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Metal-ceramic crowns and prostheses – traditional porcelain

Metal-ceramic crowns and prostheses are a classic option for people who have lost one or more teeth, to fully or partially cover a damaged crown or to improve the appearance, shape or alignment of teeth. Porcelain dental crowns are the popular name for metal-ceramic crowns, but today there are other types of porcelain for dental crowns.

Advantages of metal-ceramic prostheses

The positive points of metal-ceramic crown technology are their strength, high level of durability and appearance. With the new generations of different porcelain formulations, they look very similar to natural teeth. In their final finish, porcelain prostheses are given a special shine so that they don’t darken under the effect of black light.

How crowns are made from this material

A metal-ceramic crown consists of an internal metal structure, which is then veneered with porcelain (ceramic).

internal metal structure of metalloceramic crown
Metal-ceramic crown Metal structure ready for an implant crown and for a natural tooth
metalloceramic crown vs. zirconia crown
Front and inside view ofmetal+ceramic crown (metal inner layer) vs. porcelain crown with zirconia inner structure

Metal-ceramic crowns have a great ability to blend in with the natural coloring of neighboring teeth. They can be used, for example, to replace a large restoration, protect a weakened tooth, make prostheses for one or more teeth, restore a dental implant or a full prosthesis to replace all the teeth in an arch. In short, when making a prosthesis, the patient and the dentist will decide on the best option for each person.

Zirconia crown vs. metalloceramic crown
Which material is better? The zirconia crown (left) or the metalloceramic crown (right). The strength of the pieces is similar, but there is a great advantage in the aesthetics of the crown which contains no metal inside.

If it’s a metal-ceramic prosthesis, the specialist will choose the correct color so that it matches your natural teeth. Before your permanent porcelain crown is made, you will receive a temporary dental crown. In some cases where natural teeth are reconstructed using porcelain crowns, the root canal-treated teeth will need an internal reinforcement pin called a dental core.

metal ceramic dental bridge 3 teeth
Fixed metal-ceramic prosthesis for 3 teeth (the central tooth is missing). Floss does not pass between the teeth in this type of prosthesis.
metal ceramic upper full dentures
Metal-ceramic upper total prosthesis: 1 – Trial of the metal structure milled by computerized systems; 2 – Prosthesis with the application of porcelain crowns and artificial gingival characterized

Disadvantages of the metal-ceramic crown

The structural metal of the metal-ceramic is the main strength of the metal+porcelain prosthesis (resistance), but it is also its main disadvantage. The internal metal of the prosthesis or dental crown can make the work less aesthetic because:

  • A dark spot may appear on the tooth due to the translucency of the metal.
  • Dentures can turn gray
  • A metal-ceramic porcelain crown can show metal on its edge, leaving the gums dark
  • The porcelain of dentures can detach one day, leaving the bare metal exposed
  • They are difficult to repair in the event of a fracture
  • They are less living than natural teeth or more modern prostheses such as dental zirconia.
metal-ceramic prosthesis subjected to light illumination
Metal-ceramic prosthesis can reveal the opacity of the metal inside when exposed to light

What if I don’t want metal in my mouth?

Another option to metal ceramics can be metal-free porcelain, which is very suitable for front teeth or for people who are allergic to metals. Nowadays there are several types of metal-free crowns, including computer-made crowns, in which the molds are not made with putty but with digitized molds.

ImplArt Odontologia has its own dental laboratory within the clinic. This certainly facilitates communication between dentists and prosthodontists and reduces the time it takes to make the prosthesis. The in-house prosthetic laboratory is fully equipped with digital technologies and 3D tooth printers. If you have any questions, please contact our team or book an appointment with our specialist team. We’d be delighted to hear from you!

Computerized metal-free porcelain crown

The metal-free porcelain crown provides aesthetics combined with strength and durability

What is a porcelain crown?

A porcelain crown is an artificial tooth – a dental prosthesis – that resembles in form and function a natural tooth that has been damaged. Porcelain crowns can also be grouped together to make fixed bridges or fixed porcelain prostheses. Here at the ImplArt Dental Clinic in Brazil, we make metal-free crowns using completely computerized systems. We therefore offer our patients the most modern systems and the most advanced results.

What is dental porcelain?

Porcelain is a material that resembles glass and is used to reconstruct teeth. It has a natural color and high resistance. It is also called dental ceramic.

Types and materials of porcelain crowns

In short, there are different types of materials used to make porcelain crowns: the older materials use metal and the more modern ones are metal-free. Porcelain crowns with metal internal structures are called metal-ceramic and crowns with a white structure such as zirconia are called metal-free.

There are also crowns that do not use internal structures and are made using computerized methods. In addition, covering a destroyed natural tooth with a ceramic crown is essential for oral health, as it will restore the patient’s chewing ability and even allow them to eat hard foods.

The advantage of the metal-free porcelain crown is that it is more aesthetic, since pure porcelain is a white material. As a result, the structure is not visible inside the crown even in brightly lit environments. The new generations of porcelain crowns are made using cad/cam methods according to computerized designs and don’t even require layers of internal reinforcement like metal and zirconia. They are made from a single (monolithic) material. These are digital, metal-free porcelain crowns whose main advantages are aesthetics and speed of production.

Translucent zirconia

Another innovative material for making a new porcelain crown is translucent zirconia, a material that is up to 10 x stronger than ordinary porcelain crowns. For this reason, they are highly recommended for the oral rehabilitation of back teeth and in patients with bruxism. Oral rehabilitation with crowns can be carried out on implants, on roots with root canal treatment and on natural teeth without root canal treatment.

