Ceramic crowns
Ceramic crowns: the natural solution for restoring damaged teeth
Ceramic crowns are fixed prostheses that cover and protect teeth compromised by extensive decay, fracture, or wear, restoring the shape, function, and natural aesthetics of the smile.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each ceramic crown is planned using digital impressions and three-dimensional technology to ensure a precise, comfortable fit with lasting results.
If you have a damaged or devitalised tooth, or an old restoration that needs replacing, the first step is an assessment appointment to define the best prosthetic solution for your case.
Advanced Technology in Your Ceramic Crowns
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each ceramic crown is produced based on high-precision digital impressions and three-dimensional planning, for an excellent aesthetic and functional result.
Digital Impression with Intraoral Scan
The 3D intraoral scanner replaces traditional moulds and captures a precise, comfortable digital impression of the dental arch. This technology allows each ceramic crown to be planned with precision and reduces the number of appointments required.
Planning with three-dimensional CBCT
Cone beam computed tomography is used in more complex cases, such as crowns over dental implants or teeth with periapical lesions, to assess the bone and surrounding structures before prosthetic rehabilitation.
Assessment with Periapical Radiograph
The digital periapical radiograph allows a detailed analysis of the tooth, root, and surrounding bone. It is essential for confirming the viability of the tooth before preparation for a ceramic crown and for detecting lesions that may require prior treatment.
“A well-planned ceramic crown is much more than a restoration. It is an opportunity to give the patient a tooth that looks natural, is strong, and is fully integrated into the smile. That is why every case begins with rigorous digital planning to achieve exactly that result.”
What are ceramic crowns and how do they work?
A ceramic crown is a fixed prosthesis that fully covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength and natural appearance.
It can be placed over a previously prepared natural tooth or over a dental implant, and its purpose is to give you back the ability to chew comfortably, speak naturally and smile with confidence.
Crowns are indicated in several situations:
- Teeth severely damaged by decay or fracture that can no longer be restored with resin alone,
- Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment (which tend to become more fragile),
- Teeth with significant wear or major aesthetic changes,
- Solution for finalising dental implants and for supporting fixed bridges in cases where one or more teeth are missing.
The process takes place over two to three appointments, depending on the technique used.
In the first stage, the tooth is carefully prepared and a digital or physical impression is taken, which serves as the basis for fabricating the crown in the laboratory.
While the definitive crown is being produced, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.
At the final appointment, the ceramic crown is precisely cemented, adjusted to your bite and polished, ready to blend naturally into your smile.
Ceramic is today the material of choice for its strength, biocompatibility and ability to reproduce the translucency and colour of natural teeth.
We assess your case thoroughly, present the available options and explain every step in clear language, so that you can make an informed and confident decision.
What our patients say
I had a broken front tooth and felt embarrassed to smile. The ceramic crown they fitted for me looks completely natural. Nobody can tell the difference.
Filipa Rodrigues
I needed to replace an old restoration on a molar. The ceramic crown fitted perfectly and I can chew again with complete confidence.
Jorge Afonso
The process was much simpler than I expected. The digital impression was quick and comfortable, and the final result exceeded my expectations.
Beatriz Cardoso
4 Steps to Your Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crown treatment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo follows a structured clinical protocol so that you know what to expect at each stage, from assessment through to the final result.
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Clinical Assessment
At the first appointment, the dentist examines the affected tooth and requests the necessary imaging, such as a periapical radiograph or CBCT scan. The aim is to assess the condition of the tooth and its root to confirm that a ceramic crown is the most appropriate solution.
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Preparation and digital impression
The tooth is prepared with controlled reduction to receive the ceramic crown. A digital impression is then taken using the 3D intraoral scanner, which replaces traditional moulds and ensures a precise fit. A temporary crown is placed whilst the definitive one is produced in the laboratory.
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Laboratory fabrication
The ceramic crown is produced on a bespoke basis from the digital impression. The colour, shape and translucency are adjusted to achieve the most natural result possible, in full harmony with the adjacent teeth.
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Definitive cementation
At the final appointment, the ceramic crown is tried in, adjusted and permanently cemented. The dentist verifies the fit, comfort and aesthetics before concluding the treatment. The result is a restored tooth with a natural appearance and full function.
0
Clinical Assessment
At the first appointment, the dentist examines the affected tooth and requests the necessary imaging, such as a periapical radiograph or CBCT scan. The aim is to assess the condition of the tooth and its root to confirm that a ceramic crown is the most appropriate solution.
0
Preparation and digital impression
The tooth is prepared with controlled reduction to receive the ceramic crown. A digital impression is then taken using the 3D intraoral scanner, which replaces traditional moulds and ensures a precise fit. A temporary crown is placed whilst the definitive one is produced in the laboratory.
0
Laboratory fabrication
The ceramic crown is produced on a bespoke basis from the digital impression. The colour, shape and translucency are adjusted to achieve the most natural result possible, in full harmony with the adjacent teeth.
0
Definitive cementation
At the final appointment, the ceramic crown is tried in, adjusted and permanently cemented. The dentist verifies the fit, comfort and aesthetics before concluding the treatment. The result is a restored tooth with a natural appearance and full function.
