As you age, your teeth age too. Decay, fillings, trauma, or even normal chewing habits can make your teeth break down over time. A porcelain dental crown, or cap, is placed over a tooth to protect it from further fracturing or deterioration. A porcelain crown can also replace a discolored or badly shaped tooth, or protect a tooth that has had a root canal. Additionally, new porcelain crowns are necessary to replace old, worn down, or defective crowns. All-porcelain crowns are generally considered the most aesthetic choice since they closely resemble your natural teeth. Modern porcelain materials, such as zirconium and Empress 2, are durable and can withstand the forces of chewing.
What is a Porcelain Crown?
Porcelain crowns, also known as ceramic crowns or porcelain teeth, provide a viable solution for individuals with damaged teeth. These crowns are personalized caps that are bonded to the tooth, fitting perfectly over it to restore its original size, strength, and functionality.
Crowns are widely regarded as the gold standard for safeguarding and fortifying teeth that cannot be repaired using fillings or other dental procedures. Porcelain crowns are created using tooth-colored porcelain, which blends seamlessly with the rest of your natural teeth, enhancing not only their strength but also their visual appeal.
Different Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys, and base metal alloys.
Of all the options, porcelain or tooth-colored crowns are the most popular due to their natural look and ability to blend seamlessly with your actual teeth. This makes them an excellent choice for front teeth or teeth that are visible when smiling or speaking.
Porcelain or ceramic dental crowns are highly durable and can last for many years. However, like other dental crown restorations, they may eventually require replacement.
Even the most durable porcelain crowns can chip or become damaged, requiring consultation with your dentist for repair or replacement.
Porcelain Crowns Vs Veneers
Both porcelain crowns and veneers are utilized to enhance the look of your teeth, particularly if your front or visible teeth have discolouration or damage.
Veneers are typically used for aesthetic improvements only as they consist of super-thin porcelain and are bonded solely to the front of the tooth. They do not strengthen the tooth but instead enhance its appearance and shape.
In contrast, porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth and provide protection for damaged teeth while also improving the aesthetics of your smile.
Consulting with our dentist at our Sunrise dental office regarding options for enhancing the health, strength, and appearance of your teeth is always advisable. We can recommend the best approaches to make your teeth the best they can be.
Porcelain Crowns On Your Front Teeth
When it comes to porcelain crowns, the most common area for treatment is your front teeth. These teeth are the most visible and can benefit the most from porcelain dental crowns, making a significant and noticeable improvement to your smile.
Damaged or imperfect teeth can not only cause health issues, but also impact your self-confidence and self-image. Having healthy and aesthetically pleasing teeth can make a significant difference in your overall appearance, making you look and feel younger and enhancing your quality of life.
Damaged front teeth can be especially challenging, affecting not only your ability to eat and chew but also your confidence in your appearance. Porcelain crowns can transform both your oral health and self-esteem, giving you that “perfect smile” that will bring a smile to your face and enhance your overall quality of life.
The Porcelain Crown Procedures
Getting a porcelain crown usually involves two appointments at our dental office, where the first appointment involves preparing your teeth, assessing internal cracks, removing decay, and placing a temporary crown. The temporary crown is placed using non-permanent cement and checked for proper alignment and comfort while the permanent crown is being customised.
At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and the new porcelain crown is bonded to the tooth using local anesthesia. The patient’s bite is checked to ensure that the crown fits correctly. We will provide instructions on how to care for the new crown, and it will be monitored during regular dental check-ups.