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Fitting dental crowns requires preparation (tooth wear) so that the crown fits correctly. The main digital technique we use is Cerec 3D, an intraoral molding system with scanners and robotic tooth production.

Before a permanent prosthesis is made, we will make a temporary prosthesis so that you don’t lose your tooth. After the rehabilitation treatment, you will be able to lead a normal life, eat hard food and clean your teeth every day with a toothbrush and dental floss. The ImplArt Clinic specializes in dental prostheses and can offer you a porcelain crown with state-of-the-art technology.

Porcelain crown: advantages and indications

Porcelain crowns are fixed dental prostheses that mimic the shape and appearance of natural teeth. When a tooth is badly damaged, it may be necessary to have root canal treatment and a porcelain crown. By Dr. Roberto Markarian, graduated dentist and specialist in dental prostheses and dental implants in São Paulo, Brazil.

What is dental porcelain?

Choosing the ideal dental prosthesis can lead to confusion when faced with a number of options. Fixed dental prostheses must meet both functional and aesthetic needs. These are the main objectives that determine the choice of the ideal material. Before choosing the material, it is first necessary to understand the differences between the types of porcelain dental crowns. The main one is the reinforcement technique, which is the part required for masticatory efforts. Understand the differences better:

Metal-ceramic crown

The porcelain dental crown is built on a metal structure. It is durable and aesthetic, and can be used on both anterior and posterior teeth. However, in some cases, it may not achieve the best aesthetic result on anterior teeth, because the dark metal inside the prosthesis can leave the crown looking darkened when subjected to intense lighting.

Porcelain crown with metal-free zirconia

This is a porcelain crown mounted on a white zirconia structure, which is therefore metal-free. It is highly durable and has excellent aesthetic results, as the white zirconia of the internal structure leaves the crown with a natural appearance very similar to the natural tooth. The porcelain crown with zirconia can also be fixed on dental implants and is completely computer-engineered and made on a 3D tooth printer. It is also an indication for people with metal allergies.

Pure porcelain crown

It has excellent aesthetic results and great resistance. The material used is lithium disilicate or feldspathic ceramic. Because this ceramic is very translucent, it is not normally suitable for use on darkened teeth or on metal posts.

porcelain crown
Porcelain crown for natural teeth with excellent anatomy and aesthetics

How much does a porcelain crown cost?

Treatment prices can only be given after a face-to-face dental consultation. This is because the patient needs to be thoroughly assessed so that our team can understand their functional and aesthetic needs. Only then can we recommend the most appropriate treatment. In many cases, our team will offer a number of treatment options and respective outcome expectations, and the patient is free to choose.

Porcelain crowns can be made quickly in our clinic using our Day Clinic method for porcelain crowns. At the end of the porcelain crown treatment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by flossing daily and brushing regularly.

If you are far away, it is possible to have an online consultation, also known as a teleconsultation. This preliminary consultation takes place with our clinical director, Dr. Roberto Markarian, who will be able to make a preliminary assessment of your case and make recommendations for your treatment. This also applies to those who need dental implants, as we can plan your dental implant surgery remotely.

Read more about dental crowns

Fixed prosthesis on teeth can be replaced by crowns and implants

Fixed dental prostheses on teeth are a solution for providing function and aesthetics to the smile of a person who has lost or fractured teeth. This type of prosthesis is also known as a bridge.

Fixed prosthesis on teeth to replace missing teeth

Sometimes it is installed glued over remaining neighboring teeth or attached by staples. Although this is a great solution for filling gaps, it can cause some inconvenience over time.

One of them is that this type of prosthesis is unable to stop bone resorption at the site, especially under the suspended element.

This is because the body progressively absorbs bone volume at the site of a tooth extraction without immediate replacement. In this respect, rapid dental implantation would be more appropriate.

The prosthesis doesn’t follow this movement and the tendency is for an unsightly gap to appear between it and the receding bone tissue.

This can leave the prosthesis out of place over time and the wearer may experience discomfort when chewing. Staples, on the other hand, can hurt the oral mucosa and damage the aesthetics of the smile if the metal is visible.

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Bonded bridge over teeth
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Bridge secured by metal clips

Another drawback of fixed prostheses on teeth is that they require wear and tear on the supporting teeth, which can make them more fragile and susceptible to diseases such as tooth decay and infiltration of canals or gum inflammation.

Replacing bridges over teeth with bridges over implants or single crowns therefore has many benefits, the main one being that it stops bone resorption. When the implant pins are installed in the bone, they function as tooth roots and the body understands that this bone is still useful.

Dental implants have other advantages:

  • Preserves the integrity of neighboring teeth (which do not need to be worn down);
  • Protects bone and gum tissue against periodontal disease and infiltration;
  • It is more resistant and durable;
  • It restores masticatory function and gives you the confidence to speak and smile;
  • Extremely aesthetic result. The prosthetic crown mimics the color, texture and shape of neighboring teeth. There is the aesthetic advantage of having no metal points from the staples.
  • When crowns are individualized, they make it possible to floss (note that the fixed prosthesis on teeth is one piece and it is not possible to floss between the teeth).

Dental implants offer several other advantages in addition to stopping bone resorption. They provide stability and security when chewing and speaking, as well as helping to preserve facial bone structure. In addition, single crowns or bridges on implants offer a more natural aesthetic, promoting a more harmonious smile.

See examples of aesthetic and implant treatments.

