Dental crowns are restorative devices that are cemented onto decayed, damaged, fractured, and chipped teeth to protect them from further damage. They are tooth-shaped jackets that fully encase the tooth structure present above the gum line. Porcelain crowns are tooth- colored and sculpted to mimic the size, shape, and color of natural teeth. They blend in really well with the neighboring teeth and don’t stand out. Their tooth-colored nature has made them a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Not only do porcelain crowns find their place under cosmetic dentistry, but can also be used in the following situations:
What are Porcelain Crowns?
- When teeth are inflicted with large decays and fractures and more than 50% of the tooth structure has been lost to the damage, tooth fillings cannot fix the damage. Such teeth are restored with crowns, which not only fix the damage but also provide teeth with strength, protection, and stability.
- Crowns are used to restore teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. Root canal treatments make teeth weak and susceptible to cracks and fractures. Therefore, such teeth are covered with dental crowns to improve their strength and durability.
- Teeth that have suffered excessive wear and tear become weak and lose their natural shape and color. Such teeth are covered with crowns to restore their lost strength and natural size, shape, and color.
- Porcelain crowns are used for making cosmetic enhancements. Their tooth-colored nature helps in making desired changes in the smile. Discolored and stained teeth are often capped with crowns to restore the natural luster.
- Crowns can also be used to make orthodontic enhancements like closing abnormal spacing and gaps between teeth.
How are porcelain crowns placed?
Porcelain crowns can be easily placed in two dental visits.
First visit
- ConsultationDuring the consultation, a comprehensive examination is performed to check your oral and overall health. X-rays are used to determine the need to receive dental crowns. If the tooth has suffered mild-moderate damage, it can be restored using crowns.
- Treatment PlanIf you are in good oral and overall health, your dentist will create a custom treatment plan according to your requirements. The treatment plan gives a detailed insight of the various stages of the procedure and also highlights the desired results.
- Tooth PreparationThe damaged tooth and the surrounding area will be anesthetized. The damage or decay will be removed using a dental drill. If the damage or decay has reached the pulp chamber and the tooth roots, a root canal treatment will be performed. The dentist will then build up the tooth structure using composite fillings.
- ImpressionsDigital prints of your mouth will be recorded and sent to a dental lab. Using the impressions, a lab technician will custom design a crown to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
- Placement of a temporary crownA temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth for protection.
Second visit
- Placement of the final crownAfter your dentist receives the permanent crown from the dental lab, you will be called for a second visit. The dentist will then remove the temporary crown and replace it with the final crown. The final crown is permanently cemented in place.
What are the advantages of porcelain crowns over metal crowns?
Today, restorative dentistry provides numerous options for restoring damaged and decayed teeth to a functional state. There various types of crowns to choose from, like:
- All-metal crowns.
- Porcelain Fused to metal crowns.
- Porcelain crowns.
- All-resin crowns.
- All-ceramic crowns.
- Pressed ceramic crowns.
However, porcelain crowns remain the most popular and trusted choice. Porcelain crowns have various advantages over other types of crowns and they have been highlighted in the table given below
| S.No | Parameter | Porcelain Crowns | Other Crowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restores damaged and decayed teeth. | √ | √ |
| 2 | Restores teeth to their full-functionality. | √ | √ |
| 3 | Tooth-colored and feels the most like natural teeth. | √ | |
| 4 | Can be color-matched and customized into any shape, texture, or color. | √ | |
| 5 | Strong and durable. May last up to 15 years. | √ | |
| 6 | Safe and FDA approved. | √ | √ |
| 7 | Provides protection and added strength to teeth they are cemented on to. | √ | √ |
| 8 | Low maintenance. No special oral care regime is required. | √ | √ |
| 9 | Boosts your self-esteem and confidence. | √ | √ |
| 10 | More comfortable. | √ | |
| 11 | Restores chewing and talking ability. | √ | √ |
| 12 | Can be used for cosmetic enhancements. | √ | |
| 13 | Mimic the light-reflecting property of natural teeth to appear beautiful and lustrous. | √ | |
| 14 | Suitable for restoring front teeth. | √ | |
| 15 | Suitable for restoring back teeth. | √ | |
| 16 | Stain-resistant. | √ |
We at Inspire Smiles Dental employ the most advanced technology to treat dental ailments with great care and precision. Our entire team is immensely dedicated to looking after our patients’ needs with exceptional compassion and caution. Whether you are looking for dental restorations or cosmetic enhancements, Inspire Smiles Dental is a one-stop for all your dental issues and ailments. Book an appointment with us at (925) 833-9500 or visit our office in 7739 Amador Valley Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568.