Advantages and Disadvantages of All-ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic crowns provide patients with incredible strength and durability, as well as natural-looking results. Dr. Clint Newman is dedicated to providing his patients with leading dental care, using Macstudio laboratories and the finest materials to create the highest-quality dental crowns for every patient. At our Nashville, TN, dental office, we use IPS Empress®, an advanced material which can blend seamlessly with the shade of surrounding teeth for an attractive, lifelike result.
Advantages of All-Ceramic
The primary benefit of a crown made completely from ceramic is the appearance. Ceramic restorations have the ability to mimic the reflective quality of original teeth, allowing all-ceramic crowns to blend with surrounding teeth. In addition, ceramic is more resistant to wear than other materials for longer lasting results.
An all-ceramic restoration is an effective choice for many patients seeking to restore the strength and appearance of a tooth.
Another advantage of all-ceramic crowns is the fabrication process. Dr. Newman partners with Macstudio technicians who possess years of specialized training and experience in the fabrication of ceramic restorations. Macstudio technicians can create crowns with highly precise contours that mimic the shape of natural teeth.
Disadvantages of All-Ceramic
Due to their complexity, all-ceramic crowns take longer to fabricate than other types of dental crowns. Typically, you will need to visit our office twice to complete all-ceramic crown treatment. Additional laboratory fees can often increase the overall cost. However, most patients find the results outweigh the extra time and cost.
Ceramic restorations need to be thicker than other materials to prevent them from breaking. For some patients, this means Dr. Newman must remove more of their natural tooth structure to accommodate the crown. In addition, if a fracture occurs, all-ceramic is more difficult to repair. In cases of a fracture, you will likely need a new restoration. Dr. Newman works closely with the technicians from Macstudio to minimize these occurrences.
Candidates for All-Ceramic Crowns
An all-ceramic restoration is an effective choice for many patients seeking to restore the strength and appearance of a tooth. Dental crowns help protect a tooth affected by decay or damage and improve the integrity of your smile. However, there are some conditions that can affect your candidacy for an all-ceramic crown, such as:
- Inadequate distance between teeth: A deep overbite or erupted tooth can place additional pressure on a crown, requiring a stronger material than ceramic.
- Clenching or grinding: The excessive force generated by habits such as clenching or grinding can damage all-ceramic restorations.
Dr. Newman may recommend an alternate material to an all-ceramic crown for other reasons as well. However, for many patients, all-ceramic restorations can provide an attractive, strong method for restoring their smiles.
Finding the Right Restoration for You
Dr. Newman and our team believe in tailoring solutions to fit the needs of our patients. Before recommending an all-ceramic restoration, we can discuss the advantages and disadvantages with you to ensure you understand the treatment. Find out more about the crowns we can provide using IPS Empress® by contacting our practice online today.