Everything you need to know about ceramic crowns
Ceramic crowns are fixed prostheses produced from high-strength ceramic materials, such as lithium disilicate or zirconia. They fully cover a damaged tooth and restore its shape, chewing function, and natural aesthetics.
A ceramic crown is indicated when a tooth is too compromised by decay, fracture, wear, or root canal treatment to be restored with a direct restoration alone. The crown acts as a protective cap that reinforces the remaining tooth structure and prevents further deterioration.
Unlike older metal-ceramic crowns, all-ceramic crowns contain no metal in their structure. This allows for translucency and a colour very similar to natural teeth, without the risk of dark lines appearing at the gum line over time.
Ceramic crowns can be placed over natural teeth or over dental implants, as part of a single-unit or full-arch prosthetic rehabilitation.
Clinical studies indicate survival rates of over 90% at five years for all-ceramic crowns, which confirms their durability and reliability.
The process of placing a ceramic crown involves preparing the tooth, taking a digital impression with an intraoral scanner, custom fabrication in a laboratory, and definitive cementation.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the entire process is carried out using digital technology to ensure precision, comfort, and a naturally aesthetic result.
Main Problems Treated with Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are indicated for various situations in which it is necessary to restore, protect, or improve the appearance of a compromised tooth. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually to determine the best approach. Find out about the most common situations.
Broken or fractured tooth
A dental fracture can result from trauma, biting hard foods, or the progressive weakening of the tooth structure. When the fracture is extensive, a conventional restoration may not be sufficient to restore the necessary strength.
A ceramic crown covers the entire tooth, protecting the remaining structure and restoring chewing function and aesthetics. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each crown is planned using a digital impression for a precise fit to the tooth and the surrounding dentition.
Non-vital tooth
Following root canal treatment (devitalisation), the tooth loses its vitality and becomes more fragile over time. Without adequate protection, there is an increased risk of fracture, particularly in posterior teeth that bear greater chewing forces.
Placing a ceramic crown over a devitalised tooth is a common procedure in prosthetic rehabilitation. The crown reinforces the tooth structure and allows it to continue functioning safely and durably within the dental arch.
Old or Extensive Restoration
Over time, composite resin restorations may suffer wear, colour change, or loss of marginal fit. When the restoration occupies a large portion of the tooth structure, the risk of fracture increases and the aesthetic result may be compromised.
In these cases, replacement with a ceramic crown offers a more stable and long-lasting solution. The crown covers the entire tooth, distributes forces evenly, and restores a natural, uniform appearance to the smile.
Aesthetic Tooth Alteration
Teeth with significant changes in colour, shape, or proportion can affect the harmony of the smile and the patient's self-esteem. When the tooth has sufficient structure but presents unsatisfactory aesthetic characteristics, a ceramic crown may be the most appropriate solution.
Ceramic can reproduce the colour, translucency, and texture of natural teeth with great fidelity. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, digital planning allows the result to be visualised and adjusted before the crown is made, so that the patient knows exactly what to expect.
Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, we combine clinical experience and digital technology to offer prosthetic rehabilitation treatments with ceramic crowns in a safe, personalised manner, with natural results.
Book your appointment
If you have a damaged or devitalised tooth, or a restoration that needs replacing, book an assessment appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and find out the best solution for your case.
Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo
R. Vasco da Gama 6,
2130-197 Benavente, Portugal
Telephone: +351 263 516 773
Mobile: +351 919 366 534
geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt
Frequently Asked Questions
About Ceramic Crowns
What is a ceramic crown?
A ceramic crown is a fixed prosthesis that completely covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and natural appearance, with no metal in its composition.
Is the fitting of a ceramic crown painful?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and does not cause pain. After tooth preparation, there may be slight sensitivity in the first few days, which disappears quickly.
How long does a ceramic crown last?
With adequate oral hygiene and regular appointments, a ceramic crown can last many years. Clinical studies indicate survival rates in excess of 90% at five years.
Can a ceramic crown break?
Although ceramic is highly resistant, it can be damaged if subjected to excessive forces. The dentist assesses habits such as bruxism to prevent complications.
What is the difference between a ceramic crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire tooth and is indicated for teeth with extensive damage. A veneer covers only the visible surface and is indicated for aesthetic corrections on intact teeth.
Does a ceramic crown look natural?
Yes. Ceramic reproduces the colour, translucency, and texture of natural teeth. Each crown is custom-made in the laboratory to integrate harmoniously into the dentition.
What care does a ceramic crown require?
The care required is similar to that for a natural tooth: daily brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups. You should avoid biting hard objects or using your teeth as tools.
When is a dental crown necessary?
A dental crown is indicated when the tooth is severely damaged by decay, fracture, wear, or devitalisation and cannot be restored with a direct restoration alone.
Is it possible to get ceramic crowns in Benavente?
Yes. Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, carries out ceramic crown treatments with digital planning and 3D intraoral scanning. Book your assessment appointment.
Clinical Rigour and International Standards
The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), and the World Health Organization — Oral Health.
The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.