Porcelain crowns are often the go-to choice to restore damaged or decayed teeth. They provide a beautiful smile and are highly durable, fulfilling both the aesthetic and functional requirements for dental restoration. Porcelain crowns could be the perfect option to restore the health and beauty of your smile.
What are porcelain crowns?
Porcelain crowns are among the most commonly used restorative dentistry treatments. Well-known for their beauty and durability, they’re made of porcelain, a strong ceramic material that approximates the appearance of natural enamel very well. Not only are they the right shade, but they’re also partially translucent, just like real dental enamel.
Your porcelain dental crown will be customized based on impressions of your smile to ensure the proper fit and appearance. A dental lab prepares the crown, creating the appropriate shape, size, and shade to suit your smile perfectly. Once the crown is ready, it is placed on the prepared tooth by your dentist.
Today, a variety of modern technologies ensure that porcelain crowns are stunning and reliable. Digital impressions rely on an oral scanner to create high-resolution 3D images of your smile. This prevents the need for physical impressions, improving your experience and providing the best results when designing and building your crown.
Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns provide a wide range of benefits, both in general and when compared with other types of dental crowns. The appearance of porcelain crowns can’t be beaten. Your crown will be carefully matched to the natural color of your teeth, providing a seamless look.
Porcelain is a strong and resilient material that offers a long-term solution for dental restoration. It stands up to the pressures involved in biting and chewing and resists daily wear. Porcelain crowns stand up to everyday use to bring you a stunning smile for years to come.
Biocompatibility is a top concern in restorative dentistry, as certain materials can cause adverse reactions or sensitivity. Porcelain is highly biocompatible and well tolerated by gum tissue. Patients who have experienced metal sensitivities in the past are still good candidates for porcelain crowns.
The Procedure for Getting Porcelain Crowns
The first step to getting your porcelain crown is a consultation with your dentist. They’ll evaluate your smile and other factors to determine whether a porcelain crown or another restorative dentistry option is the right choice for you.
Your dentist will prepare the tooth that will receive a crown by removing enamel to form a solid base for the crown. Then, they will make impressions so that your dental crown will fit over the prepared tooth perfectly and match your natural teeth.
The next step is to send the impressions to a dental lab, which makes the crown. Your crown is fully customized to match your natural smile, with the shape, size, and shade of the crown all being carefully matched.
While waiting for your finished crown, you’ll have a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. Once the finished crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and permanently attach the finished one. They can make minor adjustments to ensure a perfect fit at this time.
Comparing Porcelain Crowns to Other Types
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. Gold has been traditionally used because it offers excellent biocompatibility. However, it has fallen out of style due to its conspicuous appearance. Stainless steel is sometimes used as well, particularly for short-term crowns in children, whose smiles are still developing.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns include a metal layer covered in porcelain. This can provide improved strength and durability while still retaining the appearance of porcelain.
However, there is a dark line that can be visible at the base of the tooth. These crowns can be more affordable than porcelain ones but can also pose an issue for patients with metal sensitivities.
Caring for Your Porcelain Crowns
You can get the most out of your porcelain crowns by taking proper care of them. In general, you should follow the same oral hygiene routine as you would for natural teeth. Brushing twice each day and flossing is essential. Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid abrasive toothpaste to keep from experiencing any wear.
You should also steer clear of excessively hard foods such as nuts or certain candy. Additionally, never use your teeth for anything other than eating, such as biting fingernails or opening packaging.
Keeping up with regular dental checkups is essential for safeguarding both your dental crown and your natural teeth. Your dentist will be able to identify signs of potential issues and provide effective advice and treatment options before it is too late.
Discover how porcelain crowns can restore your smile.
Are you dealing with seriously decayed or damaged teeth? Porcelain crowns could be just what you need to enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile again. You can visit the team at Metro East Dental Care to find out whether porcelain dental crowns or other options could be right for you. Schedule your appointment today to get started.
