This area of Dentistry is related to all the work that can be done with fixed ceramic prostheses on patients' teeth or also on dental implants.
Unlike direct composite restorations, ceramic restorations have numerous advantages:
- Lifetime 4x longer than composites, approximately 25-30 years;
- Wear resistance;
- Aesthetic quality that lasts over the lifetime of the ceramic;
- Biomimetic ability (very similar to natural teeth);
- Smoother surface than the enamel itself;
- Bacterial plaque retention and almost non-existent dental stain.
Typically these ceramic works are highly appreciated by all patients as they give them back a dentition very similar to the natural dentition with all the correction of functional and aesthetic problems. In rehabilitation (replacement of damaged/lost teeth) this is clearly the best solution available to Dental Medicine and the one that brings more security and self-esteem to our patients.
There are several types of ceramics that can be made:
- Crowns cover the entirety of the tooth;
- Veneers cover only the outer part of the tooth;
- Onlays/inlays, ceramic inlays on the part that chews;
- Crowns on implants, screwed or cemented to dental implants.
Treatment
A first aesthetic and functional evaluation of the patient with the Dentist is necessary, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of the clinical status of the teeth to be intervened. The specific needs of patients and their goals for oral rehabilitation are taken into account.
Treatment stages:
- A dental model that simulates the desired result is prepared by the dentist together with the dental laboratory. Like a project, before building a house.
- In the preparation consultation, the teeth are painlessly prepared to receive the final ceramics.
- Temporary prostheses are placed for a correct adaptation phase.
- Ceramics are produced by the dental laboratory, according to the medical prescription.
- Finally the ceramics are tested in the mouth and permanently fixed to the teeth.