Zirconium Oxide - the Material
We have several pages of highly worthwhile information on zirconium crowns and veneers. After you're through with this page, click here for the next page, on framework and veneer structure of these restorations. Or go to the menu at the bottom of the page to find a specific subject in which you are interested.
Characteristics of Zirconium Oxide as a Dental Material
Zirconium dioxide is a high strength ceramic material, which is, for example, used in aerospace technology. Chemically it is a composition of the rare element Zirconium and oxygen, formulated ZrO2. It can also be referred to as Zirconium oxide or Zircon oxide.
Color: White - Ivory
Hardness: High
Zeno
Zeno Is the trademark for the Zirconium oxide discs used in the Zeno Tec System.
Characteristics of Zeno:
- It has extremely high tensile strength, and is referred to as ceramic steel.
- It virtually eliminates any allergic reactions.
- It is not an electrical conductor, so it doesn't generate an electrical charge. Electrical conductivity contributes to the corrosion of other metals in the mouth.
- Being non-metallic, there is no corrosion. Therefore, gingival reactions like the usual "black line" at the gumline of traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations, will not occur.
- As an insulator, it protects against unpleasant hot/cold sensitivity in the mouth.
Applications
Aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide ceramic materials have been used for over twenty years in medicine, mainly for hip replacements. These materials have shown over this long history that they are fully biocompatible. And it only stands to reason--they consist mainly of minerals which are also found in natural bone tissue.
