A high-strength ceramic material (zirconium dioxide) used for dental crowns. Zirconia is approximately 5 times stronger than traditional porcelain, making it ideal for back teeth that experience heavy chewing forces. It's metal-free, biocompatible, and available in natural tooth shades.

E.max

A brand name for lithium disilicate ceramic, known for exceptional aesthetics. E.max has translucency similar to natural tooth enamel, making it the preferred material for front teeth restorations where appearance is critical. It offers an excellent balance of strength and beauty.

Lithium Disilicate

A glass-ceramic material used in high-end dental restorations. Known for its ability to mimic the light-transmitting properties of natural teeth. E.max is the most common brand of lithium disilicate. Stronger than traditional porcelain while maintaining excellent aesthetics.

Porcelain

A ceramic material commonly used for dental crowns and veneers. Dental porcelain can be color-matched to natural teeth and provides a lifelike appearance. Modern porcelain is stronger than earlier versions but is typically fused to other materials for added strength.

Ceramic

A broad category of non-metallic materials used in dentistry. Dental ceramics include porcelain, zirconia, and lithium disilicate. They are valued for their natural appearance, biocompatibility, and ability to bond to tooth structure. Modern ceramics offer excellent strength and aesthetics.

Composite Resin

A tooth-colored filling material made of plastic and glass particles. Used for fillings, bonding, and some restorations. While not as strong or long-lasting as ceramics, composite resin is versatile and can be matched to tooth color. It bonds directly to tooth structure.

Dental Cement

Material used to bond crowns, bridges, and other restorations to teeth. Different types include resin cement, glass ionomer, and zinc phosphate. Modern resin cements create strong, durable bonds and can help with sensitivity. The type used depends on the restoration and tooth condition.

Biocompatibility

The ability of a material to exist in the body without causing harm or rejection. Dental ceramics like zirconia and e.max are highly biocompatible, making them safe for long-term use. Biocompatible materials don't cause allergic reactions or tissue irritation.

Procedures

Understand common dental procedures and treatments

Crown Preparation

The process of reshaping a tooth to receive a dental crown. The dentist removes a layer of tooth structure to make room for the crown material. The amount removed depends on the crown type. Preparation is done under local anesthesia for comfort.

Root Canal

A procedure to treat infection inside a tooth by removing the diseased pulp tissue, cleaning the canal system, and sealing it. Root canals save teeth that would otherwise need extraction. After a root canal, a crown is typically placed to protect the tooth.

Extraction

The removal of a tooth from its socket. Extractions are performed when teeth cannot be saved due to severe decay, infection, or trauma. After healing, extracted teeth can be replaced with implants, bridges, or dentures.

Bonding

A procedure where tooth-colored composite resin is applied and hardened to repair or improve tooth appearance. Dental bonding can fix chips, close gaps, reshape teeth, and improve color. It's a conservative, affordable option for minor cosmetic improvements.

Crown Lengthening

A surgical procedure to expose more of a tooth's surface by removing gum tissue and/or bone. Crown lengthening may be needed when there isn't enough tooth structure above the gumline to support a crown, or for cosmetic gum reshaping.

Dental Crown

A tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. Crowns restore damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth to their normal shape, size, and function. They can be made from various materials including porcelain, zirconia, and e.max ceramic.

Temporary Crown

A provisional crown worn while a permanent crown is being made at a dental lab. Temporary crowns protect the prepared tooth and maintain space. They're made from acrylic or metal and cemented with temporary adhesive. Same-day CEREC crowns eliminate the need for temporaries.

Margin

The edge of a crown where it meets the tooth structure. A well-fitting margin is crucial for crown success - it should be smooth, tight, and positioned at the gumline. Poor margins can allow bacteria to enter, causing decay and crown failure.

Shade Matching

The process of selecting the right color for a dental restoration to match natural teeth. Shade matching considers hue, value, and chroma under different lighting conditions. Digital shade technology and expert eyes ensure your crown blends seamlessly.

Inlay

A custom restoration that fits within the cusps of a tooth, larger than a filling but smaller than a crown. Inlays are used when decay or damage is too extensive for a filling but doesn't require full crown coverage. Made from ceramic, gold, or composite.

Onlay

A custom restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth. Onlays extend over the biting surface, providing more coverage than inlays while being more conservative than full crowns. Also called 'partial crowns.'

Dental Bridge

A prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth or implants. The bridge consists of crown-covered anchor teeth (abutments) with artificial teeth (pontics) between them.

