Full-Contour Zirconia for a Heavy Bite: Why We Chose It
The secret to making zirconia look real is in the details 👇
✨ Secondary anatomy and subtle surface texture
✨ Line angles that define each tooth
✨ Embrasures and natural contours that catch light like enamel
We chose full-contour zirconia for the smile shown here because this patient's bite puts heavy force on the teeth, and resistance to chipping was a priority. Full-contour zirconia is made as one solid piece without a separate porcelain layer that can chip. The photographs show the finished restorations and the surface details that help them look natural.
Why did we choose full-contour zirconia?
Material choice is part of the treatment plan, alongside the condition of the teeth, the available space, appearance and the bite. In this case the plan put strength first.
Earlier zirconia crowns were usually covered with a layer of porcelain for appearance, and that layer was prone to chipping. A large review of crown studies found that zirconia crowns were lost more often than metal-ceramic crowns because the porcelain layer fractured. Full-contour zirconia avoids that weak point because the crown is zirconia all the way through.
That doesn't make zirconia the right choice for every tooth or every patient. Zirconia is generally more opaque than glass ceramics such as e.max, so matching translucency on front teeth takes extra care. When appearance is the main concern and the bite allows it, a glass ceramic may be the better fit, as in our e.max front teeth case. Our dental crown guide explains how a tooth is evaluated and restored.
What makes these restorations look natural?
This case shows secondary anatomy, subtle surface texture, line angles and embrasures, which are the small spaces and contours between teeth. These details help the restorations reflect light the way natural teeth do and avoid a flat, uniform look. Compare the full smile with the closer views in the photographs.
How does a heavy bite affect planning?
The bite belongs in the discussion before a material is chosen. Heavy biting forces, clenching or grinding can chip or wear restorations and natural teeth. A strong material is only part of the answer. Many people with a heavy bite also benefit from a night guard to protect their teeth and restorations while they sleep.
If you're concerned about wear or clenching, read our tooth grinding and bruxism page. An examination is needed to find the cause of wear and which protective or restorative options fit.
Discuss crown options in Jacksonville
At CJ Henley, DMD, on Hendricks Avenue near San Marco, a consultation can connect your concerns about strength and appearance with a treatment plan. See other restorative cases, contact our office or call 904-398-1549. These photographs show one case. Treatment needs and results vary.
Sources
Sailer I, Makarov NA, Thoma DS, Zwahlen M, Pjetursson BE. All-ceramic or metal-ceramic tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs)? A systematic review of the survival and complication rates. Part I: Single crowns (SCs). Dent Mater. 2015;31(6):603-623. doi:10.1016/j.dental.2015.02.011 (retrieved via PubMed)
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.