Damaged, worn or heavily restored teeth often need more than a simple filling.
Ceramic restorations can rebuild the shape, strength and appearance of a tooth using tooth-coloured materials designed to blend naturally with the surrounding teeth.
At Restore Dental in Chermside, our dentists and specialist prosthodontists plan each restoration with your bite, gum health and the long-term condition of the tooth in mind. We will explain the available options clearly so you can make an informed decision about your dental care.
To discuss your options, call 07 3483 2000 or book online.
What Are Dental Ceramic Restorations?
Dental ceramic restorations are custom-made restorations crafted from porcelain or other dental ceramics to replace missing or damaged tooth structure. Unlike a filling that is placed directly onto the tooth, a ceramic restoration is individually designed to fit the tooth precisely before being bonded or cemented into place.
Modern dental ceramics can closely replicate the appearance of natural enamel. They can be carefully shaded and shaped to complement the surrounding teeth, while many ceramic materials also offer good resistance to staining and are well tolerated by the surrounding gum tissues.
Ceramic restorations may be used to:
- Rebuild teeth damaged by trauma, decay or grinding
- Replace large or ageing fillings that have weakened a tooth
- Protect a tooth after root canal treatment
- Improve the shape, alignment or colour of front teeth
- Restore a dental implant with a natural-looking tooth
Types of Ceramic Restorations we Provide
Ceramic Crowns
A crown covers the visible portion of a tooth and may be recommended when a tooth is cracked, heavily restored or structurally weakened. Our dental crowns are individually designed and shaded to complement your neighbouring teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin ceramic restorations bonded to the front surface of a tooth to alter its colour, shape or appearance. They may be suitable for chipped, worn or discoloured front teeth where sufficient healthy tooth structure remains. Learn more about dental veneers.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are partial ceramic restorations that replace a portion of the tooth rather than covering the entire visible surface. They can be a conservative option when a filling would be too large to provide adequate support, but a full crown would require removal of more healthy tooth structure than necessary.
Ceramic Bridges
Where a tooth is missing, a dental bridge can use neighbouring teeth or dental implants for support and replace the missing tooth with a ceramic restoration.
Implant Crowns
A ceramic implant crown is attached to a dental implant to replace a single missing tooth. Unlike a conventional bridge, it does not require the teeth on either side of the space to be used as supports.
Why Choose Ceramic?
A natural appearance. Ceramic can be layered and shaded to reproduce the colour, translucency and surface characteristics of natural teeth. This can be particularly important when restoring visible front teeth.
Strength where it matters. High-strength ceramics such as zirconia and lithium disilicate can provide good resistance to everyday chewing forces and may be suitable for both front and back teeth, depending on the clinical situation.
Resistance to staining. Ceramic surfaces are generally resistant to staining and discolouration, although the natural teeth surrounding a restoration can still change colour over time.
Metal-free. Ceramic restorations do not require metal and may be preferred by patients seeking a metal-free restorative option. They can also avoid the appearance of a dark metal margin at the gumline associated with some older restoration designs.
Designed with gum health in mind. Well-fitting restoration margins, combined with good oral hygiene, make it easier to keep the area clean and support the health of the surrounding gums.
What to Expect at Restore Dental
1. Assessment and planning. We examine the tooth, take any necessary diagnostic images and models of your teeth, and discuss what you want to achieve. Our in-house low-dose Cone Beam CT scanner can provide detailed three-dimensional information when required for diagnosis and treatment planning.
2. Preparing the tooth. We remove decay and any failing restorative material before shaping the tooth so the new restoration can fit and function correctly. Where clinically appropriate, we aim to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
3. Records and temporary cover. We take a digital scan or impression, along with shade records, and fit a temporary restoration where required while your permanent restoration is being made.
4. Fabrication. Your restoration is individually crafted to our specifications by a skilled dental technician.
5. Fitting. We check the fit, margins, appearance and bite before making any necessary adjustments and bonding or cementing the restoration into place.
Caring for Your Ceramic Restorations
Ceramic restorations are durable, but their longevity also depends on the health of the underlying tooth and gums. Brush twice daily, clean carefully between your teeth and attend regular dental check-ups so we can monitor your restoration and the surrounding tissues.
If you grind or clench your teeth, we may recommend a night splint to help protect your teeth and restorations from excessive forces. Our guide to caring for veneers, crowns and bridges covers this in more detail.
The lifespan of a ceramic restoration varies depending on the tooth, restoration type, bite, oral hygiene and other individual factors. With appropriate care and regular maintenance, many ceramic restorations can provide many years of service.
Book A Consultation in Chermside
Our team includes specialist prosthodontists, providing expertise in complex restorative treatment involving multiple teeth, worn or changing bites and implant restorations. Explore our full range of restorative dentistry and prosthodontic services.
To get started, you can explore our full range of dental services or contact our team to arrange your consultation.
