Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns deliver numerous advantages that can help restore and improve your smile. These benefits include:- Restore Functionality: Porcelain dental crowns can reestablish the strength and integrity of weakened or damaged teeth, allowing you to chew, bite, and speak with ease.
- Aesthetics: Custom-designed to closely resemble your natural teeth, porcelain crowns offer a visually appealing solution that seamlessly blends with your existing smile.
- Durability: With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, porcelain dental crowns can withstand daily wear and tear and last for many years.
- Versatility: Dental crowns can address a wide range of dental issues, from protecting teeth after a root canal to improving the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Dental Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns can be an excellent solution for various dental concerns. Some situations where dental crowns may be recommended include:- Damaged Teeth: Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or fractured can be protected and restored with porcelain dental crowns.
- Decayed Teeth: Crowns can be placed over teeth weakened by decay or extensive fillings to reinforce their structure and protect against further damage.
- Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal procedure, dental crowns are often recommended to strengthen and protect the treated tooth.
- Dental Implants: Porcelain dental crowns serve as the final, visible component of a dental implant, simulating the appearance of a natural tooth.
The Porcelain Dental Crown Process
The placement of porcelain dental crowns typically involves two appointments at your dentist’s office:- First Appointment – Tooth Preparation and Impressions: During your initial visit, the dentist will numb the area and shape the tooth to make room for the crown. Impressions of your tooth will be taken to create a custom dental crown. A temporary crown may be placed to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
- Second Appointment – Crown Placement: Once your custom porcelain dental crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the new, permanent crown over your tooth. The dentist will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit before cementing the crown in place.
Caring for Your Porcelain Dental Crowns
Maintaining proper dental hygiene and care for porcelain dental crowns is essential for their longevity. To keep your dental crowns and the surrounding teeth in optimal condition, follow these simple guidelines:- Brush and Floss Daily: Maintain your oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily.
- Routine Dental Checkups: Regular dental checkups and cleanings will help monitor the condition of your dental crowns and overall oral health.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Though porcelain dental crowns are durable, it’s advisable to avoid chewing on hard foods and objects to prevent potential damage.
- Protect Your Teeth from Grinding: If you suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), ask your dentist about obtaining a custom nightguard to safeguard your dental crowns and surrounding teeth from excessive pressure.