If I prescribe a Procera® AllCeram restoration, is a special tooth preparation necessary?

A chamfer type of preparation is preferred. It is also advisable to round off all angles and sharp edges. This is because the stylus used to map and digitize the dies cannot "read" sharp angles; therefore rounded angles are preferred.

Am I required to use any special burs or instruments?

We advise clinicians to continue to use the diamonds and carbides they are using now for routine crown preparations. Procera® has a prep kit available featuring four different sized diamonds that might be helpful in achieving the optimum prep for Procera® AllCeram.

It is very important to remember that clinicians must use a diamond with generous water spray should any coping adjustment be necessary. This includes adjustments made to the occlusal surface of the finished restoration.

What cement do you recommend for Procera® AllCeram?

One of the compelling reasons for using Procera®, is that you can continue to use whichever cement you are now using in your office for routine crown and bridge treatment (following the manufacturers' recommendations). The coping has very high flexural strength; therefore bonding is not necessary. If you prefer to bond your restorations, it is possible with Procera® AllCeram even though the coping cannot be etched. The surface created during the manufacturing process is very conducive to bonding (SEM's of the surface are available) and requires only that the restoration be treated just like any bondable porcelain restoration, remembering that etching is not required.

Do I need to pour the cast in a special die material?

No! Use whatever material you use everyday for crown and bridge model work.

Is the Procera® AllCeram restoration radiopaque or radiolucent?

Procera® AllCeram restorations are both radiopaque and radiolucent. In other words, you can x-ray through the restoration but the coping is slightly visible in the x-ray.

Are these copings strong enough to do a coping try-in?

Yes! Of course, since the copings are so thin, small, and hard they should be handled with care. It is important to remember that if adjustments are ever necessary, use a diamond with good water irrigation.

Can Procera® AllCeram restorations be used in the posterior region of the mouth?

Yes! Procera® AllCeram restorations can be placed anywhere in the mouth. The material has more than twice the flexural strength of the strongest all ceramic alternative.

What shade guide should I use when recording my patients' shade for Procera® AllCeram restorations?

Procera® AllCeram porcelain is keyed to the most popular shade guide used today, the Vita® Shade guide.

Is metal used in the fabrication of Procera® AllCeram?

The coping is made of 99.5% pure densely sintered aluminum oxide, a proven biocompatible material also used for surgical implants by medical professionals. The Procera® AllCeram veneering ceramic is manufactured by Ducera, a leading porcelain manufacturer. Wear studies conducted in Sweden and the USA show the material to be 73 % less wear abrasive to opposing dentition compared to typical feldspathic porcelains. This means more comfort for the patient and easier polishing for the clinician should occlusal adjustment be necessary.

How accurate is the fit of Procera® AllCeram restorations?

Since the manufacturing process involves CADD (computer aided dental design), we are able to achieve a fit of about 50-60 microns. Based on our inquiries to major dental universities, a 100 micron fit is an acceptable fit for fixed restorations. Our system also builds in a 50 micron cement space, making the coping fit very passively, but very accurately at the marginal area.

Is this product suitable for patients who have bruxing problems?

It is the opinion of many researchers that there is no material that absolutely is suited for bruxing patients. Patients who brux will wear resin materials just as quickly or faster than they wear their own enamel. Typical feldspathic porcelain will not wear but may chip or crack under heavy loading. Most clinicians we have interviewed tell us a splint night guard or bruxing appliance is the treatment of choice for bruxing patients. Procera® AllCeram porcelain may provide more comfort since it is softer than typical porcelains and certainly will not wear like the particle filled resins.

What if I have to cut one of these restorations off? Is this difficult?

Yes. The core is made of a very hard material. Use a diamond with good irrigation.

I understand the copings are manufactured in Sweden. Does the lab send my impression and cast all the way to Sweden?

The process involves mapping your dies into the computer with a very sophisticated digitizing instrument. The data gathered during this mapping procedure is all that is sent to Sweden via modem. In Sweden, technicians replicate your die exactly using the data sent by DDS Ltd. The coping is fabricated and shipped back to us. We will then apply the veneering porcelain according to your prescription using the original model.