Ceramics and crowns
Treatment Menu
Ceramics and crowns
歯科ハミール
We restore tooth shape lost to decay or damage using an inlay or a crown, choosing a suitable material while checking shade, strength and bite.
About ceramics and crowns
Inlays and crowns can be made from a range of materials — resin, metal, ceramic and more — each differing in appearance, durability, cost and whether it is covered by insurance. We check how much natural tooth remains, the site being treated, the force of your bite, and whether you grind your teeth, and beyond your own preference, we also explain what is needed for a restoration to last, so we can walk you through each option in detail.
Advantages of choosing ceramic
Ceramic has several advantages over insurance-covered inlays and crowns. Beyond its natural appearance, it is also valued for helping prevent tooth decay and for being gentle on the body — reasons many patients choose it.
Natural beauty (aesthetics)
Ceramic lets light through, giving a translucency close to that of a natural tooth. By adjusting its color and shape to match the surrounding teeth, we can achieve a white, natural-looking result.
Less likely to develop decay again (preventing secondary decay)
Ceramic has a smooth surface that dirt does not easily cling to, and a dedicated adhesive creates a strong bond with the tooth, so gaps rarely form at the margin. With metal inlays and crowns, the bonding material can deteriorate over time and open up gaps, letting bacteria in and allowing decay to return; ceramic keeps this risk low.
Fewer concerns about metal allergy (biocompatibility)
Because ceramic contains no metal, there is no risk of metal ions leaching into your saliva, making it an easy choice for patients who are concerned about a metal allergy.
Points to check when choosing an inlay or crown
Condition of the tooth being treated
We check the extent of the decay or damage and the strength of the remaining tooth to judge whether an inlay or a crown is the better fit.
Color and shape matching
We check the color, shape and overall look of the surrounding teeth, and explain how each material looks once the restoration is complete.
Bite and ease of cleaning
We take into account whether the site bears heavy biting force, whether you have a grinding habit, and whether the finished shape will be easy to keep clean.
Main types of inlay and crown
There are several types of ceramic material, differing in strength, translucency and where they can be used. We will introduce the options based on the condition of your tooth and what you would like.
Porcelain-fused-to-zirconia crown
This is a crown made by firing porcelain onto a zirconia base. It combines strength with a natural white finish and can be used on both front and back teeth.
Full-zirconia crown
This crown is made entirely of zirconia. It is very strong, so it also suits back teeth that take heavy biting force, and its white color resists changing over time.
e-max (glass ceramic)
This material has excellent translucency and an appearance close to a natural tooth. Besides front-tooth crowns, it is also used for back-tooth inlays.
Hybrid ceramic
This material combines ceramic with resin. Compared with other ceramic materials, it is somewhat more prone to discoloration over time and slightly less strong.
Treatment process
Examination and discussing your wishes
We listen to what concerns you about your teeth and what you would like, and check the condition of your decay, gums and bite.
Explaining materials and cost
We explain the options, including both insurance-covered and privately funded materials, along with their features, points to note, and an estimate of the cost.
Preparing the tooth and taking an impression
We carry out any treatment needed to shape the tooth, and take an impression to make the inlay or crown.
Fitting and adjusting the bite
We check that the finished restoration is right in color, shape and fit, then fit it and adjust the bite.
Regular check-ups
So that the treated tooth and restoration last as long as possible, we check the cleanliness of the margin and your bite at regular check-ups.
Materials and aftercare
Ceramic, zirconia and similar materials are sometimes privately funded and not covered by insurance. Cost varies with the material used and the extent of treatment, so we provide an estimate before treatment begins. Whichever material you choose, there is some possibility of chipping, coming loose, or decay returning, so daily cleaning and regular check-ups matter.
The importance of maintenance and prevention after treatment
Extending the lifespan with regular check-ups
Having an inlay or crown fitted is not the end of the story — how you look after it afterward is what determines how long it lasts. At regular check-ups we examine the margin and your bite and adjust them if needed. If dirt builds up where the ceramic meets the tooth, it can lead to gum inflammation or decay, so keeping the area clean with regular cleaning appointments matters.
Care at home
Ceramic itself cannot decay, but decay can still develop where the natural tooth meets the ceramic. Alongside daily brushing, use interdental brushes and floss to clean this margin well. Ceramic is stronger than natural tooth, but biting down hard on ice, candy, or objects such as pens can still chip it, so please take care.
Dealing with clenching and grinding
Clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep places a lot of unconscious force on your teeth and any ceramic restoration. If this concerns you, ask your dentist about wearing a night guard. It is one way to help an inlay or crown stay in good condition over the long term.
FAQ
Q1. About how long does ceramic last?
With daily care and regular check-ups, it can generally last for many years. If you are concerned about clenching your teeth at night, asking your dentist about wearing a night guard can also help lower the risk of chipping or breaking.
Q2. Can ceramic chip?
Even a hard material such as zirconia cannot bring the risk of chipping from a strong impact or from grinding down to zero. If this concerns you, please ask us about wearing a night guard while you sleep.
Q3. Can I replace all my silver crowns with ceramic at once?
You can also plan it in stages, tooth by tooth, according to your wishes and priorities. We will put together a treatment plan that keeps your bite in balance and doesn’t put an unnecessary burden on you.
Q4. Does ceramic discolor?
Ceramic is similar in nature to pottery, so the material itself is barely affected by staining from coffee, tea or red wine. However, dirt on the surface can make it look discolored, so we recommend regular cleaning appointments.
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