Read more about maxillary sinus lift.

Changing your dentures

If you have been wearing a fixed prosthesis on your teeth for many years and would like to replace it with a dental implant, you will need to undergo a professional assessment that will identify whether there is advanced bone loss or bruxism.

In some cases, bone grafting can be a solution for reconstructing lost volume. Find out more about bone grafting.

Ideally, people should try to have this replaced as soon as possible to avoid bone loss, but in cases where the gums are not healthy, the procedure may be contraindicated.

Prior periodontal treatment would then be necessary. It is important to remember that, once treatment has been completed, you should visit the dentist every 6 months for prophylaxis and to monitor the results of the treatment.

If you have any further questions about this technique, photos of dentures or prices, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help you.

Digital dental design

The realization of digital dental prosthesis design is possible thanks to advances in technology in recent years. These technologies are certainly making treatments faster, more precise and with better predictability of results. This applies to both fixed prostheses on dental implants and prostheses on teeth.

It is now possible to see and perfect the result of the treatment on the computer screen before it is finished

ImplArt is continually investing in acquiring the main technologies developed in this sector. They allow us to carry out what we call a digital smile project, i.e. we use a computer to design one or more teeth (choosing their shape and shade) and to plan implant surgeries.

The latest addition is the Cerec Primemill milling machine, which allows crowns to be made with even more detail and even more precise results.

Modern technologies are constantly advancing, always seeking to combine greater patient comfort, speedy treatment and superior aesthetic results. In addition, there is a variety of work available such as crowns, blocks, fixed prostheses with pontics, dental lenses, prostheses on implants.

Photographs of the patient and software are used to plan and make functional and aesthetic changes to the smile, such as adjusting occlusion, the shape and shade of the teeth.

According to scientific research carried out by Dr. Roberto Markarian, Clinical Director of ImplArt, the use of digital prostheses speeds up the delivery time of the work by up to 5x, and increases the degree of patient satisfaction by 80%.

digital dental treatment flow 3d printer digital prosthesis design
Example of a digital dental contact lens project

Cerec 3D and Ceramill Motion II

Systems developed for dental laboratories in which we can make the digital design of prostheses, plan and execute teeth using 3D printers. The technique used in digital smile design is called CAD/CAM (computer-aided design). It consists of 4 phases:

  • Intraoral Scanner – This is a high-precision camera used to capture images inside the patient’s mouth. The images are so lifelike that they show minute details such as the tone and texture of the gums and teeth.
  • Processing software – The images captured by the camera are sent to specialized software that creates a three-dimensional digital mould. In this processing phase, our team has the freedom to make adjustments, such as altering the shape and tone, in order to leave the piece with the characteristics that best match the patient’s needs. The computerized design can be superimposed on photographs of the patient to make it easier to understand the proposed treatment.
  • Milling – Equipment that works in a similar way to 3D printers. It receives information from the project and executes it accordingly. This compartment has robotic arms that mill raw ceramic blocks until they reach the shape of the designed part.
  • Ceramic kiln – The designed piece is taken to a high-temperature kiln to undergo a process called ceramic sintering. This phase is what gives the piece strength, shine and shade so that it has characteristics very close to natural teeth.

The main advantages of digital prosthesis design are:

  • Precision – the design of each tooth is made according to the patient’s needs. Once finished, they are the same size and shade as the original design. The fit is usually excellent.
  • Predictability – the software we use is sensitive enough for us to create a three-dimensional mold of the patient in great detail. Both our professionals and the patient can visualize the project on the computer screen, thus being able to predict the outcome of the treatment very accurately.
  • Speed – this system allows us to skip steps that could previously only be done manually, meaning that prosthetic work has become faster. We can perform teeth in a few days or even a few hours through the Day Clinic*.
  • Repeatability – The system allows you to repeat jobs and even make an identical copy of a prosthesis or tooth.

The installation of a provisional made with digital smile planning allows the patient to concretely visualize how their treatment will look before they begin the more invasive procedures in the mouth. This is known as a smile test drive or digital mockup. Treatments that can be planned on a computer:

If you have any questions about digital prosthesis design, prices and treatments, please contact us or make an appointment via WhatsApp below.

*In patients with favorable clinical conditions.

 

 

Zirconia prosthesis for dental implants

The zirconia prosthesis is a white ceramic used to make the internal structure of a dental implant prosthesis. It is currently considered the most aesthetic material for this purpose, as its shade is very similar to natural dentin and it also allows more light to pass through (translucency).

Zirconia provides a metal-free crown with high strength and aesthetics

A crown with a zirconia structure is an aesthetic alternative to a metal structure (metal-free crown). Although very resistant, the metal structure can leave the crown looking darkened when exposed to light.

In addition, if the patient has remodeling of the gums over time, a grayish line can appear at the gingival level and cause aesthetic compromise in the smile. For this reason, metal frameworks are often recommended for posterior crowns (which require a lot of strength, but not much aesthetics).

Meanwhile, the zirconia structure can be especially suitable for the anterior region, the most visible part of the arch where aesthetic requirements are greatest. The process of making a zirconia crown is computerized using Cad/Cam systems.

Read more about our digital dental laboratory

Read more about the new zirconia prostheses for fixed prostheses

Zirconia implant opens up new rehabilitation possibilities

implante de zirconia straumann pure neodent zi
Image showing zirconia dental implant posts. Both Straumann zirconia implants and the national Neodent Zi implants are available at our clinic.

