Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns offer numerous advantages when compared to other dental restoration methods. Key benefits include:- Natural Appearance: Porcelain crowns are designed to closely match the color and translucency of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing restoration.
- Durability and Strength: High-quality dental porcelain materials ensure that your dental crown will withstand daily use and provide long-lasting results, often lasting up to 15 years with proper care.
- Restored Function: A dental crown can restore your tooth’s proper function, making it easier to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Wide Range of Applications: Porcelain crowns can be used in various dental situations, including repairing broken or cracked teeth, protecting and supporting teeth after root canal treatments, and improving the appearance of discolored or misshaped teeth.
The Porcelain Dental Crown Procedure
At Weston Dental Specialists Group, we strive to make the dental crown procedure efficient and comfortable. The typical process involves the following steps:- Initial Consultation: During your consultation, our dental professionals will evaluate your overall oral health, discuss your dental concerns and goals, and determine if a porcelain dental crown is the right solution for your specific needs.
- Tooth Preparation: The affected tooth will be carefully reshaped, generally requiring a minimal removal of natural tooth structure to provide a stable base for the crown.
- Impression and Temporary Crown: An impression of your prepared tooth, along with those of surrounding teeth, will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your custom porcelain crown will be crafted. In the meantime, you may be fitted with a temporary crown to protect your tooth and maintain your smile’s appearance while your permanent crown is being created.
- Crown Placement: Once your custom porcelain crown is completed, you will return to our office for placement. Your dentist will carefully remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of the new crown, and, if all is satisfactory, securely bond the permanent crown to your tooth.
- Post-Treatment Care: Your dentist will discuss the best practices for maintaining your new porcelain crown, and you will be scheduled for periodic follow-up visits to monitor and maintain your dental health.
Caring for Your Porcelain Dental Crowns
With proper care, porcelain dental crowns can last for many years. Follow these tips to maintain the longevity and beauty of your dental restoration:- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Routine dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your dental crown and detect and address any potential issues before they become more severe.
- Avoid Damaging Habits: Refrain from chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, or your nails, which can damage your dental crown. If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a protective night guard to shield your crown and the rest of your teeth from excessive wear.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A healthy, balanced diet is crucial to maintaining dental health. Minimize sugary and acidic foods that can lead to dental decay, and incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products into your diet.