Zirconia Dental Crown: Cost, Pros and Cons
If you live in Cedar Knolls, NJ, and your dentist at Advanced Dental Center of Cedar Knolls has recommended a crown, you might be wondering:
What exactly is a zirconia dental crown, and is it the right choice for me?
Since dental crowns come in different types, understanding their cost, benefits, and limitations is important. Among these, dental zirconia crowns have become one of the most popular options because they combine strength, aesthetics, and durability.
In this guide, we’ll cover the cost of zirconia crowns, their pros and cons, and how they compare to other crown materials so you can make an informed decision.
What Is a Zirconia Dental Crown?
Understanding the Basics
A zirconia dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. It is crafted from zirconium oxide, a high-strength ceramic known for durability and a natural tooth-like appearance.
At Advanced Dental Center, we recommend dental zirconia crowns as they provide the perfect balance of function and aesthetics. Unlike older crowns with visible metal, zirconia blends seamlessly with natural teeth while remaining highly resistant to daily wear.
The Material’s Key Features
Here are the reasons why zirconia is among the best crown materials:
- High strength: Zirconium oxide is less likely to chip compared to the conventional porcelain.
- Natural color match: The surface can be colored to match natural teeth in the area.
- Biocompatibility: It is easily tolerated by the majority of patients, with the potential for irritation or allergic reaction minimized.
- Strength: Due to its natural strength, dental zirconia crowns will last longer if properly maintained.
These are just some of the reasons why the majority of dentists nowadays prefer zirconium dental crowns especially for cases where both beauty and longevity are the concern.
When is This Material Recommended?
A zirconia dental crown is usually the option when:
- A tooth is badly cracked or fractured.
- A large filling needs reinforcement and protection.
- A dentist prefers not to see metal in a crown.
- A patient wants a long-lasting, natural appearance restoration.
Everyone’s case is different. We consider tooth position, bite pressures, and other teeth prior to dental zirconia crowns recommendations.
Insurance Considerations & Coding
When filing insurance claims, it is useful to know the dental code of the zirconia crown. The most frequently utilized code is D2740 under porcelain/ceramic crowns. This code facilitates claims processing and makes it easier for the patient and the insurance company to understand what they’re being charged.
We assist our patients with insurance forms at The Advanced Dental Center so that you can know what your policy covers.
Advantages of Dental Zirconia Crowns
- Excellent Longevity: Zirconium oxide is one of the toughest dental materials, making zirconium dental crowns resistant to fractures and chipping. With proper care, they can last for many years.
- Natural Appearance: These crowns are tooth-colored and translucent, blending beautifully with natural teeth. Patients concerned with aesthetics often choose zirconia over traditional options.
- Biocompatibility & Safety: Zirconia is highly biocompatible, reducing the risk of irritation or allergies. This makes it a safer option compared to some metals.
- Long-Term Value: While the upfront cost is higher than resin or metal, zirconia crowns offer better long-term value since they require fewer repairs or replacements.
Potential Disadvantages of Zirconia Dental Crowns
Higher Cost
The cost of a zirconia dental crown is typically higher compared to metal or resin crowns. However, many patients find the investment worthwhile due to durability and aesthetics. For a complete breakdown, see our types of dental crowns guide.
Wear on Opposing Teeth
If not polished properly, zirconia can sometimes wear down opposing teeth. Patients who grind or clench should discuss this with their dentist so the crown can be adjusted or polished correctly.
Zirconia Dental Crown Price in Cedar Knolls, NJ
How Expensive is a Zirconia Dental Crown?
At Advanced Dental Center, the cost of a zirconia dental crown typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth. The price reflects not only the premium quality of zirconium oxide but also the use of advanced dental technology that ensures a precise fit and a natural look.
Keep in mind that the overall cost may vary depending on additional treatments, such as root canals or dental bonding, that may be required for tooth preparation.
Why Is Zirconia More Superior Compared to Other Crowns?
In making considerations for crowns, it is vital to compare cost and benefit:
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns consist of a metal base with a porcelain surface, attaining strength and esthetics. The prices range from $1,200 to $3,500 per tooth.
- All-Porcelain Crowns: They possess a life-like appearance. All-porcelain crowns work best on front teeth. The price ranges from $1,200 to $3,500 per tooth.
- Metal Crowns: Constructed of metallic alloys or gold, metal crowns are highly resistant but not so attractive. They cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per tooth.
