Why Choose Porcelain Dental Crowns?
Porcelain dental crowns offer numerous advantages over other dental restoration options, making them an ideal choice for many patients. Here are four main reasons why you should consider these crowns to improve your smile:- Aesthetics: One of the key benefits of porcelain crowns is their exceptional ability to match the color and appearance of your natural teeth. This material can be precisely color-matched to blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth. A discreet and subtle restoration, they are virtually indistinguishable from your original tooth, making for a beautiful, consistent smile.
- Functionality: Porcelain dental crowns help restore a damaged or decayed tooth’s function by providing additional support and protection. The crown strengthens the tooth and can help prevent further damage, allowing you to chew food comfortably and confidently once again.
- Durability: High-quality porcelain crowns are known for their long-lasting durability. With proper care and maintenance, they can last up to 15 years or more. While they may be more expensive initially than other crown materials like metal or resin, investing in porcelain crowns can save you money in the long run, as their durability eliminates the need for frequent replacements.
- Improved Oral Health: Porcelain dental crowns not only offer cosmetic benefits, but they can also contribute to better oral health. By protecting a weakened tooth from further damage or decay, the dental crown helps promote a healthy and functional mouth.
Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Dental Crowns
Certain individuals may benefit more from porcelain dental crowns than others due to their specific dental needs or aesthetic goals. You may be an ideal candidate for these crowns if you:- Have a severely decayed, fractured, or damaged tooth that needs reinforcement and protection
- Need a dental bridge, as crowns are commonly used as anchors for dental prosthetics
- Have undergone a root canal treatment, in which case a crown is essential to protect the tooth
- Want to cover a dental implant for a more comfortable and natural-looking restoration
- Have a tooth that is severely discolored or misshapen, and you want to improve its appearance
The Porcelain Dental Crown Procedure
The process of getting a porcelain dental crown typically involves two appointments. Each stage plays a vital role in ensuring the success of your dental restoration:- Preparation: During the initial visit, your dentist will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Next, they will remove a small portion of the tooth enamel to create space for the dental crown. An impression of the tooth will be taken, which will be sent to a dental lab to custom-fabricate your crown. During this appointment, a temporary crown is usually placed to protect the tooth until the permanent porcelain crown is ready.
- Placement: In the second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed, and your dentist will clean and prepare the tooth for your custom-fabricated porcelain crown. Once the fit and appearance are perfect, the permanent crown will be cemented in place, completing the restoration of your tooth.
Maintaining Your Porcelain Dental Crown
Proper dental hygiene and maintenance are essential for the longevity of your porcelain dental crown. To ensure your crown remains in excellent condition, follow these essential care tips:- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily to remove debris and plaque from between your teeth.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months to monitor the health of your teeth and crowns.