A zirconia crown is a type of dental crown made from zirconium dioxide, a very durable ceramic material that offers excellent strength, longevity, and aesthetics. The process of making and placing a zirconia crown involves several steps:

1. Tooth Preparation:

- The dentist prepares the tooth by removing any decay and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. This process is similar to preparing for other types of dental crowns.

2. Taking Impressions or Scans:

- The dentist takes an impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This can be done using traditional dental putty or, increasingly, with a digital intraoral scanner that captures precise 3D images of the teeth.

- These impressions or digital scans are then sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be fabricated.

3. Fabrication of the Zirconia Crown:

- In the lab, the impressions or digital scans are used to create a model of the patient's teeth.

- The crown is then designed using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology.

- Zirconia crowns can be milled from a solid block of zirconium dioxide in a monolithic form or layered.

- For layered crowns, a core of zirconia is first milled and then layered with porcelain to enhance its aesthetic appearance.

4. Customisation:

- The crown is colored and glazed to match the patient's natural teeth, ensuring it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the smile.

5. Fitting and Adjustment:

- Once the crown is ready, the dentist checks its fit, comfort, and alignment with the bite during a subsequent appointment.

- Adjustments are made as needed to ensure a perfect fit.

6. Cementing the Crown:

- The final step involves cementing the crown onto the prepared tooth with a special dental adhesive.

7. Quality Considerations:

- The quality of zirconia crowns can vary based on the fabrication process and the materials used.

- High-quality zirconia crowns are characterized by their strength, which makes them resistant to chipping and cracking, and their excellent aesthetic appearance.

- The skill and precision of both the dentist and the lab technicians are crucial to ensure that the crown fits well and matches the appearance of natural teeth.

- Lower-cost options might use inferior zirconia or less precise fabrication methods, which can affect the crown's durability and appearance.

Zirconia crowns are particularly valued for their strength, making them suitable for back teeth that endure a lot of biting pressure, as well as for their aesthetic qualities for front teeth. It's important for patients to discuss with their dentist the materials and lab processes used to ensure they receive a high-quality restoration.