Empress Crowns (All-Ceramic / Full Porcelain Teeth)

What is Empress (All-Ceramic Crown)?

Empress is a strengthened porcelain system made without a metal substructure. A ceramic core of pressed leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic is used, over which glass ceramic is layered under high pressure. Since it is entirely made of ceramic, it is also referred to as a full porcelain crown.

Why Do Empress Crowns Look More Natural?

Because they contain no metal, Empress crowns replicate the natural translucency and light-reflecting properties of teeth. Their compatibility with dental adhesives and the chameleon effect of the material allow seamless blending with the natural tooth structure, achieving ideal color, brightness, and a natural esthetic.

Where Can Empress Be Applied?

• Front teeth (incisors, canines, premolars) where esthetics are critical

• Single-tooth restorations in the esthetic zone

• Smile design cases where natural beauty is the priority

Where Is Empress Not Recommended?

• Posterior molars exposed to heavy chewing forces

• Cases with multiple adjacent missing teeth

• For these situations, zirconium crowns are recommended due to their higher strength and durability.

Indications for Empress Crowns

• Tooth discoloration due to antibiotics, fluoride, or aging

• Discoloration in root canal–treated teeth unresponsive to whitening

• Developmental tissue or shape anomalies

• Malpositioned teeth

• Closing gaps between teeth (diastema)

• Worn teeth due to physical or chemical erosion

• Multiple restorations in smile design treatments

Treatment Procedure

1. Patient photos and impressions are taken, and a smile design is created.

2. A mock-up demonstration is provided to preview the expected results.

3. Under local anesthesia, ~2 mm of enamel is reduced, and a precise impression is taken.

4. Temporary restorations in natural tooth color are placed to protect teeth and allow daily life without esthetic compromise.

5. Laboratory-prepared Empress crowns are tried in, and once approved by the patient, permanently bonded.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will I be toothless during treatment?
  No, temporary restorations are provided throughout the process.

• How long are the sessions?
  Approximately 45 minutes per session.

• Can I eat and drink right away?
  Yes, after permanent bonding, you can resume normal eating immediately.

• Will I feel sensitivity?
  No, the thermal expansion coefficient of Empress is close to natural teeth, minimizing sensitivity.

• How should I care for them?
  Standard oral hygiene is sufficient: brushing, flossing, and 6-month dental check-ups.

• Will they cause gum recession or gaps over time?
  No, Empress crowns have excellent marginal fit and polished surfaces that resist plaque accumulation.

• Can the tooth underneath decay?
  No, the perfect fit and non-soluble adhesive protect the underlying tooth.

• Can Empress crowns fall off or break?
  No, they cannot fall off once bonded. They are strong but, like natural teeth, can fracture under extreme force.

• Will their color or shape change?
  No, they retain their color, translucency, and shape over time.

• Do they cause odor or taste changes?
  No, their smooth and biocompatible surfaces prevent plaque and odor.

• Are they safe for patients with metal allergies?
  Yes, being 100% metal-free, they cause no allergic reactions.

• Can they replace old crowns with dark gum lines?
  Yes, unlike metal-supported crowns, Empress crowns contain no gray substructure, so there is no dark reflection on the gums.

Empress vs. Zirconium

• Empress: Superior light transmission and translucency, ideal for anterior teeth where esthetics are most critical.

• Zirconium: Preferred for cases requiring higher strength, posterior restorations, or multiple-unit bridges.

Both materials are metal-free, biocompatible, and provide excellent esthetics and biological harmony.