Pontic

The artificial tooth in a dental bridge that replaces the missing natural tooth. The pontic is fused to crowns on either side and designed to look and function like a natural tooth while resting just above the gum tissue.

Tooth Anatomy

Explore the structure and parts of your teeth

Enamel

The hard, outer layer of the tooth crown. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, protecting the underlying dentin. It cannot regenerate once damaged, which is why cavities and chips need to be treated. Crowns replace enamel's protective function.

Dentin

The layer of tooth tissue beneath the enamel. Dentin is softer than enamel and makes up most of the tooth structure. It contains microscopic tubes that can transmit sensations, which is why exposed dentin causes sensitivity. Crowns cover and protect dentin.

Pulp

The soft tissue inside a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. When decay or trauma reaches the pulp, it can become infected and painful, requiring root canal treatment. The pulp extends from the crown through the root canals.

Cusp

The pointed or rounded projection on the chewing surface of a tooth. Molars typically have 4-5 cusps; premolars have 2. When cusps are damaged or worn, a crown may be needed. Onlays cover one or more cusps while preserving healthy tooth structure.

Gingiva

The medical term for gum tissue. Healthy gingiva is pink, firm, and fits snugly around teeth. Crown margins should fit precisely at or just below the gumline for a natural appearance and to maintain gum health. Also called gums.

Abutment

A supporting structure for a dental prosthesis. In implant dentistry, the abutment is the connector between the implant post and the crown. In bridge work, abutment teeth are the natural teeth that support the bridge.

Occlusion

The contact relationship between upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Proper occlusion distributes bite forces evenly. Crowns must be carefully adjusted to match your occlusion for comfortable chewing and to prevent damage to the restoration.

Technology

Discover the technology behind modern dentistry

CEREC

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics - a CAD/CAM system that allows dentists to design and mill ceramic restorations in-office. CEREC enables same-day crowns, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments. It uses digital scanning and computer-aided design for precise results.

CAD/CAM

Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing - technology used to design and fabricate dental restorations digitally. The process involves 3D scanning, computer design, and precision milling. CAD/CAM produces highly accurate crowns, bridges, and other restorations.

iTero Scanner

A digital intraoral scanner that captures detailed 3D images of teeth without traditional impression materials. The scanner uses laser technology to create accurate digital models. Benefits include improved comfort (no gagging), instant results, and more precise restorations.

Digital Impression

A 3D scan of teeth captured using an intraoral scanner, replacing traditional putty impressions. Digital impressions are more comfortable for patients, more accurate than traditional methods, and can be instantly transmitted for crown design. No messy materials or gagging.

Milling Machine

A computer-controlled device that carves dental restorations from solid blocks of ceramic or other materials. In-office milling machines enable same-day crowns. The machine follows the digital design to create precise, custom-fit restorations.

Digital X-Ray

X-ray imaging that uses digital sensors instead of traditional film. Digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation, provide instant images, can be easily stored and shared, and allow for image enhancement to better detect problems.

Conditions

Learn about dental conditions and problems

Bruxism

The habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often unconsciously during sleep. Bruxism can wear down teeth, crack restorations, and cause jaw pain. Patients with bruxism may need stronger crown materials (like zirconia) and nightguards to protect their teeth.

Dental Caries

The scientific term for tooth decay or cavities. Caries occurs when bacteria in plaque produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel. Small cavities can be treated with fillings; large cavities may require crowns. Prevention includes good hygiene and regular checkups.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

A condition where a tooth has a crack that causes pain during biting but is often invisible on X-rays. Symptoms include sharp pain when chewing, especially when releasing bite pressure. A crown is typically the treatment to hold the tooth together and stop crack progression.

Tooth Sensitivity

Discomfort or pain in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli. Sensitivity occurs when dentin is exposed due to worn enamel, gum recession, or decay. Crowns can eliminate sensitivity by covering and protecting exposed areas.

Tooth Fracture

A crack or break in a tooth, ranging from minor enamel chips to severe root fractures. Minor fractures can be treated with crowns; severe fractures may require extraction. Prompt treatment prevents bacteria from entering the tooth and causing infection.

Dental Abscess

A pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection in or around a tooth. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, fever, and bad taste. Abscesses require immediate treatment - usually root canal or extraction. Left untreated, infection can spread dangerously.

Malocclusion

Improper alignment of teeth when the jaws are closed. Also called 'bad bite.' Malocclusion can cause uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. Crowns and other restorations must be designed to work with your bite pattern.

Most Searched Terms

CEREC Zirconia E.max Dental Crown Root Canal Bruxism Cracked Tooth Syndrome Temporary Crown

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