A Beautiful Smile Creates Confidence and Smiles | Achieving Your Ideal Smile with Ceramic Treatment

Are you concerned about “silver fillings,” wanting “cleaner teeth color or shape,” or looking to “choose a material less prone to cavities”? Amidst growing interest in cosmetic dentistry in recent years, ceramic treatment, which combines beauty similar to natural teeth with excellent functionality, is gaining attention. At SACHI Dental Clinic in the Mita & Shibakoen area, we propose the optimal ceramic treatment tailored to each patient’s wishes and oral condition.

What is Ceramic Treatment?

Ceramic treatment is a method of restoring areas where teeth have been shaped, such as during cavity treatment, using fillings or crowns made of ceramic (porcelain). Compared to metals or plastics used in conventional insurance-covered treatments, it offers the following advantages:

• Excellent Aesthetics: Can replicate color tones and translucency close to natural teeth for a very natural finish.
• High Durability: Ceramic is a very hard and durable material. With proper care, it can be used for a long time.
• Biocompatibility: Ceramics pose no risk of metal allergies and are compatible with gums, making them a body-friendly material.
• Resistant to Stains/Plaque: The smooth surface makes it difficult for plaque or stains to adhere, contributing to the prevention of cavities and gum disease.

Due to these benefits, “ceramic cosmetic dentistry” is considered a very effective treatment method not only for aesthetic beauty but also for maintaining long-term oral health.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramic Treatment

While ceramic treatment has many advantages, disadvantages also exist. It’s important to understand both when choosing a treatment.

Types of Ceramic Treatment | What’s the Best Material?

At SACHI Dental Clinic, we offer various types of ceramic materials tailored to the patient’s wishes and oral condition.

All-Ceramic (e.g., e.max)

All-ceramic is a material made entirely of ceramic. It offers the best aesthetics, replicating the translucency and natural color tone closest to natural teeth. It also has excellent strength and can be widely used from front to back teeth. Especially recommended for those prioritizing appearance.

• Advantages:
  • Excellent aesthetics
  • Translucency close to natural teeth
  • No risk of metal allergies
  • Minimal discoloration over time
• Disadvantages:
  • Higher cost compared to other materials
  • Potential to fracture under strong impact

About e.max

e.max, one of the all-ceramics used in our clinic, is a new ceramic material primarily composed of lithium disilicate glass.
It is stronger than conventional ceramics and has wear properties similar to natural teeth, making it less likely to damage opposing teeth.
Its high color reproducibility and translucency make it suitable for treatments requiring aesthetics, such as on front teeth.

Zirconia

Zirconia, also known as artificial diamond, is an extremely strong ceramic material. It is suitable for areas under strong force, like back teeth. Recently, translucent types have emerged, making it usable for front teeth as well. Recommended for those prioritizing strength and durability.

• Advantages:
  • Extremely high strength
  • Suitable for applications like bridges on back teeth
  • No risk of metal allergies
• Disadvantages:
  • Less translucent compared to all-ceramic
  • In rare cases, may fracture depending on bite conditions

Zirconia Ceramic (PFZ – Porcelain-Fused-to-Zirconia)

Zirconia ceramic uses a high-strength zirconia frame covered with ceramic on the surface. It combines the strength of zirconia with the aesthetics of ceramic.

• Advantages:
  • Very high strength
  • Beautiful appearance
  • No risk of metal allergies
• Disadvantages:
  • Tends to be more expensive than all-ceramic due to more complex fabrication
  • The surface ceramic may chip under strong impact

Hybrid Ceramic

Hybrid ceramic is a material made by mixing ceramic and resin (dental plastic). It combines the beauty of ceramic with the flexibility of resin. Recommended for those who want white teeth while keeping costs down.

• Advantages:
  • Less expensive compared to ceramic
  • Relatively soft, thus less likely to damage surrounding teeth
  • No risk of metal allergies
• Disadvantages:
  • Inferior aesthetics and durability compared to all-ceramic or zirconia crowns
  • Can discolor over time
  • Prone to staining due to water absorption

Methods of Ceramic Treatment | Inlay, Crown, Laminate Veneer

There are mainly three methods for ceramic treatment:

Inlay (Filling)

An inlay is a partial filling used to fill the area where a cavity has been removed. Suitable for treating small cavities or cavities between teeth.

Crown

A crown is a cap used when a cavity has progressed significantly, requiring substantial tooth reduction, or to reinforce a tooth that has had nerve treatment. It covers the entire tooth, providing high strength and suitability for back teeth.

Laminate Veneer

A laminate veneer is a treatment method where the tooth surface is thinly shaped, and a thin ceramic shell is bonded onto it. Suitable for significantly changing tooth color or shape, or correcting minor alignment issues. Primarily used to enhance the aesthetics of front teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ceramic treatment painful?

Similar to cavity treatment, ceramic treatment is performed under local anesthesia if necessary. Our clinic considers pain during anesthetic injection by using topical anesthesia and electric anesthesia injectors.

How much does ceramic treatment cost?

Ceramic treatment is a self-pay treatment not covered by insurance. The cost varies depending on the type of ceramic used and the scope of treatment. We will explain the details during the counseling session.

How long do ceramics last?

The lifespan of ceramics varies depending on the material used, the patient’s oral condition, maintenance, etc., but it is generally said to last 10 years or more. However, strong impacts can cause them to crack or chip, so care is needed. With regular maintenance and proper care, they can be used for a longer period.

Can ceramics break?

Ceramic is a very hard material, but it can crack or chip under strong impact. Particular caution is needed for those who grind or clench their teeth. We can propose countermeasures, such as wearing a nightguard during sleep, so please consult us.

What is the difference from insurance-covered white fillings?

The white fillings used in insurance-covered treatment are made of a plastic material called composite resin. Compared to ceramics, composite resin has lower strength and is prone to discoloration and wear over time. It also absorbs water, making it more susceptible to staining and increasing the risk of cavity recurrence. Ceramics, on the other hand, are superior in aesthetics, durability, and functionality due to their high strength, resistance to discoloration and wear, and low stain adherence.