Types of Ceramic Treatments and how to Choose

Achieve a Beautiful Smile with Healthy Teeth | Realize Your Ideal Smile with Ceramic Treatment

Are you concerned about silver fillings, looking to improve the color or shape of your teeth, or wanting to choose materials that are less prone to cavities? In recent years, as interest in aesthetic dentistry has grown, ceramic treatments that combine natural beauty with superior functionality have gained significant attention. At Shiba Koen/Mita SACHI Dental Clinic, we propose the most suitable ceramic treatments tailored to each patient’s individual desires and oral condition.

What is Ceramic Treatment?

Ceramic treatment involves restoring parts of teeth that have been drilled due to cavities with ceramic (porcelain) fillings or crowns. Compared to metals or plastics used in conventional insurance treatments, it offers the following advantages.

• Excellent Aesthetics: It can replicate the color and translucency close to natural teeth, resulting in a very natural finish.
• High Durability: Ceramic is an extremely hard and durable material. Therefore, with proper care, it can be used for a long period of time.
• Biocompatibility: Ceramic poses no risk of metal allergies and blends well with the gums, making it a body-friendly material.
• Resistant to Staining: Because the surface is smooth, plaque and stains are less likely to adhere. As a result, this also helps in preventing cavities and periodontal disease.

Due to these benefits, “Ceramic Cosmetic Dentistry” is not only effective for aesthetic beauty but also for maintaining oral health in the long term.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramic Treatment

While ceramic treatment offers many benefits, there are also some disadvantages. When choosing a treatment, it is important to have a thorough understanding of both the pros and cons.

Types of Ceramic Treatments | Which Material is Best?

At SACHI Dental Clinic, we offer various types of ceramic materials to match our patients’ preferences and oral health. Each material has its own characteristics, which we will introduce in detail below.

All-Ceramic (E-Max, etc.)

All-ceramic is a material made entirely of ceramic. It offers the highest level of aesthetics, reproducing a translucency and natural color tone close to that of natural teeth. Furthermore, it boasts excellent strength and can be used for a wide range of applications, from front teeth to molars. It is especially recommended for those who prioritize appearance.

• Advantages:
  • Extremely high aesthetic quality
  • Translucency close to natural teeth
  • No risk of metal allergies
  • Minimal discoloration due to aging
• Disadvantages:
  • More expensive compared to other materials
  • May crack under strong impact

About E-Max

One of the all-ceramic materials used at our clinic, e-max, is a new ceramic material primarily composed of lithium disilicate glass. It has higher strength than conventional ceramics and features wear resistance similar to natural teeth, making it less likely to damage the opposing teeth.

Additionally, it offers high color reproducibility and translucency, making it particularly suitable for treatments in areas where aesthetics are required, such as the front teeth.

Zirconia

Zirconia, also known as artificial diamond, is an extremely high-strength ceramic material. For this reason, it is suitable for areas subjected to strong forces, such as the molars. In recent years, translucent types have also become available and are now being used for front teeth as well. It is recommended for those who prioritize strength and durability.

• Advantages:
  • Extremely high strength
  • Suitable for bridges in molars
  • No risk of metal allergies
• Disadvantages:
  • Less translucent compared to all-ceramic
  • May occasionally crack depending on bite conditions

Zirconia Ceramic

Zirconia ceramic is a material that uses high-strength zirconia as a frame, with the surface covered in ceramic. In other words, it is a material that combines the strength of zirconia with the aesthetic beauty of ceramic.

• Advantages:
  • Very high strength
  • Beautiful appearance
  • No risk of metal allergies
• Disadvantages:
  • More expensive due to the labor-intensive production compared to all-ceramic
  • The ceramic surface may chip under strong impact

Hybrid Ceramic

Hybrid ceramic is a material that blends ceramic with resin (dental plastic). Consequently, it combines the beauty of ceramic with the flexibility of resin. It is recommended for those who wish to achieve white teeth while keeping costs down.

• Advantages:
  • Cheaper compared to ceramic
  • Relatively soft, making it less likely to damage surrounding teeth
  • No risk of metal allergies
• Disadvantages:
  • Less aesthetic and durable compared to all-ceramic or zirconia crowns
  • May discolor over time
  • Prone to staining due to water absorption

Points for Selecting Materials

As shown, each ceramic material has different characteristics. So, which material should you choose? Generally, all-ceramic (e-max) is suitable for areas where aesthetics are most important, such as the front teeth. On the other hand, zirconia is ideal for areas subjected to strong forces, such as the molars. Additionally, hybrid ceramic is an option if you wish to consider the cost aspect.

However, the optimal material varies depending on each patient’s oral condition and preferences. Therefore, we will work with you to select the best material through a thorough consultation.

Methods of Ceramic Treatment | Inlay, Crown, Laminate Veneer

There are three main methods for ceramic treatment. we will select the most appropriate method based on the condition of the teeth and the purpose of the treatment.

Inlay (Filling)

An inlay is a partial filling used to fill a section where a cavity has been removed. Specifically, it is suitable for treating small cavities or cavities located between teeth.

Crowns

A crown is a restoration used when a cavity has progressed significantly and requires extensive removal of the tooth structure, or to reinforce a tooth that has undergone a root canal. Because it covers the entire tooth, it provides high strength and is therefore suitable for treating molars.

Laminate Veneer

Laminate veneers are a treatment method where a thin layer of the tooth surface is removed and a thin ceramic shell is bonded to it. For example, they are suitable for cases where you want to significantly change the color or shape of your teeth or correct minor misalignments. They are primarily used to enhance the aesthetics of the front teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here, we answer frequently asked questions regarding ceramic treatment.

Is ceramic treatment painful?

Like cavity treatments, ceramic treatments are performed under local anesthesia as needed. At our clinic, we take care to minimize the pain of the anesthetic injection by using topical anesthesia and electric anesthesia devices, so please rest assured.

How much does ceramic treatment cost?

Ceramic treatment is a self-funded treatment not covered by insurance. Costs vary depending on the type of ceramic used and the treatment area, so we will explain in detail during the consultation.

How long does ceramic last?

The lifespan of ceramic varies depending on the material used, the patient’s oral condition, and maintenance status, but it is generally said to last over 10 years. However, it may crack or chip under strong impact, so caution is necessary. Regular maintenance and proper care can extend its use.

Can ceramic crack?

Ceramic is an extremely hard material, but it can crack or chip if subjected to a strong impact. In particular, those who have a habit of grinding or clenching their teeth need to be careful. In such cases, we will propose countermeasures such as wearing a mouthguard while sleeping, so please feel free to consult us.

What is the difference from white fillings covered by insurance?

The white fillings used in insurance-covered treatments are a plastic material called composite resin. Composite resin has lower strength compared to ceramic and has the disadvantage of being prone to discoloration and wear over time. Furthermore, because it is absorbent, it stains easily and carries a higher risk of recurrent cavities.

On the other hand, ceramic is superior in terms of aesthetics, durability, and functionality, as it has high strength and is resistant to discoloration, wear, and staining.