ZIRCONIUM CROWNS

Zirconium all-ceramic crowns, also known as “porcelain crowns” or “zirconium crowns”, are the optimal solution in terms of aesthetics and functionality when it comes to restoring a tooth that has been partially destroyed by caries, accident or loss of substance.

With appropriately good production, these artificial, very high-quality tooth crowns can hardly be distinguished from natural teeth and are therefore usually the first choice for dental patients today.

The basic framework of the all-ceramic crown consists of a whitish zirconium oxide, which, in contrast to the metal framework of the metal-ceramic crown, allows the light to shine through (translucency, light transmission). Therefore, zirconia all-ceramic crowns come very close to natural teeth and are an optimal choice, especially for the visible front teeth.

Zirconium oxide is 100% metal-free, biologically neutral and well tolerated by the mucous membrane and tissue.

Another advantage of the all-ceramic crown is that the transition between the edge of the crown and the natural neck of the tooth is almost invisible due to the similarity in color and material properties. In the case of metal-ceramic crowns, on the other hand, the dark crown edge can become visible after a while (and e.g. a receding gum).

Use of zirconium crowns:

If a tooth is badly damaged in the visible area and fillings or partial crowns are not sufficient for a repair, the tooth is provided with a new, artificial crown and thus completely restored and perfectly protected. The artificial crown replaces the part of the tooth above the gums.

All-ceramic crowns are also used on implants, i.e. when the natural tooth could not be preserved and was replaced by an artificial tooth root.

Advantages of zirconium crowns

• Hardly distinguishable from real teeth in terms of aesthetics and naturalness
• Production taking into account the individual tooth shape and color
• Translucency, therefore excellent cosmetic results
• light, stable and comfortable to wear
• Good insulation of the tooth stump prevents unpleasant sensations of warm and cold when eating and drinking
• very good biological compatibility, also no interaction with other metals present in the oral cavity (e.g. seals), non-allergenic
• enables not only individual crowns but also multi-unit bridge constructions
• no formation of dark tooth edges
• high strength and long service life

EMPRESS (E.MAX ) CROWNS

Empress/ E.max is a premium ceramic system that is ideal for dental crowns (full ceramic crowns), inlays/onlays and veneers and, as a dental prosthesis, meets the highest standards of aesthetics and functionality. They are used when the natural tooth is partially destroyed and needs to be restored and protected with a new crown.

Empress/E.Max crowns are an innovative all-ceramic system that uses a lithium disilicate glass ceramic. The special feature of the ceramic system is the unique, perfect look: shades, color gradients, gloss and transparency are perfectly matched and enable a denture that cannot be distinguished from real teeth.

Difference to Zirconia Crowns:

In the case of zirconium all-ceramic crowns, the basic framework consists of zirconium dioxide. In contrast, when using embossing crowns, the entire crown is pressed from the premium ceramic, there is no basic framework.

Benefits of Empress/E.Max Crowns

• Virtually indistinguishable from real teeth in terms of aesthetics and naturalness
• Optimum design possible according to individual tooth color and shape
• highest light transmission of all tooth crown variants
• high edge strength and therefore minimized risk of chipping (small ceramic particles flaking off)
• Very good biological compatibility, also no interaction with other existing metals (e.g. seals), non-allergenic
• low thermal conductivity, so sensitive tooth nerves do not feel uncomfortable hot or cold
• completely tasteless
• no formation of dark tooth edges
• fade resistant and wear resistant
• also offer a very high level of stability as a veneer

METAL-CERAMIC CROWN

Artificial tooth crowns are used when a tooth is already so damaged in the visible area, e.g. due to caries or chipping after an accident, that an adequate and safe repair is no longer possible with just fillings. The natural tooth root is provided with a new crown and thus protected all around again.

The fully veneered metal-ceramic crown is one way of making tooth crowns. The basic structure of this crown consists of a metal alloy, which is veneered all around with ceramic. This basic framework can be made for individual crowns just as well as dental bridges, i.e. several adjacent splinted tooth crowns.

Advantages of Metal-Ceramic Crowns:

• durable standard solution

• Suitable for front and side areas

• high abrasion resistance of the facing

• Consideration of the individual tooth shape and color possible

• inexpensive dentures

Disadvantages of Metal-Ceramic Crowns:

• less transparent than a natural tooth or an all-ceramic crown
• If the gums recede, a narrow metal edge may become visible due to the design
• In rare cases, metal intolerance is not recommended

REMOVABLE PROSTHESES

Dental prostheses, as artificial dentures, enable a new, complete smile after tooth loss and restore the function of the teeth. Modern dentures no longer have anything in common with the classic adhesive cream and the glass of water on the bedside table. The days of visible clasp prostheses are long gone.

The dental prosthesis is a partial or complete replacement of the natural teeth, in which the structure and the optical design of the prosthesis allow a multitude of possibilities, so that these are not recognizable as artificial teeth. When making the prosthesis, special emphasis is placed on the chewing function and the formation of speech sounds.

Dentures can be divided into partial dentures and full dentures:

Partial dentures replace part of the healthy teeth, e.g. after extensive tooth loss in the cheek area. The remaining natural teeth remain visible and the dentist uses them (partially) to attach the partial denture.

Full dentures (also known as complete dentures) are used when the entire set of teeth in the upper or lower jaw has to be replaced. This is especially the case when there are no more teeth or the teeth that are still present are covered as part of the attachment, as is the case with the telescopic prosthesis.

It is the wish of all patients that the new dental prosthesis not only resembles the natural teeth in appearance, but above all also offers a secure hold and high wearing comfort. Knowing that you can bite and chew with confidence, and know that your denture will stay in place when you speak, is an important part of quality of life with these new dentures.

Removable dentures are now all made of high-quality plastic. The base consists of a gum-colored material; the teeth used on it can be adapted in shape and color according to the individual circumstances and wishes.

The alternative to removable dentures is a fixed denture, with dental crowns and dental bridges – either on natural teeth or on implants.