Dental veneers, crowns, onlays, inlays and bridges are important restorations which enhance the health and functionality of the natural teeth. A sparkling smile can be an enormous confidence-booster and have a dramatic effect on a person’s appearance. Empress® has been dedicated to creating natural-looking restorations for almost two decades, and is one of the world leaders in dental ceramics.
Empress® veneers, crowns, onlays, overlays and dental bridges are renowned for their strength, durability and exceptional optical properties. Empress® restorations are completely metal-free, and are constructed from inorganic material which is baked and cured at high temperatures.
Why should I choose Empress® restorations?
Empress® is continually refining and enhancing restorations to ensure that they look natural and restore complete functionality to the teeth.
Traditional ceramic restorations were known for being brittle and expensive to repair after sustaining damage. However, Empress® has developed a heat-pressed glass ceramic that is immensely strong and durable. There are several reasons for this, including the high shrinkage of leucite crystals. This shrinkage means that compressive stress is created during the vitreous stage, thus preventing breakage and cracking.
The unique veneer glaze and stain also increases strength by as much as 50%. These elements combined establish a thicker restoration that is fracture resistant. Empress® crowns have a 100% chance of surviving the first three years. This means less dental visits, less expense and a sensational, comfortable smile.
Here are some of the advantages associated with Empress® restorations:
Biocompatible.
Do not affect other dentition.
Ease of application.
Excellent polishing properties.
Many levels of translucency available.
Metal-free.
Natural-looking.
Shades match the other teeth.
What restorations can be done using Empress® products?
Empress® has created many natural-looking restorations, including:
Empress® Veneers – These veneers are wafer-thin porcelain and ceramic covers which fit permanently over natural teeth. Empress® veneers are perfect for covering disfigured and stained teeth. They are stain and bacteria-resistant, strong, and can be manufactured to match the natural tooth shade.
Empress® Crowns – These crowns are generally placed after root canal therapy, or after the removal of tooth decay. Empress® crowns are proven to last longer than many types of crowns, and again, can be matched exactly to the natural tooth shade. There is no visible ugly metal edge, just a sensational end result.
Empress® Inlays/Onlays – Inlays and onlays are currently being used to replace the traditional amalgam fillings. Amalgam is unpleasant to view and unhealthy for the body. Empress® ceramic inlays and overlays are strong, healthy and usually invisible to onlookers.
Empress® Bridges – As with all Empress® products, Empress® bridges are a completely natural-looking way to replace missing teeth. Metal bridges are often highly visible and make the teeth look shorter. Empress® bridges are almost impossible to spot, and restore symmetry and sparkle to the smile.
If you have questions about any of the Empress® restorations, please ask your dentist.
FAQs Empress® Restorations
Empress® restorations are known for their excellent durability and can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, or even longer with proper care. Their longevity is comparable to other high-quality dental materials, making them a reliable choice for many patients.
Empress® restorations do not require special maintenance beyond your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit Dr. Rader for regular check-ups and cleanings. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens to prevent damage.
Empress® restorations are made from high-quality pressed ceramic, offering a natural translucency and aesthetic appeal that is often superior to traditional porcelain. While zirconia is known for its strength, Empress® restorations provide a perfect balance of durability and a lifelike appearance, making them an excellent choice for visible areas.
If an Empress® restoration is damaged, it can often be repaired or replaced. Minor chips may be fixable with composite resin, but more extensive damage might require replacing the restoration. Dr. Rader will assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Most patients do not experience significant sensitivity or discomfort after getting Empress® restorations. However, some may have temporary sensitivity to hot or cold, which typically resolves within a few days. Dr. Rader ensures that the restoration fits well to minimize any discomfort.
Empress® materials are renowned for their excellent color matching capabilities. The ceramic can be precisely shaded to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing result.
The process for an Empress® restoration typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, Dr. Rader will prepare the tooth and take impressions. The restoration is then crafted in a dental lab, which usually takes about two weeks. At the second appointment, the restoration is placed and adjusted for a perfect fit.
Empress® restorations are versatile and can be used for a variety of dental restorations, including crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays. They are particularly suitable for anterior teeth due to their superior aesthetic qualities.
Yes, Empress® restorations are highly biocompatible. The ceramic material used is well-tolerated by gum tissue and does not cause allergic reactions, making it a safe option for most patients.
Empress® restorations are highly resistant to staining due to their non-porous ceramic surface. However, it is still advisable to avoid excessive consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, and red wine, and to maintain good oral hygiene.
If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Rader and our team at Sevierville Dentist. We are here to help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
With 19 years of experience in the dental field, Vonda is a highly skilled Insurance Coordinator who ensures the seamless management of insurance verification, claim submissions, and patient billing. Her meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and dedication to patient care make her an invaluable asset to any dental team.
Vonda works closely with insurance providers to maximize patient benefits, clarify coverage options, and support patients in navigating the financial aspects of dental care. Her passion for improving access to dental services and her commitment to operational excellence contribute significantly to both patient satisfaction and the financial health of the practice.
Jade
Jade has been a dedicated Dental Assistant for five years and has spent the past 3 years as a valued member of Dr. Rader’s team. Currently, she is furthering her education and working toward becoming a Dental Hygienist. Jade brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and a strong commitment to patient care every day.
Chau
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Charisse
Charisse serves as the Office Manager and brings over 35 years of management experience to the team. A proud Sevier County native, her family has called the area home for generations. Her deep roots in the community, strong leadership, and genuine care for others make her an invaluable part of the practice.
Charisse truly loves Dr. Rader’s patients and takes pride in making them smile and feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door.
She is married and the proud mother of two children, Kyndal and Jared, as well as two stepsons, Tanner and Tyler. Outside of work, Charisse treasures time spent with her grandchildren, who bring her endless joy.
Cadie
Cadie is originally from Morristown, TN, and graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. She is passionate about providing exceptional care and helping patients achieve their oral health goals. Cadie enjoys the personal connections she builds with patients and values the opportunity to make a positive impact through her work.
With experience in pediatric dentistry and certification in Local Anesthesia, Cadie brings both skill and compassion to the team.
Outside the office, she and her husband, Bristoe, love spending time outdoors, staying active, and making memories with their daughter, Blakely.
Kim
Kim is a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist with deep roots in Sevier County, where she has served the community for 30 years. A graduate of East Tennessee State University, Kim earned her degree in Dental Hygiene in 1995 and has been a valued member of Dr. John C. Rader’s team for the past 20 years.
Kim is passionate about patient care and is proud to serve in the community where she was born and raised. She has been married to her husband, Travis, for 30 years. Together, they have three children: Dillon, Alexis, and Faith Hicks.
In their free time, Kim and Travis enjoy relaxing and making memories with their family—especially at their favorite getaway on the South Carolina coast.