- Resin Crowns: More affordable, resin crowns cost between $400 and $800 per tooth but can wear off sooner than other types.
Zirconia crowns are the balance of both being strong and pretty, and they are very popular among patients.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Zirconia Crowns
Several factors can affect the final cost of a zirconia tooth crown:
- Material Quality: More superior zirconia could be more expensive but provides greater durability and aesthetic appearance.
- Laboratory Charges: Crowns that are made in specialized dental labs can be more expensive due to accuracy and technology employed.
- Case Difficulty: If other procedures like root canals or build-ups on the teeth have to be done, the overall cost will increase.
- Most insurance plans in Cedar Knolls, NJ cover part of the fee for dental zirconia crowns when medically necessary. The most common zirconia crown dental code used is D2740, which falls under porcelain/ceramic crowns. This code helps streamline claim processing.
If your insurance doesn’t fully cover zirconia crowns, remember their long-term value: fewer replacements and less maintenance. At the Advanced Dental Center, we also offer flexible payment plans.
Is a Zirconia Crown Worth the Spend?
Though a zirconium crown tends to cost more initially than some other options, its durability and resistance to wear appear to make it cheaper over time. With good care, zirconia crowns will remain in place for several years, minimizing the necessity for repeated substitution.
Here at The Advanced Dental Center, we value up-front pricing and better care.If you’re considering a zirconia dental crown, visit us for a consultation and let us outline your choices and give you an estimate personalized to you.
Dental Crown Material Zirconia Compared to Others
For selecting a crown, material choice matters for functionality as well as appearance. Below is a simple comparison of zirconia dental crowns and other widespread crown materials.
Zirconia Comparison With Other Crown Materials
| Crown Type | Durability | Aesthetics | Cost Range | Best For |
| Zirconia Crowns | Very strong, long-lasting | Natural tooth color | $1,500–$3,000 | Patients wanting durability + aesthetics |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | Strong base, may show gray line | Moderate | $1,200–$3,500 | Back teeth needing strength |
| All-Porcelain Crowns | More fragile | Highly natural-looking | $1,200–$3,500 | Front teeth, aesthetics-focused patients |
| Metal Crowns | Extremely durable | Poor aesthetics | $1,000–$3,000 | Molars, patients not concerned with appearance |
| Resin Crowns | Least durable | Acceptable aesthetics | $400–$800 | Temporary/short-term solutions |
Why to Select Zirconia in Cedar Knolls, NJ?
Cedar Knolls, NJ patients tend to prefer zirconium dental crowns because they find the perfect blend of beauty and strength. Properly taken care of, they last for decades, and hence, they are an investment worth making.
For billing purposes, your clinician may use the zirconia crown dental code (typically D2740) when submitting claims under their processing.
Insurance & Zirconia Crown Dental Code
Is Insurance Covered for Zirconia Dental Crowns?
In Cedar Knolls, NJ, nearly all dental insurance plans cover some of the fee of zirconia crowns when medically required. However, coverage percentages may vary depending on your insurer and plan. It is always best to contact your insurance company in order to learn precisely how much they would cover
Learning the Zirconia Crown Dental Code
The most common zirconia crown dental code used by dentists is D2740, which is porcelain/ceramic crowns, including dental zirconia crowns. This code is useful for insurance companies to process your claim and determine what they cover under your insurance.
FAQ: Insurance and Zirconia Crowns
Q: Is the full cost of a zirconia dental crown covered by insurance?
A: Coverage varies, but most plans do cover portion, if not all, of the zirconium dental crowns. It will be your obligation to pay the difference, particularly if your policy is only for basic crown material. It would be best to call your insurance company and get precise information.
Q: What if my insurance does not cover zirconia crowns?
A: If your insurance doesn’t pay for a zirconia dental crown in full, consider the long-term value. Zirconia crowns are long-lasting and less frequent replacements and less maintenance. We provide payment plans at The Advanced Dental Center to help make it more affordable.
Conclusion
A zirconia dental crown offers strength, natural aesthetics, and long-lasting results, making it one of the most recommended options for patients in Cedar Knolls, NJ. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expense.If you are exploring restorative or cosmetic options such as full mouth reconstruction or Emax veneers guide, our team can help you choose the right treatment. Book a consultation with Advanced Dental Center of Cedar Knolls to discuss your personalized dental care plan.
