About Zirconium Dioxide FAQ
Q1: Is zirconium dioxide really safe?
A1: In recent years, it has been clinically and experimentally proven that zirconium dioxide is not toxic to bone and soft tissue cells, and no allergic reactions have been reported in users. In addition, zirconium dioxide has performed very well in terms of biosafety in both medical and dental applications.
Q2: Is zirconium dioxide radioactive?
A2: In fact, zirconium dioxide is derived from zircon, which needs to be purified and processed as a powder, and all impurities are removed during the process. Moreover, the National Food and Drug Administration standards have strict criteria for all-ceramic materials listed, and only after meeting the radioactivity test requirements can they be used as medical materials. And there are strict requirements not only for zirconium dioxide but also for decorative ceramics, alumina, glass ceramics, etc. The same radioactivity qualification requirements apply.
Experiments have shown that the radioactivity of pure zirconium dioxide powder is not only less than that of glass-ceramics but even lower than that of human bone tissue.
Q3: Is zirconium dioxide a metal?
A3: This is a confusion between the chemical concepts of metallic elements and metals. Zirconium dioxide is not a zirconium metal or zircon, but an oxide ceramic, although it contains metallic elements. This is like the difference between sodium chloride (the chemical composition of table salt) and metallic sodium.
Q4: Will zirconia all-ceramic porcelain cause excessive wear to our jaw teeth?
A4: Zirconia is a good choice for patients who have a tight bite and do not have enough space to prepare their teeth, but if you are concerned about excessive wear on the opposing teeth... No need! Because the abrasive properties of zirconia depend on the smoothness of the surface, not the hardness.
Therefore, zirconia all-ceramic restorations, when polished or enameled, do not cause excessive wear to the jaws.
Q5: What do I need to pay attention to when bonding zirconia all-ceramic teeth?
A5: Zirconia bonding is relatively simple compared to glass-ceramic bonding. Because of the good strength, the choice of bonding agent is very wide. No surface treatment is required before bonding. Its active gene combines with zirconium ions to obtain a chemical bond. A wide choice of colors is also available.
