Porcelain crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve the overall appearance. Once cemented into place, it can fully encase the entire visible portion of the affected tooth lying at the above of the gum line. In this article, we will help you understand everything about dental porcelain crowns and whether you are candidates for it.
Why Do You Need A Dental Crown?
Dental Porcelain Crowns are not accessories, but it serves a purpose. Some people can be a candidate for this procedure. Generally, here are some of the purposes of why a patient may need a dental crown.
To prevent a damaged tooth from decay, from losing, or holding sections of a broken tooth together.
- To repair a missing tooth or a tooth that has been severely damaged.
- To cover the misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
- Keep the dental bridge in place.
- To protect your dental implant.
- To make a cosmetic change for the patient.
On the other hand, children may also have to undergo a porcelain crown procedure. In order to protect your child’s teeth at a high risk of decay, particularly when your child has trouble keeping up with regular oral hygiene.
What Types Of Crowns Are Available?
Porcelain Crowns come in different types, especially for permanent ones. It comes from stainless steel, all-metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic. What are the differences between each crown, and which one is suitable for you? That’s what we’re about to talk about.
Stainless Steel Crowns
They are prefabricated crowns that are used mainly as a temporary measure on permanent teeth. The crown covers the tooth or filling because the permanent crown is made of another material. For babies, the stainless steel crown is generally used to suit the primary tooth that was ready to fit.
The crown is responsible for covering the entire tooth and protects it from decay. Once the primary enamel comes out to make room for the permanent tooth, the crown comes out. Stainless steel crowns are suitable for children’s teeth because they do not require multiple dental appointments and are thus more cost effective than custom-made crowns and prophylactic dental hygiene needed to protect a crownless tooth.
Metals
Metals used in crowns include alloys with a high content of gold, platinum, or base metal alloys (for example, cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys). Metal crowns withstand well biting and chewing forces and are probably the longest in terms of wear. Metal crowns, too, seldom chip or crack. The shiny color — and the high price of gold — is the biggest downside. Metal crowns are a safe alternative for out-of-view molars.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Dental crowns can match the color of your adjacent teeth, unlike metal crowns. However, more wearing occurs with this type of crown compared to metal or resin. Unlike all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns appear like natural teeth. However, the metal underneath the crown’s porcelain can often be seen as a dark line, particularly on the gum line, and if your gums recede. Such crowns can be a good option for both front and back teeth and long bridges where metal is required for strength.
All-Resin
All-resin dental crowns are cheaper when you compare it to other types of crowns. Nevertheless, they wear down over time and are more susceptible to cracking than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
All-Ceramic
All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns will provide the patient with a better natural color. It can offer the best natural looks than any other crown type. Moreover, it may be more suitable for people who have allergies in metal. All-ceramic crowns are also suitable to use in both the front and back of the teeth.
Pros Of Porcelain Crowns
Just like many things that we experience in this world, Porcelain Crowns also has its advantages. With teeth restoration, it is one of the best methods to do. However, you always have to make sure that you do it with the most trusted dentist. Here are some more pros of doing Porcelain Crowns in your teeth.
Porcelain crowns can form teeth’s natural shape.
Porcelain, a type of ceramic used to create a “jacket” for the visible portion of the tooth structure, can be formed in the shape of a natural tooth. It results in aesthetically appealing and time-efficient looks to restore the beauty and function of damaged teeth. But if you have larger molars, this dental procedure may not be for you.
It is almost similar to real teeth.
It is often almost impossible to distinguish any difference between a porcelain crown and a natural tooth. The material can be made to resemble the sound and clarity of dental ivory closely. It is essential to anyone who’s concerned about appearance. You can request to tint it in any hue for as long as it has a smooth surface, and maintains its luster.
Always safe because of its biocompatible material.
Porcelain is a biocompatible material, which means that it will not cause allergic reactions and will not cause gum irritation. After fitting and installing the porcelain crown, it should look and feel like it is where it belongs. The porcelain crowns are singular: the color is precisely the same over the entire surface, and the crown itself reaches into the gum line, leading to the illusion that it is normal.
Cons Of Porcelain Crowns
Few drawbacks associated with porcelain crowns are as appealing as they are. The price can be the primary concern. However, for highly visible front teeth, where appearance is all-important to a pleasing smile and self-image, there is no better choice. There are, however, some of the issues associated with porcelain crowns.
Porcelain is a material that can be fragile.
Porcelain can be brittle. Poorly made porcelain may break by rough chewing and biting. For the front teeth, porcelain can be a kind of “good news, bad news” scenario. Although they look beautiful, porcelain crowns need extra care.
Can increase sensitivity to hot or cold.
Removal of more teeth structure may result in increased sensitivity to hot and cold. Hypersensitivity is uncomfortable, and temperature fluctuations often cause damage to the crown and tooth loss. Proper and accurate fittings are necessary. With a reliable dental professional, this should not be a concern.
Conclusion
If you have any concerns about the safety of your lips, gums, and teeth, don’t hesitate to contact us. When you need a professional and polite dentist at Menlo Park, Marisa Walker, DDS will help you out. Call us at 650-328-2072 for cosmetic dentistry inquiries or visit our website to book an appointment online.
We’ll do all we can to improve your health and help you find the best way to get perfect teeth and a long-lasting smile.
Marisa Walker DDS
(650)328-2072
150 Middlefield Rd #101, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
