Metal-Free Ceramics

We restore front teeth with metal-free ceramics. More affordable than in other dental clinics in Odessa.

We use crowns and bridges made of metal-free ceramics. They look natural, do not interfere with chewing or speaking, and restore the beauty and health of your teeth.

These are crowns or bridges without a metal framework.

They are made from glass-ceramics (E-max), zirconium dioxide, or a combination of these two materials. Metal-free constructions look more natural; unlike metal-ceramics, they are difficult to distinguish from natural teeth. They also do not stain the gums or provoke allergic reactions.

The cost depends on the material and the method used to create the crowns and bridges.For example, the most expensive constructions are made of zirconia. Their production uses the latest CAD/CAM technology, where the prostheses are milled from a digital model using advanced software and milling machines.

A more affordable yet aesthetic option is E-max ceramics.

Full list of services for metal-free ceramics:

• Full zirconia crown
• E-max crowns (Pressed ceramics and CAD/CAM)
• E-max with individual aesthetics

Although generally called "metal-free ceramics," such constructions are made from various materials.

Metal-free ceramics E-max

E-max ceramics fully match enamel properties such as elasticity, translucency, and wear resistance. This means these prostheses can withstand normal chewing loads and look like natural teeth. Crowns and bridges made from this material last over 15 years.

There are two ways to create constructions from this material: pressing under high pressure (E-max Press) or milling from a solid block (E-max CAD). They are then covered with an additional ceramic layer that mimics enamel. However, there is a material called E-max Press Multi, which allows creating a monolithic construction without layering techniques.

Metal-free zirconium dioxide

Zirconium dioxide is extremely durable, comparable to the strength of metals. However, its naturalness is lower—it is not as translucent as natural enamel and may not always match the desired shade.

Crowns are created using CAD/CAM technology, where the prostheses are milled from a solid block of zirconium dioxide. Zirconia prostheses last over 20–25 years.

Metal-free zirconium plus ceramic

To improve zirconia aesthetics, it is coated with a porcelain layer. The shade is selected individually based on the patient's preferences and the color of neighboring teeth.

This method combines the advantages of both materials: the strength of zirconia and the natural look of ceramics. Prostheses made from this material also last over 20–25 years.

There are two types of metal-free orthopedic constructions for tooth restoration. They can be installed on a tooth or an implant.

Crowns

A non-removable construction resembling a cap. It restores a tooth damaged by 2/3 due to decay, trauma, chips, or microcracks. For crown placement, the dentist shapes the enamel into a stump as a foundation for the construction. It is fixed with dental cement.

Bridges

A non-removable construction consisting of three to four connected crowns. It is used to replace a missing tooth. The two outer crowns are fixed on the supporting teeth, while the middle crowns are suspended to fill the gap of the lost tooth.

For bridge installation, teeth also need to be prepared and shaped into stumps. The bridge is fixed with dental cement.

Indications:

• Restoration of front teeth
• Allergy to metals
• Gum inflammation

Contraindications:

• Installing E-max ceramic crowns on molars
• E-max ceramic crowns for patients with bruxism

• No visible metal framework; they look like natural enamel.
• Ceramics and zirconium do not discolor over time or due to pigments.
• They fit snugly to the gums, reducing the risk of gum recession.
• No gray metal line at the base of the prosthesis.
• Gums do not change color or darken as they do when in contact with metal.
• Ceramics and zirconium do not cause irritation or allergies.
• Metal-free constructions are lighter and do not overload the prepared tooth.
• Metal-free constructions require less enamel reduction during preparation.
• The lifespan of ceramics exceeds 15 years, and zirconia lasts over 20–25 years.
• Crowns fit tightly to the tooth, reducing the risk of decay under them.

Below are the steps for fixing metal-free constructions using the example of installing a crown on a tooth:

If enamel damage is minor or too significant for crown or bridge placement, the dentist may recommend another restoration method:

• VeneersThin ceramic overlays fixed to the enamel. They enhance the smile's aesthetics: masking chips, microcracks, and improving and brightening the color of the teeth. Suitable for cosmetic correction of minor defects.For placement, the dentist removes a small layer of enamel, enabling veneers to align the tooth's irregular shape.

• PostsA structure installed in the root canals of a tooth. It consists of two parts: a post secured in the canals and an artificial stump foundation for future prosthesis placement.Posts restore teeth that are more than half damaged but with intact roots.

• How to care for a metal-free prosthesis?

  Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your teeth and avoid scratching the prosthesis surface. Other than that, care for crowns or bridges is no different from natural teeth care.

• Do I need to visit a dentist after installing a crown or bridge?

  Yes, but not more often than usual. The standard schedule for preventive checkups is every 3–6 months.

• Is it painful to install a metal-free construction?

  No. Before preparation, the dentist administers local anesthesia. The nerve endings inside and around the tooth temporarily lose sensitivity, so the procedure is pain-free.