Porcelain / Zirconia

What Are Porcelain and Zirconia Restorations?

What is a porcelain restoration?

Porcelain restorations are thin layers of porcelain applied to improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. They are placed on the front surface of the tooth to correct its shape, colour and structure. Because porcelain restorations give the results closest to natural teeth, they are a very popular treatment option aesthetically. Thanks to its ability to transmit light, porcelain gives an appearance in harmony with natural teeth.

What is a zirconia restoration?

A zirconia restoration is a treatment option that combines aesthetics and durability. Zirconia is a strong, natural-looking material that is more durable and longer-lasting than porcelain. It resists the strong chewing forces on the back teeth especially well. Zirconia can imitate the natural whiteness and translucency of your teeth.

Who are porcelain restorations suitable for?

Porcelain restoration treatment is generally preferred in the following situations:

• People who want to improve the aesthetic appearance of their teeth,
• People with loss of tooth structure due to fractures or extensive decay,
• Individuals who are not satisfied with the colour of their teeth,
• People whose teeth are misshapen or have minor crowding.

Advantages of porcelain restorations

• Thanks to light transmission, they provide a colour and appearance very close to the natural tooth.
• They are durable and long-lasting.
• They do not discolour because of factors such as tea, coffee or smoking.
• They require less reduction of the tooth than other dental treatments.
• They can be placed with low sensitivity and can be used comfortably afterwards.

Lifespan of porcelain restorations

The lifespan of porcelain restorations can be 10 to 15 years, depending on oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. When dental care is carried out properly, the lifespan of the restorations is extended.

How long does a porcelain restoration take?

The laboratory production time of porcelain restorations is about 3 to 5 days. However, depending on smile design and other detailed preliminary work, this may extend to about one week. After the tooth impressions are taken, the bonding of the restorations is completed in a few sessions.

Stages of porcelain restorations

In the first stage, the shape and colour of the teeth are determined and a smile design is made. Because healthy gums are important, tartar is removed and shape irregularities are corrected. A small amount of tooth reduction is then performed and impressions are taken. While the restorations are prepared in the laboratory, temporary restorations may be used. In the final stage, the porcelain restorations are placed on the teeth.

Do porcelain restorations fall off?

Porcelain restorations are fixed to the tooth with special adhesives and adhesive techniques. For this reason, there is no risk of them falling off or coming out.

Is porcelain restoration treatment painful?

Because local anaesthesia is applied during treatment, no pain is felt. Mild sensitivity may be felt after the temporary restorations are placed.

What should be paid attention to after treatment?

After porcelain restorations, chewing hard foods and grinding the teeth should be avoided. In addition, attending regular dental check-ups ensures that the restorations last for a long time.

Who are zirconia restorations suitable for?

Zirconia restorations are generally preferred in the following situations:

• Repair of fractures, cracks and wear on the back teeth,
• Individuals with crowding, tooth shape irregularities and colour problems,
• The need for a metal-free restoration in people who show allergic reactions,
• Those looking for a durable, long-lasting aesthetic solution.

Advantages of zirconia restorations

• They are durable and strong and withstand high chewing forces, especially on the back teeth.
• Because they contain no metal, there is no risk of allergy.
• They provide an appearance close to the natural whiteness of the teeth.
• With their light-transmitting property, an aesthetic result similar to natural teeth is achieved.
• They do not cause any metallic stain or discolouration in the mouth.

Lifespan of zirconia restorations

Zirconia restorations can last about 15 to 20 years with regular care and hygiene. Dental care is important; this period can be extended.

How long does a zirconia restoration take?

The zirconia restoration process, including the laboratory stages, can take 5 to 7 days. After the tooth impressions are taken, the placement of the restorations can be completed within a week.

Stages of zirconia restorations

The zirconia restoration procedure begins with the design of the shape and colour of the teeth. With attention to the health of the gums, the necessary cleaning is carried out. The teeth are then prepared by reduction and impressions are taken. While the zirconia restorations are prepared in the laboratory, temporary restorations may be applied. Finally, the zirconia restorations are placed on the teeth.

Do zirconia restorations fall off?

Zirconia restorations are fixed to the tooth with special adhesives and there is no risk of them falling off.

Is zirconia restoration treatment painful?

Because local anaesthesia is applied during treatment, no pain is felt. Sensitivity may be seen when temporary restorations are placed.

What should be paid attention to after treatment?

For zirconia restorations to remain durable for a long time, chewing hard foods, grinding the teeth and biting nails should be avoided. In addition, regular dental check-ups should be carried out.