Empress® restorations bring function and beauty to Petaluma, CA smiles

Dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays are a great way to enhance the functionality, health, and appearance of your natural teeth. At North Bay Smiles, we offer patients in the Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Novato, and neighboring CA communities a variety of options when it comes to repairing and enhancing their smiles, including ceramic Empress® restorations.

What are Empress® restorations?

Empress restorations are a unique type of dental restoration that has been continually refined and enhanced for optimal appearance, function, and durability. Empress dental restorations are made from a heat-pressed glass ceramic that is incredibly strong and resistant to breakage. Their durability comes in part from the high shrinkage of leucite crystals in the ceramic, which translates into fewer cracks or breaks and greater strength. In addition, Empress restorations use a unique glaze that increases their strength by up to 50 percent – meaning you are free to enjoy your beautiful, comfortable smile with fewer dental visits, out-of-pocket costs, and unnecessary stress.

Benefits of Empress® restorations

Patients and dentists alike love Empress restorations because of their many benefits:

  • Strength: Empress restorations are thicker and designed to be long-lasting
  • Versatility: Empress restorations can be used in a variety of circumstances, including the placement of dental veneers, crowns, dental bridges, inlays, onlays, and overlays to transform the appearance of your smile, hide imperfections, protect damaged teeth, and restore your natural tooth shape
  • Biocompatible: They are completely metal-free and made from inorganic materials that are cured at high temperatures
  • Natural-looking: In addition to being able to adjust the shade of your restoration to match your other teeth, several different levels of translucency are also available for a natural-looking smile
  • Stain- and bacteria-resistant: In addition to restoring the shape of your teeth and their biting function, Empress restorations resist stains and bacterial infiltration for a healthier smile

Empress® Restorations FAQs

What are Empress restorations?

Empress restorations refer to high-quality dental restorations made from leucite-reinforced glass ceramic. Known for their excellent translucency, strength, and natural-looking aesthetics, Empress materials are often used to fabricate numerous dental restorations.

What are Empress restorations used to make?

While we strive to maintain your natural teeth, you may need dental restorations to repair or enhance them. Choosing materials can make all the difference when you need a smile restoration. Empress restorations are created from high-grade ceramics renowned for exceptional functionality and aesthetic properties. 

Empress ceramic is commonly used to fabricate:

  • Porcelain veneers: These are ideal for correcting aesthetic issues on your front teeth. Once bonded to the front surfaces, Empress veneers can enhance gapped, discolored, or worn-down teeth.
  • Dental crowns: Crowns provide full tooth coverage, making them excellent for repairing structural and severe aesthetic issues. Empress crowns offer excellent aesthetics, making them virtually indistinguishable even for front teeth. 
  • Inlays and onlays: Empress indirect fillings can repair tooth damage that’s too significant for a filling, but a dental crown would be deemed excessive. 
  • Dental bridges: Lost a tooth? Empress dental bridges offer a fixed, natural-looking way to restore your smile—no one will notice the difference.

Are Empress restorations worth it?

Many patients find Empress restorations worth the investment, especially when cosmetic appeal is a top priority. They offer:

  • Superior aesthetics with several levels of natural translucency
  • Long-term durability with proper care
  • A metal-free, biocompatible solution
  • Ease of application
  • Convenient maintenance 
  • Excellent stain-resisting properties

Empress is an excellent choice if you seek strong, beautiful, natural-looking bridges, veneers, or crowns. Contact us today and explore your options with our superior restorations.

How long do Empress restorations last?

Empress restorations are created from heat-pressed glass ceramic that is exceptionally resilient and durable. Empress restorations can last 10-15 years or longer. However, their lifespan depends on oral hygiene habits, teeth grinding, and regular dental visits.

How do I care for my Empress restorations?

Caring for your restorations isn’t awkward. It’s like maintaining your natural teeth. Here are steps you can take to keep your restorations strong and healthy. 

  • Brush and floss daily
  • Avoid biting on hard objects (e.g., ice, pens)
  • Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  • Quit tobacco use
  • Reduce the intake of sugary foods and keep your mouth hydrated

Are Empress restorations strong enough for back teeth?

Empress ceramics are durable but best suited for front teeth or areas with less bite force. For posterior teeth or patients with a strong bite, we may recommend an alternative like porcelain or zirconia for extra strength.

Are Empress the best restoration for you in Petaluma, California?

With Empress restorations, North Bay Smiles can enhance your smile’s function and aesthetics with superior outcomes. Whether you have damaged, decayed, or aesthetically appealing teeth, call (707) 306-8001 and discover what Empress restorations can do for your smile.

Call us today!

At North Bay Smiles, Dr. Yvonne Szyperski works closely with each patient to help them choose the best dental restorations and treatments for their unique needs. To learn more about Empress restorations and whether they are right for you, call North Bay Smiles in Petaluma, CA today at (707) 306-8001.