When you lose a tooth, you can have a zirconia implant placed, which is a piece of white ceramic that sits in place of the tooth root. After healing, you can place a zirconia prosthesis, which is a ceramic cap that sits on top of the implant and looks like a real tooth. This combination has some benefits, such as

  • Beauty: zirconia is as white as teeth and doesn’t turn the gums gray like metal. What’s more, zirconia is transparent and shines like teeth, making your smile look more beautiful and natural.
  • Health: zirconia is a material that adapts well to bone and gums without causing allergies or inflammation. This helps with the healing and firmness of the implant.
  • Resistance: zirconia is a very strong material that can withstand the forces of chewing and does not wear out easily. This makes the implant and prosthesis last longer.

Therefore, the zirconia implant together with the zirconia prosthesis is a good option to recover the function and beauty of lost teeth, with a safe, comfortable and durable material.

I want to know more about the Straumann Zirconia Implant – Swiss.

I want to know more about the Neodent Zi Zirconia Implant – Brazil.

The computer-designed zirconia prosthesis

Initially, the teeth are scanned using intraoral scanners to generate a 3D digital mold. The design of the crown is made on a computer and executed on 3D tooth printers.

Finally, the crown receives a layer of porcelain that makes it look very similar to a natural tooth and can be fixed onto the dental implant. Among the indications for zirconia crowns on implants are single crowns, bridges and complete fixed prostheses.

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Zirconia implant prosthesis with porcelain applied. Above: bare zirconia framework ready for application. Below: porcelain applied to achieve proper form, color and function.

The main advantages of a zirconia prosthesis are:

  • High aesthetics
  • Resistance
  • Natural result
  • The fixed implant prosthesis is safer and more comfortable, and does not have the mobility of a mobile prosthesis
  • Improves smile aesthetics and self-esteem
  • Improves chewing and speech
  • Does not stain as it can with resin prostheses

If you have any questions, please contact us or make an appointment with our team. We’d be delighted to hear from you!

Protocol zirconia prosthesis for complete upper jaw full dental implant

The zirconia protocol prosthesis for the complete upper jaw is a fixed aesthetic prosthesis on a titanium dental implant for oral rehabilitation. It involves computerized design methods, and has become the most requested option among patients looking to combine the strength of the material with its superior aesthetic result in a total dental implant and protocol prosthesis treatment.

Designed using computerized technology and a 3D scanner, zirconia protocol prostheses with full dental implants are the most modern option for replacing completely lost teeth. Combined with fast-healing implant types, such as the Straumann implant, they allow for complete rehabilitation in a short space of time.

Today there are very modern dental implant options, such as the Straumann ceramic implant, or the Neodent Zi zirconia implant, an excellent option for those looking for metal-free implant treatment. It is also important to know that the healing time for a dental implant can vary from 1 to 6 months, depending on the type of implant chosen.

Why is the zirconia protocol the best material today?

Zirconia protocol prosthesis treatment is fully computerized. In addition, it allows for faster results, much more predictability in treatment, as it relies on computer graphics. It also allows for an aesthetically impeccable result and a lot of resistance. In addition, the treatment is carried out using only 3D scanners, without the need for the old conventional molds.

The absence of teeth certainly compromises aesthetics and the patient’s quality of life, which is why the placement of implants with prostheses is able to give the person peace of mind when chewing, speaking and smiling.

The zirconia protocol has many advantages over the conventional resin protocol with a metal structure. Its main qualities are aesthetics and high resistance.

Dental zirconia (pre-sintered zirconium oxide) is a translucent, light-colored material that allows light to pass through, just like natural teeth, and therefore offers an aesthetic result. In this sense, the structure of the Zirconia protocol prosthesis looks discreet inside the prosthesis, even if exposed in brightly lit environments. Certainly the most modern materials are the Zirconia protocol and the porcelain protocol on a total implant.

Zirconia is made using a computerized 3D method and is not a manual job

The structure of the zirconia prosthesis is a single piece, obtained by milling a rough block on a machine that works like a 3D printer. In other words, the treatment is planned on a computer using CAD/CAM technology. The milling machine then wears away the zirconia block until it reaches the shape of the structure of the prosthesis designed to be installed on a dental implant.

Finally, the zirconia structure is characterized with porcelain and the shade is obtained by brushing on specific coloring liquids for this purpose. It is possible to reproduce various shades that make up the same tooth, leaving the prosthesis looking very natural.

The zirconia prosthesis is then screwed onto the dental implants, which are strategically placed in the jaw. The fixed zirconia protocol on implants can bring great relief, especially for patients who wear dentures. What’s more, this model of prosthesis leaves the roof of the mouth free and the patient feels more comfortable chewing and speaking.

Another great advantage of the zirconia protocol prosthesis over the resin protocol is its resistance to staining. In principle, resin is a material that can stain or yellow over time and with pigmented foods.

Advantages of the zirconia protocol:

  • More resistant, while resin can fracture
  • More aesthetic result because there is no metal in the structure (Metal Free Prosthesis)
  • Zirconia teeth are more resistant to staining than resin teeth
  • Computerized design makes it possible to create a prosthesis that is more precise and suited to the needs of each patient
  • Faster treatment
  • Materials that are biocompatible with the human body

Indications for fixed zirconia dental prostheses – Zirconia Protocol

In principle, the patient needs to go for a consultation with an implant dentist at the ImplArt Dental Clinic, so that clinical criteria such as bone volume and general oral conditions can be assessed.

