Lava Plus porcelain crowns are high-quality dental crowns, utilizing modern technology from 3M Corporation (USA), outstanding with superior durability and aesthetics. My Auris Dental Clinic will reveal the characteristics of Lava Plus and its specific costs right after this!
What are Lava Plus Porcelain Crowns?
Lava Plus porcelain crowns are a type of premium metal-free porcelain crown, researched and manufactured by 3M ESPE, a leading American company with over 100 years of history in the field of science and medical materials. This product belongs to the all-ceramic crown line, meaning it is crafted entirely from Zirconia ceramic material, containing no metal components.
The foundation of Lava Plus is a new generation Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2) material. This is a type of dental ceramic material with high biocompatibility, used in medicine for artificial hip and knee joints. This ensures absolute safety for soft tissues in the oral cavity, causing no irritation or rejection reactions.
The core difference that creates the value of Lava Plus porcelain crowns lies in two main factors: exclusive material and manufacturing technology.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Lava Plus All-Ceramic Crowns
Lava Plus all-ceramic crowns are currently one of the top choices among aesthetic porcelain crown lines, thanks to their perfect combination of refined aesthetics and superior durability. Below is a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of this product line, helping you gain a clearer understanding before deciding on dental restoration.
Outstanding Advantages of Lava Plus Porcelain Crowns
Durability 9 times that of natural teeth: This is one of the most notable strengths. Users can chew comfortably, without worrying about teeth breaking or chipping, even with long-term use.
Natural tooth color: With the sophisticated color of Lava Plus porcelain crowns, high translucency, and good light scattering, this ceramic line replicates a very lifelike natural tooth effect. Thanks to the application of a special dyeing system, Lava Plus all-ceramic crowns achieve optimal natural aesthetics.
Glossy outer ceramic layer: The tooth surface is coated with a high-grade ceramic layer capable of resisting oxidation in the oral cavity, while also preventing food plaque adhesion, providing antibacterial properties, and effectively limiting erosion.
Long-term warranty: Customers benefit from a 15-year warranty policy, demonstrating the manufacturer’s commitment to quality.
High longevity, lifelong use: With proper care and oral hygiene, Lava Plus porcelain crowns can maintain their durability and aesthetic appeal for a lifetime, saving costs in the long run.
Disadvantages to Consider
High cost: The only drawback of Lava Plus all-ceramic crowns is their relatively high cost compared to conventional porcelain crowns. However, given their long lifespan and superior quality, this price is entirely reasonable and a worthwhile investment.
When Should Lava 3M Plus Porcelain Crowns Be Performed?
Severely discolored, yellowed teeth: Conditions such as Tetracycline-stained teeth, Fluorosis, or long-term food-stained teeth often cannot be resolved with teeth whitening methods. Lava Plus porcelain crowns, with their exclusive color technology, will create a new outer layer, completely covering the old tooth color.
Chipped, broken, or irregularly shaped teeth: Accidents, impacts, or poor chewing habits can cause teeth to chip or break. Abnormally shaped teeth, such as those that are too large, too small, or asymmetrical, can also detract from a harmonious smile. A Lava Plus porcelain crown, crafted with CAD/CAM technology, will precisely restore the tooth’s shape, recovering both its aesthetic appeal and chewing function.
Gapped, spaced, or mildly misaligned teeth: For cases of small gaps between teeth or slightly rotated front teeth, Lava Plus porcelain crowns offer a quick and effective alternative to braces. The cosmetic dentist will adjust the tooth axis and the size of the crowns to close the gaps, resulting in a more even and aligned set of teeth.
Weak teeth after root canal treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are no longer nourished, making them brittle and prone to fracture. Placing a Lava Plus porcelain crown over them acts like a sturdy armor. It protects the remaining natural tooth structure from strong chewing forces, preventing the risk of cracks and fractures.
Missing one or several teeth: When you have missing teeth, a porcelain dental bridge is a common solution. To perform this, the dentist will prepare two natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space to serve as abutments for a ceramic bridge consisting of three or more teeth. Since dental bridges must withstand significant chewing pressure, Lava Plus’s Zirconia ceramic material, with its high flexural strength, is a prerequisite to ensure the bridge’s stability and longevity.
Severely worn teeth: Teeth grinding habits or a high-acid diet can erode tooth enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin layer. Restoration with Lava Plus porcelain crowns not only restores the lost height and shape of the teeth but also creates a new, strong chewing surface, protecting the teeth from harmful agents.
Sensitive constitution, metal allergies: Many types of metal-ceramic crowns can cause gum irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Lava Plus porcelain crowns are made from pure Zirconia ceramic material, which has high biocompatibility. It is completely safe for soft tissues in the oral cavity, causing no negative reactions in the body.
Desire for long-lasting aesthetics, no black gum line: One of the major drawbacks of metal-ceramic crowns is the phenomenon of oxidation after a period of use, causing a black line at the gum margin. Since Lava Plus is all-ceramic, this phenomenon does not occur at all. Your smile will maintain its natural, translucent, and bright appearance for many years.
