Aesthetic dentistry is evolving, with zirconia veneers at the forefront. While glass-ceramic veneers, such as lithium disilicate, have been a popular choice due to their translucency, zirconia is transforming the possibilities by providing an outstanding balance of strength, durability, and aesthetics.
Let’s explore why zirconia veneers are becoming the go-to choice for modern cosmetic dentistry and how they compare to traditional glass-ceramic options.
What Are Zirconia Veneers?
Zirconia veneers are ultra-thin restorations made from zirconium dioxide, a high-strength ceramic commonly used in modern dentistry. Renowned for its exceptional durability, lifelike aesthetics, and biocompatibility, zirconia offers a long-lasting solution for patients seeking a more resilient alternative to traditional veneers.
Key Features of Zirconia Veneers:
- Exceptional Strength – Zirconia is renowned for its exceptional strength, exceeding 600 MPa, and its high resistance to chipping and fractures, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- Natural Aesthetics – Modern high-translucency zirconia, with ≥49% translucency, closely mimics the appearance of natural enamel.
- Stain and Wear Resistant – Unlike composite veneers, zirconia won’t easily stain from coffee, tea, or smoking.
- Minimal Tooth Preparation – Often requires less enamel removal than traditional porcelain veneers.
- Biocompatible – A great option for patients with sensitivities or allergies to certain materials.
Try-in of Zirconia veneers chairside
Many thin glass-ceramic veneers can accidentally break at the chairside try-in appointment. There are many reasons for this, like undercuts and tricky paths of insertion. The advantage of zirconia veneers in a thin cross-section is undoubtedly their strength in situations like this.
Zirconia vs. glass-ceramic veneers: what’s the difference?
Glass-ceramic veneers, such as lithium disilicate (e.g., IPS e.max), are renowned for their aesthetics and translucency, making them ideal for anterior restorations. However, zirconia veneers provide increased durability while maintaining a natural look. See below a comparison of the two:
| Type | Zirconia | Glass-ceramic |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Zirconia solution with etched glass intaglio | Lithium Disilicate |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | 3/5 |
| Translucency | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Teeth aesthetics | Offers some opacity options, ideal for concealing extensive decay, cracks, or chips. This enhances overall performance while providing a vibrant, natural appearance. High translucency options are also available, allowing for either a striking “Hollywood white” finish or a subtle enhancement that complements the natural colour of their teeth. | Ideal for cases requiring exceptional aesthetics. Best suited for matching the shade of a single anterior tooth precisely. |
| Bonding performance | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| In-lab turnaround time | 7 days digital | 9 days physical | 7 days digital | 9 days physical |
| Pricing | Most affordable | Affordable |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Which performs better?
While both materials provide excellent aesthetic results, their performance varies depending on patient needs. Glass-ceramic veneers are often preferred for their superior light transmission, but zirconia veneers excel in strength, making them better suited for high-load areas.
Zirconia Veneers | Glass-ceramic Veneers |
|
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Highly resistant to chipping and wear | More prone to fractures under pressure |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance, no polishing required | Requires regular maintenance |
| Aesthetic longevity | Maintains colour and translucency over time | May be more prone to wear and minor discolouration |
Why Choose SCD Zirconia Veneers?
Engineered for superior strength, SCD zirconia veneers can withstand high bite forces, making them suitable for various cases. Their minimal preparation preserves more natural tooth structure compared to traditional porcelain. With multi-layered options, they offer aesthetic versatility, seamlessly blending with surrounding teeth. Zirconia’s durability and stain resistance ensure long-lasting, reliable results. While bonding was once a challenge for zirconia veneers, advancements like glass-ceramic spray deposition have significantly improved adhesion, enhancing the longevity and stability of restorations.¹
Final Thoughts
Dentists no longer must compromise between durability and aesthetics—zirconia veneers deliver both. As a game-changer in cosmetic dentistry, they offer exceptional strength, natural translucency, and long-term reliability.
At Southern Cross Dental, we craft high-quality custom zirconia veneers, ensuring precision, durability, and outstanding aesthetics for your patients.
Contact Southern Cross Dental today to revolutionise your practice with zirconia veneers. We offer services that enable you to order a case and book a courier online – streamlining the entire ordering process.
Resources:
¹ Kang, C.-M., Lin, D.-J., Feng, S.-W., Hung, C.-Y., Iwaguro, S., & Peng, T.-Y. (2022). Innovation Glass-Ceramic Spray Deposition Technology Improving the Adhesive Performance for Zirconium-Based Dental Restorations. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(21), 12783. Retrieved from Aidite.
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