Maxillary rehabilitation with a zirconia protocol can be indicated for people with total upper edentulism, even those who have been wearing removable prostheses for a long time.

See more photos of our work on ImplArt’s Instagram.

If you have any questions, please contact our team through one of the channels below. We, at the ImplArt dental clinic, are a reference in the field of modern dentistry, and we have a team ready to serve you with high technology and knowledge. We’ll be happy to help you!

Temporary teeth 3D Printed : how and why they are used

Temporary teeth, also known as “provisionals” or temporary crowns, have undergone important developments over time. However, until recently provisional prostheses were made without the need for perfection in aesthetics and adaptation, as they would be replaced by permanent dental prostheses.

What are temporary teeth for?

Temporary prostheses now allow you to “visualize” the final result of your design or treatment, from something as simple as a crown to an oral rehabilitation of all teeth.

Provisionals today serve as prototypes for permanent restorations and allow you to make a better decision about the size, shape, appearance, function and color of your final restorations.

Temporaries have become an important and necessary part of any smile or bite reconstruction. They serve several other important functions, including:

  • Protect teeth that have been prepared for a final restoration.
  • Cover exposed dentin to prevent tooth sensitivity, plaque build-up, cavities and pulp problems.
  • Prevent unwanted tooth movement.
  • Allow patients to eat and speak normally.
  • Maintaining the health and contours of the gum tissue.
  • Allow patients to test the fit, appearance, comfort and function of their smile makeover or early restoration.
  • To serve as an example and aesthetic reference when discussing the case with the patient.
  • Allow functional or bite problems to be solved during the intermediate period in which they are worn.
  • Save time and money by providing an exact plan of what the final restorations will look like, thus reducing the need for additional procedures, adjustments and remakes.

Find out about our new coronavirus measures at the ImplArt Clinic

Do I have to get a temporary one? Or can I do without?

Temporary teeth: crowns, bridges, fixed or removable prostheses are important for intermediate stages at the dentist. Unless you’re having a one-day treatment (Day Clinic), you’ll always need a temporary dental prosthesis.

The following types of crowns require a provisional version: metal-ceramic porcelain crown, zirconia porcelain crown, pure zirconia crown, emax crown, crown on implant, fixed prosthesis for dental implant, full arch implant, all on 4 prosthesis, immediate loading on implants, dental contact lenses.

When are provisionals needed?

If you choose to have a treatment, a temporary restoration is placed on the prepared teeth which offers protection, comfort and aesthetics while you wait for the final restoration to be made and placed.

Temporaries are used while you have crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and porcelain veneers made for you and sometimes even for removable partial dentures, complete dentures and implant treatment.

Temporary restorations are especially important when several teeth have to be prepared, or when occlusal (bite) or cosmetic changes are foreseen. It is easier to adjust temporary acrylic resin restorations than to modify final permanent restorations made from metal, zirconia, ceramic or metal-ceramic materials.

Here at the ImplArt Clinic we use Digital Dentistry CAD / CAM technology (computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing). We can create your restorations in your office – create, bond and fit the permanent restoration in just one session, thus eliminating the need for temporaries.

Temporary restorations are also necessary when there is little or no removal of tooth enamel during the final placement of some porcelain veneers, as may be the case with some types of porcelain veneers (with little or no wear), such as dental contact lenses and ceramic laminates.

The time needed to use a temporary varies from a few days (short term) for simple cases, such as a single crown, to several weeks (medium term) for cases such as inlays, onlays and veneers. Provisionals are required for several months (long-term) for complex cases, such as full mouth reconstruction.

How are temporary crowns made?

They can be done using a direct or indirect technique. A direct technique is performed chairside (in the mouth) by your dentist. An indirect technique requires taking a mold (with putty or an intraoral scanner) of your mouth and making your temporaries outside your mouth and/or in an external laboratory.

When provisionals will need to be used for the long term or as diagnostic tools, laboratory-made provisionals are generally better because their materials provide greater strength and are more resistant to wear and discoloration.

As they more closely resemble the final result of treatment, lab-made temporaries also give you and your dentist a more accurate idea of whether you will be able – or want – to live with permanent restorations in this shape, design and fit.

If your permanent restorations are fabricated in an external dental laboratory, the dentist will make a mold of the teeth to be restored. Molds or digital images of your smile are sent to the laboratory, where a three-dimensional simulation of the desired aesthetic proposal or smile restoration is made.

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Temporary prostheses made on a 3D printer in our dental laboratory
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3D-printed provisionals in the light-hardening phase

The planning is returned to your dentist so that you can approve the shape, contours and appearance of the proposed treatment together with him. Once the treatment has been approved, your teeth are prepared for the final restorations.

Once the provisionals have been made, your dentist will install the teeth using a temporary cement (glue).

If changes need to be made to the bite or shape of the temporary crown, these can also be made at any time.

Materials used in provisional prostheses

Temporary restorations can be made using different materials. We will select the most suitable material for you, based on your treatment plan and taking into account how long you will need to wear it.

The materials used in the dental office to make provisional restorations include prefabricated acrylic (plastic) crowns, self-curing resins, light-curing resins, bisacrylic resins, composite resins, ceramics and, more recently, resins for 3D printing and resins for computerized milling.

Temporaries made in the laboratory are generally made of acrylic, but the ones we use most (at ImpLArt Clinic) are 3D-printed and those made by milling machines.

Materials for a temporary tooth should be strong, wear-resistant, natural-looking, with good color stability, easily adjustable and capable of producing temporaries with a good fit along the gum line.

