Do You Need a Porcelain Dental Crown?
Porcelain dental crowns are an excellent solution for enhancing the appearance and function of damaged or discolored teeth. At Garden Oaks Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Denton, TX, our skilled Denton dentists are dedicated to helping you restore your smile’s natural beauty and strength.
Contact our Denton dental practice at (940) 566-4888 to learn more about how porcelain crowns can benefit you.
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns cover the visible portion of a tooth, restoring both its look and function. They’re custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Porcelain is a highly aesthetic material that mimics the look of enamel, making it a popular choice for teeth that are visible when you smile.
Types of Porcelain Crowns
- Full Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns: Made entirely of porcelain, these crowns offer a realistic color match and are an excellent option for those with metal allergies.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns: These combine a metal core with a porcelain exterior for added strength. However, the metal may sometimes create a dark line at the gum line.
Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns offer a range of benefits, including:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Porcelain is renowned for its natural tooth-like appearance.
- Durability: With proper care, porcelain crowns can withstand daily use for many years.
- Stain Resistance: Porcelain is resistant to staining, helping your smile stay bright over time.
- Versatility: Porcelain crowns address various dental issues, from structural damage to cosmetic imperfections.
Drawbacks of Porcelain Crowns
While porcelain crowns offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including:
- Cost: Porcelain crowns are typically more expensive than other materials.
- Potential Sensitivity: Some patients experience temporary sensitivity after the procedure.
- Risk of Chipping: Although strong, porcelain crowns can chip under extreme force.
The Porcelain Crown Process
Consultation and Evaluation
During this appointment, your dentists in Denton will evaluate your teeth and discuss your treatment goals and options. They may take X-rays or impressions of your teeth to help plan the treatment.
Tooth Preparation
Once you and your dentist have decided on porcelain crowns as the best solution, the next step is to prepare the affected teeth. Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide will remove any decay or damage from the tooth and shape it to fit the crown. This may involve removing some of the enamel from the tooth’s surface.
Impressions
After your tooth has been prepared, we’ll take an impression or mold of the tooth. This impression will be used to create a custom-fit porcelain crown that matches the size and shape of your natural tooth.
Temporary Crown
While your custom crown is being crafted in a dental lab, your Denton dentists will fit you with a temporary crown. This will protect the prepared tooth and maintain your bite and tooth alignment while the permanent crown is being made.
Crown Placement
Once your custom porcelain crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for the final placement. Drs. Ruehle and Eide will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent porcelain crown, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance.
Follow-Up
After your porcelain crown has been placed, schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the crown is functioning properly and to check for any sensitivity or discomfort. With proper care and maintenance, your porcelain crown can last for many years to come.
Porcelain Crown Alternatives
The right choice of dental treatment will depend on your specific dental needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Here are some potential alternatives:
- Composite Resin: A more affordable, tooth-colored filling material that may work for minor repairs.
- Gold Crowns: Highly durable and suitable for back teeth but less aesthetically pleasing for visible areas.
- Zirconia Crowns: Durable and tooth-colored, zirconia crowns offer both aesthetics and strength.
- CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) Crowns: Made from ceramic, these crowns can be placed in a single visit.
- Onlays or Inlays: Partial restorations for teeth that don’t need full coverage.
- Dental Veneers: Thin porcelain shells for cosmetic improvements on intact front teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can last 10 to 20 years. However, their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene practices, diet, and the amount of wear and tear they experience. Porcelain crowns are known for their durability and longevity.
Porcelain crowns can be more expensive than other types of crowns and dental restorations due to the high-quality materials and custom crafting involved. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of crowns needed, and the geographic location of the dental practice.
Not at all. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and make the procedure as comfortable as possible. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or soreness, but this should subside within a few days.
Porcelain is highly resistant to staining and discoloration, and porcelain crowns are designed to remain bright and white over time. To prevent discoloration, maintain good oral hygiene practices and avoid consuming these substances in excess. Additionally, regular dental cleanings can help remove any surface stains and keep your porcelain crowns looking their best.
Discover if Porcelain Crowns Are Right For You
If you’re considering porcelain crowns, contact Garden Oaks Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Denton, TX, at (940) 566-4888. We proudly serve Denton and neighboring areas, including Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward restoring your smile!