Frequently Asked Questions about IPS Empress

1. How do I know I will be happy with the results?
2. How long does an IPS Empress procedure take? Will I have to take time off work?
3. How long will the IPS Empress product last?  Will I have to have this procedure
    done again in the future?
4. Will the IPS Empress material maintain its white, bright appearance
    even though I drink coffee, tea and wine?
5. Is there special care required, or will I need to purchase special products
    to maintain my new teeth?
6. Is the IPS Empress material vulnerable to cavities?
7. Is there a warranty period or guarantee against breakage?
8. How much will my IPS Empress smile makeover or treatment cost?
9. Is IPS Empress covered by insurance? 


1. How do I know I will be happy with the results?

We encourage you to look at different results, as demonstrated in before and after
photographs of other satisfied patients. Review testimonials from the large number of people who have received IPS Empress treatments and, if given the choice, would
undergo the procedure again.

And remember: dentists prescribing IPS Empress restorations will work closely with
you to determine your expectations for your smile and your dental treatment. They will systematically select the appropriate size, shape, length and color that your IPS Empress restorations should be, whether crowns, veneers, or inlays/onlays. Ultimately, the IPS Empress smile you receive will be uniquely--and appropriately--yours.(top of page)

2. How long does an IPS Empress procedure take? Will I have to take time off work?

Because IPS Empress restorations are custom-made for you by a ceramist in a dental laboratory based on information provided by your dentist--such as models, impressions of
your teeth and gums, photographs, specifications of the desired tooth shade, shape and size, etc.--your procedure could require 2 or 3 visits to the dental office, each of which may last an hour or two, depending upon your specific case. Additionally, you may need to
wait 2 to 3 weeks between visits to receive your IPS Empress restorations.

Whether or not you will need to take time off from work will depend upon your dentist's practice schedule and available hours for appointments. Because smile makeovers take more time, those appointments may last longer than 2 hours and, therefore, if weekend or evening hours are not available, you may need to take time off from work. (top of page)

3. How long will the IPS Empress product last?  
    Will I have to have this procedure done again in the future?

Clinical research from the past 15 years shows that IPS Empress restorations--whether veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays or bridges--are strong, durable and long-lasting, providing patients with beautiful smiles for more than 15 years.

As with any dental work, patients who receive IPS Empress treatments are advised to
follow proper oral hygiene regimens and see their dentists regularly to help ensure that their restorations last for years to come. However, any crown, veneer, or inlay/onlay may
at some point in the future require replacement due to changing dental conditions.(top of page)

4. Will the IPS Empress material maintain its white, bright appearance
even though I drink coffee, tea and wine? (top of page)

IPS Empress restorations have been clinically proven to maintain their color and
luster for many years. But, just like with your natural teeth, it is advisable to avoid liquids such as these that could potentially stain your new smile. Also, it is highly advisable to
avoid chewing tobacco in any form, as well as to quit smoking.(top of page)

5. Is there special care required, or will I need to purchase special products
to maintain my new teeth?

As with any dental work, patients who receive IPS Empress treatments are advised to
follow proper oral hygiene regimens and see their dentists regularly to help ensure that
their restorations last for years to come.

In particular, it is recommended that patients use a soft toothbrush, not brush hard, and avoid harsh or abrasive toothpastes. Additionally, flossing between teeth at least once a day to remove plaque is essential to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.(top of page)

6. Is the IPS Empress material vulnerable to cavities?

No, the IPS Empress material is a leucite-reinforced glass ceramic that is not prone to
cavities the same way that your natural tooth structure is. However, depending upon the restorations you receive, based on your dentist's treatment plan for you, areas of your natural teeth may remain uncovered by the IPS Empress material. In such instances, those areas of your natural teeth would be prone to cavities. Therefore, all patients who receive IPS Empress restorations are advised to follow proper oral hygiene regimens to help ensure the health of their teeth and gums.(top of page)

7. Is there a warranty period or guarantee against breakage?

Warranties and guarantees vary by dentist and the dental laboratories they use. Ask your dentist for specific details of IPS Empress warranties and guarantee for his/her practice.(top of page)

8. How much will my IPS Empress smile makeover or treatment cost?

The cost of your treatment will depend upon your dentist's diagnosis and the number of restorations required, among other factors. A single restoration--such as one inlay/onlay or one crown--will cost less than treatments requiring multiple restorations, such as a smile makeover. The good news, however, is that IPS Empress restorations are affordable treatment alternatives, and a variety of payment plans are available to help finance your treatment.(top of page)

9. Is IPS Empress covered by insurance?  

In certain instances, yes. Depending on your dentist's diagnosis of your dental condition
--such as whether you have recurrent cavities or teeth in need of specific treatments
--those that require certain IPS Empress restorations are covered by insurance.(top of page