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Temporary teeth 3D Printed : how and why they are used 46

Placing and removing provisionals

It’s very important that your provisionals are secure and stable in place. If they fall out, the prepared teeth can shift position and this can cause a change in the way the final and permanent restorations fit together.

Therefore, if your temporary falls out or you have a problem, call your dentist to schedule a brief appointment to have it re-cemented or replaced. Temporary crowns are typically bonded using temporary cement.

The temporary cements that dentists use generally have a soft, creamy consistency and come with a modifier used to loosen the cement when removing them.

When the temporaries are loose enough, your dentist will use finger pressure or an instrument such as tweezers to carefully remove them.

Can the provisional fall? Can it break?

When a temporary crown breaks, it should be replaced quickly. Both to protect the tooth below the crown and to avoid the aesthetic discomfort of having a broken tooth.

How much do temporary prostheses cost?

Generally, there is no separate charge for temporaries, as temporary restorations are a necessary part of many dental treatment procedures.

However, the cost of the temporary depends on different factors, including whether they were made in the dental office by the dentist or created by an external laboratory, the materials used to make them, the types and number of adjustments that may be needed, whether the temporaries are for one tooth or several.

An important cost consideration is how long the temporaries need to be in the mouth. For example, if the temporary is a denture or bridge with a dental implant, it may need to remain in place for six months to a year.

This is sometimes called a “long-term” temporary. In addition, if provisionals are used for aesthetics only, the dental insurance will generally not cover the costs associated with them.

For a more specific estimate, you should discuss the figures with your dentist in consultation. For example, consider that most cases of oral rehabilitation or smile design involve diagnostic planning in order to determine the best way to improve a person’s smile.

Dentists usually charge for this service, and these models can later be used to create temporaries.

How to use temps to view Smile Test Drives

As well as serving a functional purpose, temporary restorations also offer a preview of the final treatment result. If necessary, you can ask your dentist for adjustments to the length of the teeth, shape, color and aesthetics.

Your dentist will technically adjust the temporaries for optimal comfort and functionality, as well as testing your ability to speak naturally. When you and the dentist are satisfied, a new impression will be taken of the 3D-print-approved temporary restorations.

The prototype model of your approved temporaries will then be sent to the dental laboratory, where your final restorations will be fabricated according to this “model”.

In our clinic this is even easier as we work with computerized technologies, so all you have to do is reprint the projected tooth in the new definitive material, whether it’s vitroceramic porcelain or dental zirconia.

In certain clinical situations, temporary restorations can be used to visualize the final results without wearing down the teeth. If you decide that the proposed treatment is not suitable for you, neither you nor your dentist will commit to wearing down the tooth.

In other situations (if there is tooth decay), your teeth should be restored before the temporary ones are made.

implart smile test drive
Smile test drive

Smile test drive or teeth mockup

A trial smile is a removable acrylic device used during the pre-treatment phase to give you and the dental team a clearer understanding of the expectations for the final result.

To allow you to see the potential result of the proposed restoration in three-dimensional form, a diagnostic wax-up is created and a removable test smile that you can wear in your mouth is made with this wax-up.

In our clinic, this result is planned using computerized models. An experimental smile is made from 3D-printed acrylic.

Once modeled and fabricated, the experimental smile is placed in the mouth. This allows you to instantly visualize, feel and test the result of your new smile with temporary teeth before undergoing permanent tooth preparation.

If you like the expected result, you can choose to continue with the treatment plan. After accepting the treatment, the next step is to get temporaries for the teeth involved.

Temporary prostheses: concerns, care and travel considerations

Provisionals are designed to restore teeth, usually for a short temporary period.

Although today’s temps are realistic, natural and durable, it’s common for some people to have problems with their temps.

Common concerns with temps include:

  • Temporaries can have a rough feeling that can be irritating to your tongue.
  • They fall easily.
  • Teeth with temporary crowns are more sensitive to heat and cold.
  • It’s harder to chew.
  • You’re not happy with the way the temps look.
  • Temporaries can cause bad breath if they are not cleaned properly.

Take care of your provisionals

To face as few problems as possible with your temporary teeth, following the care instructions below can be helpful:

  • Don’t eat or drink anything hot for at least an hour after your temporaries have been fitted.
  • So if you feel sensitivity in your gum tissue and teeth, take a mild painkiller and anti-inflammatory according to the instructions. Call your dentist if the discomfort doesn’t subside or gets worse.
  • Rinse with warm water and salt (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a four-ounce glass) for a few days after placing the temporary to help reduce gum sensitivity.
  • Avoid sticky foods such as toffee, caramel or chewing gum, as they can dislodge the temporary product.
  • When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled brush to gently massage the gum tissue.
  • Still floss daily, but pull the floss along the sides of your teeth instead of upwards.
  • To avoid breakages, don’t chew hard substances such as nuts, ice, peanuts or pencils. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

I’m going on a trip and I still have temporary crowns, what should I do?

Depending on the procedure you are undergoing, it may be necessary to remain in São Paulo until the end of a stage of the work or until the final conclusion (rapid treatments in DayClinic).

During this treatment you may need (or want) to wear temporaries / temporary teeth.

Also make sure you discuss this with your dentist before starting any procedure, so that he can schedule the fabrication of your temporaries in time for your trip.

Satisfactory temporaries are especially important when travelling away from the dentist, as it can be more difficult to see the dentist if there are problems with fit, function or the temporary falling out.

Also, if you’re planning a vacation or business trip, complete any necessary dental work before you leave.

