My Zirconia Crowns Look Like White Blocks

Posted by AllSmiles

My new zirconia monolithic crowns look like white blocks. The crowns are not the color of my natural teeth. My dentist persuaded me to get the crowns for their strength. I’m so disappointed. Am I stuck with these crowns? Thanks. Jaime

Jaime

Zirconia is a durable, tooth-colored ceramic often used to make dental crowns. Dental labs receive zirconia in solid blocks and then use computer-guided technology to mill a block precisely to fit your tooth. This process creates a strong and accurate dental crown.

Zirconia is a single solid color, so it doesn’t naturally show the soft color variations found in tooth enamel. For that reason, zirconia crowns used in the front of the mouth are usually layered with porcelain for a natural appearance.

How Do Layered and Monolithic Zirconia Compare?

Zirconia crowns come in two main types:

• Layered zirconia: Zirconia coated with porcelain for lifelike color and translucency
• Monolithic zirconia: Solid zirconia without a porcelain layer

Layered zirconia appears the most natural, especially for front teeth, where color and light reflection are most noticeable. Monolithic zirconia, though extremely strong, can appear flat or opaque when used in visible areas. Cosmetic dentists often reserve it for back teeth, where strength is more critical than translucency.

Why Prioritize a Dentist’s Skill Over Crown Material?

Creating natural-looking crowns requires more than durable materials—it takes artistry and experience. When multiple front teeth are crowned, the dentist must carefully control the angle and shape of each tooth to ensure the smile appears balanced.

If your crowns appear too far forward or uneven, you may need correction by a cosmetic dentist with advanced training.  Reviewing their before-and-after photos of patients’ smiles can help you feel confident in their experience.

What to Expect with Cost

High-quality cosmetic dentistry requires time, precision, and collaboration with skilled ceramists. While expert dentists may not be the least expensive, many have fees comparable to those of other providers in their area. The investment reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail needed to create crowns that look natural, feel comfortable, and last for years.

If you’re seeking affordable work, remember that beautiful results depend on artistic talent and experience, not shortcuts.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. They cater to patients with dental anxiety.