zirconia crowns to be more natural, opalescent or translucent which is colour matched to the patients enamel, costing higher than normal Zirconia tooth crowns.
 

Composite Crowns reinforced with Glass Fibre | Introduction and Comparison

Composite Crowns are basically made from resin composite and therefore the name Composite is given to it. Most composite crowns are colour matched to the patients requirements. Composite crowns are now reinforced with a better material of choice - Glass Fibre. Glass fibre has excellent adaptability and strength and can be placed together in a fine manner to form a reinforcing agent that gives sturdity and support for composite crowns.

The most notable benefits of using FRC crowns are discussed below:

Strength

Unlike conventional composite crowns, these FRC crowns are stronger due to the overall strength of the composite crown made sturdier by the glass fibre. Several studies done on primary teeth for numerous children over 3, 6 and 9 months period have proved them to be sturdy enough to be considered with a 95% success rate at around 1 year from restoration time

Esthetics

The FRC crowns offer an esthetic option to existing alternatives such as Zirconia, Resin Veneered crowns and all porcelain crowns. They are almost transparent and can be used for anterior as well as posterior restorations in primary teeth. Unliem zirconia they are not opaque or teeth like but rather plastic like- which is in some cases colour matched to an extent to the patients choice

Gingival Health

FRC crowns helped maintain good gingival health even at one year period from restoration meaning that they attracted less issues when it comes to gingival problems and less accumulation of plaque in the area where the original tooth and the restoration may be exposed. Good oral health and practices must be adapted by patients when it comes to taking care of FRC crowns as they are mandated by the dentists

Durability

The durability of FRC’s are also credible and several studies suggested that they have a 90% average success rate in children. Most children who lost their teeth can also place them back in time with proper attention and this makes the success rate higher in children. Several studies suggested that the FRC crows rarely ever gave up (such as a fracture or complete break down) but it could come off due to the adhesion issues sometimes owing to negligence. These crowns can be cemented back when patients are able to visit their dentists as soon as possible

Discolouration

The FRC crowns are also good against discoloration as studies after FRC restorations proved that there is no discoloration in restorations in patients. Unlike some crowns, FRC’s are not susceptible to gingival discolouration even after a year from restoration

Built

These crowns are usually made from woven glass fibres with resin. The pattern provides excellent strength and durability in patients. Recurrent decays or secondary decays are also linked to be minimal when it comes to FRC Crowns as per studies.

Conclusion

When it comes to FRC crowns, this is a type of restoration that can be considered for patients who are looking for an esthetically pleasing restoration. There are some constraints when it comes to FRC such as cooperation from the end of the patient and requirement for good oral health. This is an upcoming technology and therefore only limited research has been done and very few products are available in the market. FRC crowns are a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive but modern solution to temporary restorations in their children. FRC crowns are strong, durable and esthetic and are suitable for patients who want a non-metal option for their children with metal allergies. They are an easy to adapt option with research suggesting that they last well in children up until their natural exfoliation.

On the other hand, Zirconia crowns are a proven product in the market and more and more dentists have successfully used these restorations on patients. On the spectrum of cost, Zirconia crown cost may be higher than FRC but apart from that, the features of Zirconia surpass those of FRC’s in many respects. Zirconia crowns have been around for much longer and are an essential restoration technique recommended by dentists for those who need an esthetic option. Not only are they biocompatible, esthetic and easily adjustable, they are one of the strongest dental materials out there to make crowns.