If this isn’t possible and you need to use provisional or temporary teeth, let your dentist know your travel plans as far in advance as possible, as this may affect the type of temporaries he will make for you and the strength of the cement used to adhere them.

Before your departure, schedule a preventive check of your temporaries to minimize the possibility of dental emergencies while you’re away.

Watch our videos on digital dentistry and talk to us if you have any questions.

Types of dental prosthesis materials

First of all, there are different materials used to make dental prostheses. Tooth loss occurs due to various factors, which is why there are also various types of prosthesis that can be indicated for each patient’s needs. Dental prostheses can be made on full-arch dental implants, protocol prostheses or even on individual dental implants. Therefore, as there are many types of prostheses, from fixed prostheses to removable prostheses ( dentures ), we have decided to explain the types of dental prostheses in a very simple way.

The aim is certainly to help you learn more about all the options available and also to help you decide on the best treatment option. See more below.

Learn about the main types of dentures

First of all, teeth are very important for health, aesthetics and well-being. The absence of teeth therefore compromises speech, chewing, social interaction and even general health.

In addition, difficulty chewing can sometimes influence the poor intake of important nutrients.

The great news is that dental prostheses today are very advanced and increasingly resemble natural teeth, not only in appearance but also in function. What’s more, there are many options for prosthetic materials, from conventional teeth to fully computerized ones

Therefore, we will discuss the main types of dentures and dental crowns and the characteristics of each one below.

Classification by type of prosthesis. By size

single dental implant
Single or individual denture – This is a denture in the shape of a single tooth element.
partial implant fixed dental bridge
Partial or multiple prosthesis – This is a bridge-shaped prosthesis that contains three dental elements, the central one suspended over the gums. It is therefore used to replace teeth that have been lost sequentially.
total implant fixed dental prosthesis
Full dentures – These are used to replace all the teeth in a dental arch when the person has no teeth left.

Description by type of prosthesis . Fixation method

By method of attachment, dental prostheses can be cemented or screwed.

bridge over teeth
Cemented crowns on teeth
screwed crown versus cemented crown
Crowns on implants can be of the cemented or screwed type

Description by type of prosthesis . Type of support

mobile dentures - materials for dental prostheses
Gum-supported dentures – Full dentures that are supported on the gums and are held in place by the shape of the denture or with the aid of attachments.
cemented bridge over teeth - prosthetic materials
Supported on teeth – The single or partial denture can be bonded to teeth that can still be maintained, usually with a treated root canal and with part of the remaining structure prepared. In this way, the partial denture can also be attached to the lateral teeth using metal clips, but this technique has some disadvantages, such as exposed metal and a certain amount of discomfort.
fixed dental bridge on dental implants
Implant-supported fixed prosthesis Single, partial or total prostheses can be fixed on dental implants surgically installed in the jawbone or mandible. In the case of complete dentures, the implants are strategically distributed throughout the arch.

Classification by type of dentalprosthesis materials

resin fixed total dental prosthesis on implants
Resin dental prosthesis – Plastic material used to make a single prosthesis, partial or total, on gums or on an implant. The Branemark protocol is a total prosthesis with a metal framework and resin teeth and gums.
metal ceramic total prosthesis
Metal-ceramic prost hesis This is a single, partial or total prosthesis with a metal structure and teeth made of dental porcelain.
zirconia total prosthesis fixed implants, zirconia is one of the best materials
Applied zirconia dental prosthesis – Single, partial or total prosthesis with an internal zirconia structure and teeth made of dental porcelain. Extremely aesthetic and similar to natural teeth.

metal ceramics 145
Pure zirconia dental prosthesis – Pure zirconia is also known as cubic zirconia, or translucent zirconia, monolithic zirconia, as well as multilayer zirconia.

On the type of gum characterization and materials

zirconia total prosthesis for aesthetic implants
Artificial gum prosthesis Artificial g um prosthesis is indicated for people who have had a lot of vertical bone loss, cases in which the gums have been reshaped and therefore the arch has lost its shape, or who have lost their gums for other reasons. In this case, the artificial gum mimics the shape and color of the natural gum so that the prosthesis looks more natural and the teeth don’t get too long.
full dentures without artificial gums
Without artificial gums (teeth only) – Dentures without artificial gums are indicated for people who maintain the volume and arch of their natural gums (for example, someone who has a tooth extracted and then has a dental implant placed). It is certainly not possible to make a gumless prosthesis in all cases, so please consult us.

Type of impressions and prosthesis planning

computerized dental prosthesis design for modern materials
Computerized impression taking – Technological advances allow us to take digital impressions with intraoral scanners and processes that are part computerized and part manual. This undeniably allows us to make faster, more personalized, more aesthetic prostheses with excellent adaptation.
metal ceramics 150
Conventional molding – made with putty and the prosthesis manufactured using completely manual processes. The result can be excellent, but the work can take longer.

Some of the prostheses made at the ImplArt Dental Clinic

First of all, we know that images are important for seeing the results of a treatment and analyzing the differences in prosthesis materials. We have therefore included some images below so that you can see the different types of dentures made at Clinica Dentaria ImplArt.

First of all, this material has been prepared to educate you, so if you have any questions about the types of prostheses, please contact us. We at the ImplArt Dental Clinic are happy to help you and answer all your questions about dental prosthesis materials and dental implants! If you would also like to know what dental implant surgery is like , click HERE.

Pure porcelain crown for highly aesthetic implants

The digital all-porcelain crown is a highly efficient ceramic system used to make prosthetic crowns for dental implants.