Lava Plus All-Ceramic Crown Procedure at My Auris Dental Clinic
At My Auris Dental Clinic, the Lava Plus all-ceramic crown procedure is always performed according to strict standards, ensuring absolute safety and optimal results for oral health. Here are the specific steps in the process:
Step 1 – X-ray and General Examination
Customers will undergo an X-ray and a general examination to assess their overall oral health. This helps to detect any existing oral diseases early, allowing for timely treatment before the crown placement.
Step 2 – Oral Hygiene and Mouth Disinfection
The entire oral cavity will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent infection-causing bacteria throughout the treatment process.
Step 3 – Tooth Preparation for Abutment
Based on the specific tooth condition, the dentist will calculate the appropriate amount of reduction to create an abutment for the ceramic crown. This process is performed quickly (approximately 30 minutes) but requires high professional expertise from the dentist to avoid affecting the tooth pulp.
Step 4 – Impression Taking and Crown Fabrication
After preparation, the dentist will take an impression to fabricate the porcelain crown to the appropriate size. While waiting, you will be fitted with a temporary crown to maintain aesthetics and chewing function.
Step 5 – Permanent Crown Placement
After a few days, when the crown is complete, you will return for permanent crown placement. The dentist will check for proper fit and color to ensure harmony with your natural teeth.
Step 6 – Aftercare Instructions and Follow-up Appointment
The area around the crowned tooth may be slightly sensitive after the procedure, so the dentist will provide proper aftercare instructions. Additionally, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor the tooth’s compatibility and detect any potential issues early.
Comparison of Lava Plus and Cercon Porcelain Crowns
Detailed Comparison Table: Lava Plus Porcelain Crowns vs. Cercon Porcelain Crowns
| Comparison Criteria | Lava Plus Porcelain Crowns (3M ESPE) | Cercon Porcelain Crowns (Dentsply Sirona) |
Origin & Brand |
Developed by 3M ESPE (USA), one of the world’s leading innovative corporations in dental materials. | Manufactured by Dentsply Sirona (Germany), a leading global company in dental technology and solutions. |
Material & Technology |
New generation Zirconia ceramic material. Utilizes exclusive coloring technology, staining the color from within the ceramic blank before sintering. | Yttria-stabilized Zirconia material. Traditional CAD/CAM manufacturing technology, with color applied externally. |
Aesthetic Aspect |
Superior. Natural translucency and optical effect like real teeth. Multi-layered color, transitioning from the gum line to the incisal edge, completely eliminating an unnatural-looking smile. | Good. Bright white color, ensuring high aesthetics. However, the translucency and depth of color may not match Lava Plus. |
Functional Aspect (Durability) |
Very high. Flexural strength up to approximately 1400 MPa. Superior wear resistance, protecting opposing teeth. Excellent chewing force endurance. | Very high. Flexural strength of approximately 1200 MPa. Performs well in all positions in the arch, especially for long span dental bridges. |
Health Aspect |
Absolutely safe. High biocompatibility, does not irritate gum tissue. Completely avoids black gum lines after prolonged use. | Safe. Good biocompatibility, a benign material in the oral environment. Does not cause chemical reactions or oxidation. |
Cost Aspect |
High. Costs are typically higher than Cercon due to advanced material technology and premium brand from the USA. | Reasonable. Lower cost compared to Lava Plus, offering a balanced choice between quality and budget. |
How Much Do Lava Plus 3M Porcelain Crowns Cost?
The cost of Lava Plus porcelain crowns ranges from 7,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND per tooth. The price of porcelain crowns is not a single fixed figure. The final cost you pay is determined by the following 5 core factors. Understanding these factors will help you know exactly what you are paying for.
Dentist’s expertise and experience: This is the most crucial factor. A highly skilled dentist with many years of experience in aesthetic restoration will provide an optimal treatment plan.
Technology and equipment at the dental clinic: Lava Plus porcelain crown restoration requires the support of modern technology. Dental clinics investing in CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) systems will produce crowns with micrometer precision.
Initial oral health condition: The cost of dental crowns does not solely include the price of the ceramic material. Before performing aesthetic restoration, the dentist needs to ensure that your oral foundation is completely healthy. If you have issues such as tooth decay, pulpitis, periodontitis, or weak teeth, the dentist must first carry out complete dental treatment.
Number of teeth requiring restoration: The total cost will be calculated by multiplying the unit price per tooth by the number of teeth you need to restore. If you undergo restoration for multiple teeth, some dental clinics may offer more favorable pricing policies. Restoring a single chipped tooth with a crown will have a different cost than fabricating a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth.
Material origin and warranty policy: Lava Plus porcelain crowns are products of 3M ESPE (USA), a world-leading brand in dental materials. Genuine porcelain crowns always come with a global warranty card, featuring a unique serial number that you can verify on the manufacturer’s website.
