A layered zirconia prosthesis consists of a zirconia framework onto which a dental technician applies porcelain by hand, layer by layer. This achieves the translucency and colour depth of a natural tooth, which a monolithic prosthesis milled from a single block cannot match. The framework provides strength, the veneer provides aesthetics.
Layered prostheses are used above all where appearance matters most — the upper jaw and the smile zone.
Who a layered zirconia prosthesis suits
- Patients for whom the aesthetic result is the priority.
- Restoring the upper jaw, where teeth show when speaking and smiling.
- Where a natural colour transition from the neck of the tooth to the incisal edge is wanted.
- Cases with a moderate chewing load.
Materials and fabrication
The framework is milled from zirconia and porcelain is applied in layers, each fired in a furnace. Every layer adds colour and translucency. The work is more labour-intensive than a monolithic prosthesis and takes longer to produce. The porcelain veneer is more beautiful but also more fragile than monolithic zirconia — under heavy load or bruxism it can chip over time, so in those cases we recommend the monolithic version.
Treatment steps
- Impressions and shade selection. We choose the tooth shade for a natural appearance.
- Framework try-in. The fit on the implants is checked.
- Layering. The technician applies and fires the porcelain layers.
- Aesthetic try-in. We assess shape, shade and bite before final finishing.
- Fitting. The prosthesis is secured to the implants.
Price
Prosthetic stage for a fixed zirconia prosthesis, per jaw:
- With All-on-4 — from €4,000
- With All-on-5 — from €4,800
- With All-on-6 — from €5,500
Implant placement is charged separately. The final price is set after the examination and treatment plan.
Care and durability
A layered prosthesis should be protected from heavy point loads — avoid biting hard objects and cracking nuts. Daily cleaning with an interdental brush and water flosser, plus professional hygiene twice a year, keeps both the prosthesis and the gums in good condition. For bruxism we recommend a night guard.
Book a consultation at Unidenta dental studio in Tallinn to discuss whether a layered or monolithic prosthesis suits you better.