What are digital pure porcelain crowns made of?

Lithium disilicate ceramics have aesthetic and resistance properties comparable to natural teeth. They are the best and most technologically advanced materials for achieving aesthetic teeth because they are white and translucent, which makes the crown look natural even in the brightest of environments.

e.max ceramic was developed for use in Digital Dentistry Systems, with a 3D printer that sculpts dental prostheses. With this system, the all-porcelain crown can be made quickly, with more strength and naturalness than other materials made by hand.

pure porcelain crown
Cemented pure porcelain crown indicated for cases with a greater need for aesthetics

What is the best material for pure porcelain digital prostheses?

The digital porcelain crown is made as a monoblock, i.e. it has no internal reinforcement layers, as the computer will create the crown from a prefabricated block of dental porcelain.

metal ceramics 177
Example of raw material blocks for computerized dental porcelain EMAX CAD
metal ceramics 179

The Pura Digital porcelain crown is an evolution in the materials used in dental prostheses. With it, it is possible to reproduce details that make the prosthesis similar to natural teeth. With the Cerec System, the e.max crown is made more quickly and precisely, because it is designed on a computer and sculpted by robots.

The main advantages of modern porcelain crowns:

  • High resistance todental fracture and durability;
  • Very aesthetic look, comparable to a natural tooth;
  • Range of blocks with different colors and types of resistance for different uses;
  • Stain-resistant material;
  • It can be made using the Metal Free technique (no metal in the internal structure). This makes the crown look translucent and much more aesthetic in bright environments.
  • It can be designed and built quickly thanks to the Cerec system.
metal ceramics 181

To make digitalpure porcelain crowns , we use CAD/CAM techniques:

1 – Intraoral scanner: It all starts with the digital molding of the dental implant with a high-precision color camera that takes images of the oral interior and sends them to the computer.

2 – Computer and software: receives the information captured by the intraoral scanner and carries out the simulation and personalized planning of the dental crown using three-dimensional images.

3 – Machine manufacturing: robots mill the e.max ceramic block based on the computerized design until the shape of the crown is achieved. The result is certainly a piece that is strictly compatible with the patient’s needs.

metal ceramics 183
Pure porcelain crown for natural teeth

It is common for a temporary crown to be made before finalizing the permanent tooth to test whether the computer modeling is correct. Immediately after milling, the piece undergoes a crystallization process at approximately 850°C for 20 to 30 minutes and acquires high resistance, shade and translucency.

When the crown is finished, it is attached to the previously installed dental implant. For your convenience, the Cerec System and e.max ceramics are available at ImplArt Dental Clinic in Brazil. As an alternative to the pure porcelain crown, we now have an even more resistant material, translucent pure zirconia.

If you have any questions about this or other techniques and prices, please make an appointment or contact us. We are located in the Paulista Avenue area/Downtown of São Paulo. We will be happy to assist you.

 

Metal-ceramic prosthesis for implants

Metal-ceramic prostheses, also known as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) prostheses, offer a reliable and durable solution for patients seeking tooth replacement with both aesthetic appeal and structural strength. These prostheses consist of a metal framework covered with layers of porcelain, ensuring a natural look while providing long-lasting stability. Widely used in dental rehabilitation, PFM prostheses are ideal for patients who need durable solutions, particularly in areas of the mouth where the force of chewing is greater.

At Clínica ImplArt, the application of metal-porcelain prostheses combines advanced dental technology with expert craftsmanship, ensuring optimal results for each patient. The clinic’s dental specialists are well-versed in modern techniques that improve both the functionality and the aesthetics of these prostheses, delivering a solution that blends seamlessly with natural teeth while maintaining high resistance to wear and tear over time.

The metal-ceramic prosthesis is a traditional material for making crowns on implants

Metal-ceramic (metal + ceramic) crowns and prostheses are the most common option for making a crown or prosthesis on an implant.

How do the prostheses work with this building materials?

Metal acts as a structural reinforcement, while porcelain offers aesthetics. Therefore, the positive points of this material are: resistance, great durability and aesthetics, characteristics that are very similar to natural teeth.

Metal-ceramic dentures also have a great ability to blend in with the natural coloring of neighboring teeth. Porcelain can also be used for the prosthesis of one or more teeth on dental implants. Metal-ceramic prostheses on dental implants are undoubtedly a highly durable and comfortable option for patients.

Among the indications for metal-ceramic crowns on implants are also crowns, bridges and complete fixed prostheses. One of the great difficulties in working with metal ceramics is the need to completely hide the metal.

metal-ceramic
Metal-ceramic fixed prosthesis for full-mouth implants – fully fixed for all teeth. The first photo shows the internal metal structure (framework) and the second shows the prosthesis finished with porcelain.

Example of metal-ceramic prostheses made at the ImplArt Clinic

How are the aesthetics of metal-ceramic dental crowns? Does the metal not show?

This model of crown can change over the years. Sometimes the gums can recede over time and expose a metal line, compromising the aesthetics of the smile.

Especially in areas where aesthetics are essential, we recommend zirconia crowns. These are prostheses with an internal structure made of zirconia, a white ceramic material with a shade and translucency very similar to human dentin.

In addition, the application of porcelain in metal-ceramic prostheses is completely handmade and the final aesthetic depends a lot on the skill of the ceramist (technician who works with ceramics).

If you have any questions about techniques, prices or treatments, please contact us or make an appointment. We’ll be happy to welcome you!