Ceramics and crowns
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Ceramics and crowns
Hamille Tokyo Dental Office
We restore tooth shape lost to decay or damage, and choose a filling material or crown suited to you, balancing appearance with your bite.
About ceramics and crowns
Filling materials and crowns fall into two groups, those covered by public health insurance and those that are privately funded, and they differ in appearance, strength, cost and whether they contain metal. Ceramic is not suitable for every tooth, so we check how much natural tooth remains, your bite and whether you grind your teeth before choosing a material.
Advantages of choosing ceramic
Ceramic has several advantages over insurance-covered filling materials and crowns. Beyond its natural appearance, it is valued for helping prevent tooth decay and for being gentle on the body.
Natural beauty (aesthetics)
Ceramic lets light through, giving a translucency close to that of a natural tooth. Matching its colour and shape to the surrounding teeth aims for a white, natural 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 bonds it firmly to the tooth, so gaps rarely form at the margin. With metal fillings and crowns, the bonding material ages over time and gaps can open, letting bacteria in and causing decay to return; ceramic keeps this risk low.
Fewer worries about metal allergy (biocompatibility)
Ceramic contains no metal, so there is no risk of metal ions leaching into your saliva, making it an easy choice if you are concerned about metal allergies.
What to check when choosing a material
Condition of the tooth
We judge whether a filling or a crown suits you better based on the extent of the decay and the strength of the tooth.
Appearance and shade
We check how well the colour and shape match your surrounding teeth, and explain the features of each material.
Bite
For teeth that bear heavy biting force, or if you grind your teeth, we also factor in the risk of the material breaking.
Main types of filling material and crown
There are several types of ceramic material, differing in strength, translucency and where they can be used. We will explain 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, combining strength with a natural white finish, and it 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 colour 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 fillings (inlays).
Resin ceramic
This material combines ceramic with resin. Compared with other ceramic materials, it is somewhat more prone to discolouration over time and slightly less strong.
Treatment process
Examining and discussing your wishes
We listen to what concerns you and what you would like, and check the condition of your teeth, gums and bite.
Explaining the treatment and materials
We explain the materials available, their advantages and points to note, along with an estimate of the cost.
Preparing the tooth and taking an impression
We carry out any necessary treatment and take an impression to make the filling or crown.
Fitting and adjusting the bite
We check the colour, shape, fit and bite before fitting it.
Regular check-ups
After fitting, we also check the cleanliness of the margin and your bite at regular check-ups.
Private treatment and aftercare
All-ceramic and zirconia materials are privately funded and not covered by insurance. Since insurance-covered materials are also available, we will suggest options based on the tooth, its condition and what you would like. Cost varies with the extent of treatment and the material used, and we will give you an estimate before treatment starts. Ceramic can also chip or come out, so daily cleaning and regular check-ups are needed to prevent decay from returning.
The importance of maintenance and prevention after treatment
Extending the lifespan with regular check-ups
Having a filling or crown fitted is not the end of the story — how you look after it afterwards 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 thoroughly. Ceramic is stronger than natural tooth, but biting down hard on ice, sweets or objects such as pens can still chip it, so 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 to protect your teeth. It is one way to help a filling or crown stay in good condition over the long term.
FAQ
Q1. 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, ask your dentist about wearing a night guard, which also helps 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, ask us about a night guard for use 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 suits your pace while keeping your bite in balance.
Q4. Does ceramic discolour?
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 discoloured, so we recommend regular cleaning appointments.
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