Are you struggling to feel great about your smile because you have a damaged, misshapen, discolored, or broken tooth? Finding a helpful and lasting solution can be challenging, but porcelain crowns might be just what you’re looking for.
Porcelain crowns have been around for years as the preferred cosmetic dental solution for repairing teeth that are too damaged to be restored with traditional fillings. Thanks to advanced technology and materials used by skilled dentists today, porcelain crowns look just like real teeth.
If you’re wondering how porcelain crowns can help you achieve your oral health goals, now is the time to explore all the possibilities. Check out our article to learn about the dental crown procedure so you can make an informed decision.
What Is a Porcelain Crown?
A porcelain crown is a cap that restores the appearance and function of a tooth that has been severely damaged. Dental crowns come in various types, but porcelain crowns are one of the most aesthetically pleasing. Their translucent color makes them the most commonly used restoration for front teeth.
What Do Porcelain Crowns Look Like?
Porcelain teeth caps are custom-designed to look exactly like natural teeth. These crowns have a glossy finish, just like natural teeth, and can be tailored to match your smile in shade, shape, and texture.
How Strong Are Porcelain Crowns?
Dental porcelain crowns are strong and can withstand daily wear and tear as well as chewing and biting forces. Dental crowns made of porcelain are durable enough for daily use.
Types of Porcelain Crowns
Whether you are considering a porcelain crown for aesthetic or functional reasons, it is essential to understand the different types available and how they differ. Here are some of the recent porcelain crowns available on the market:
All porcelain crowns are considered more aesthetically pleasing due to their ability to combine multiple shades and textures. As an added bonus, no gray metal will show through at the gumline! This material is highly durable, making it still a suitable option for people with bruxism, also known as teeth grinding.
#1: Empress Crowns
Empress crowns have a glassy appearance and are classified as ceramic crowns. Empress crowns tend to be stronger than traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM crowns), but less strong than zirconia.
#2 Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are the stronger of the porcelain crown options and a wonderful option for patients that have severe bruxism (teeth grinding). With the extra strength comes less ability to blend different shades though.
#3 Emax Crowns
Emax Crowns are long-lasting and highly aesthetic thanks to their desirable qualities such as excellent translucency, color stability, and chip and stain resistance. They also offer superior strength compared to other crown options making them great for restoring larger areas.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Porcelain Crowns?
The following are the qualifications to be eligible for all types of dental crowns:
- With sufficient tooth structure
You need to have enough healthy tooth structure to which the crown can be attached.
- Healthy gum tissue and bone support
A crown may not be appropriate if you have gum disease or other issues that lead to bone loss. The crown cannot be attached securely to a weakened foundation.
- A willingness to maintain good oral hygiene habits
You must be committed to following your dentist’s instructions for proper oral hygiene to keep the longevity of your crown. Dr. Johnston and her dental hygienists will make sure to provide you with a hygiene regimen and cycle that they believe is the most suitable for you.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Porcelain Crown?
Porcelain crowns offer two key benefits:
Cosmetic Benefits
One of the primary reasons people opt for porcelain crowns is the cosmetic benefits. Porcelain is a material that looks very natural in the mouth with the ability to have a blend of shades and allowing the light to reflect off of the surface. This customized glossier appearance allows it to blend in with the surrounding teeth. Furthermore, porcelain is stain-resistant, or your crowns will tend to stay white even when you enjoy your favorite drinks and foods. As a result, you don’t have to worry about how the appearance will change over time.
Functional Benefits
In addition to their cosmetic benefits, porcelain crowns offer several functional benefits. For instance, they can help to protect a tooth that has been damaged or weakened by tooth decay or root canal therapy. Dental crowns made of porcelain can also be used for restoring teeth that have been broken or chipped. And if you have a tooth that is misshapen or discolored, a porcelain crown can help to cover it up.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Once the suitable material is chosen, the dentist will inject local anesthesia to numb the area.
- Then the dentist cleans and reshapes the tooth to fit perfectly with the new crown.
- A digital scan is taken and sent to a lab to make a mold for the new crown. While waiting for the crown to be ready, patients will wear a temporary crown that is a replica of your original tooth when you arrived for the appointment.
- Finally, when the permanent crown has arrived from the lab you will be asked to return to the clinic so it can be cemented in place.
How Much Does a Tooth Crown Cost?
Depending on where you live and what type of crown you pick, the price might vary. Porcelain crowns are usually the most expensive compared to others, like porcelain-fused-to-metal.
Also, your dental insurance typically does not cover the full cost of most dental treatments, including crowns. But some dental insurance policies pay a portion of the costs, especially if it’s deemed necessary. It is highly recommended to check with your insurance company if you’re covered!
Conclusion
Porcelain dental crowns offer many advantages over traditional metal fillings because they provide lasting protection while still allowing you to keep your natural tooth structure intact. They are strong yet lightweight, making them comfortable enough to wear throughout daily activities without feeling like there’s something foreign in your mouth.
With proper care and hygiene maintenance, porcelain dental crowns provide a long term and aesthetic solution —making them an excellent investment for maintaining oral health long-term. Whether you need one for functional or cosmetic reasons, porcelain dental crowns offer many unique features that make them well worth considering for anyone looking for an effective solution for their damaged teeth.
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