Full porcelain restorations, also known as Empress crowns, are used today as the most aesthetic crowns; because the whole structure of the crowns are made of porcelain, including the frameworks.

The outer layer of the teeth is called as enamel and dentin layer is located beneath enamel layer. In the application of full porcelain crowns, reinforced porcelain cores used as frameworks mimic dentin and the porcelain layer over the core imitates enamel. Hence, high light transmittance and natural colors are achieved.

Due to absence of metal alloy frameworks, full porcelain crowns are highly biocompatible with gingival tissues and suitable for patients with metal allergies.

Full porcelain crowns are preferred where aesthetics is important for frontal teeth, premolars and bridges with single tooth gaps in this area.

Like laminate veneers, the application of full porcelain crowns is more appropriate after eliminating clenching / grinding and bad habits (i.e. nail biting). 

 

Keywords: full porcelain, empress, aesthetic, natural color