The Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
When a tooth has suffered damage, decay, or has even been lost completely, some manner of restoration is needed to ensure a healthy mouth. In many instances, dental crowns can provide the right protection or replacement for compromised teeth. By capping a tooth or implant, crowns are a versatile and effective solution to a variety of dental problems.
Porcelain, in particular, can provide an array of aesthetic and practical benefits to patients. To make the most of their restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatments, we encourage our Warsaw patients to consider the benefits of porcelain crowns.
What Is a Porcelain Crown?
Porcelain crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the exposed portion (the “crown”) of a tooth. This is typically required when a tooth has been reduced in size and shape for reasons such as damage or decay. By serving as the tooth’s outer layer, a crown takes on the appearance and function of a normal tooth’s enamel. If a tooth has been lost and subsequently replaced with a dental implant, a crown may similarly be used over the implant.
Crowns are crafted from a mold of the tooth, meaning they will fit comfortably and securely. Moreover, they are customized to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, blending in with the rest of your smile.
How Porcelain Crowns Are Used
Whether alone or coupled with another restoration, crowns can be used for multiple dental procedures:
- To protect a week tooth: Teeth that have been structurally weakened, such as from tooth decay or a crack, can be protected by a crown without incurring further damage.
- To restore a tooth: Teeth that have been reduced in size, such as from erosion or cavities, can be restored to a normal, healthy shape.
- For large fillings: When large cavities need to be filled, there may be little natural tooth left, such as after a root canal treatment. To help hold these fillings in place, a crown may be necessary.
- For mask cosmetic flaws: While porcelain veneers are often used to cover cosmetic imperfections, a crown may be preferable for teeth that are severely discolored or misshaped.
- To cap an implant: Dental implants are excellent tooth replacements, but they only serve as a tooth’s root and support. To complete the restoration, a crown is needed to replace the shape and color of a tooth.
- To support a bridge: Crowns can be used to hold a dental bridge in place by capping teeth on each end of the bridge.
Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
The advantages of a porcelain crown can be found in its aesthetics and functionality. As a permanent fixture of your smile, crowns are designed to provide the strength of a tooth’s enamel while also matching its appearance. Benefits include:
- Durability: Porcelain is one of the most reliable dental materials, often lasting 10 to 15 years with little wear.
- Strength: A crown can be expected to undergo all the regular chewing, biting, and daily stresses exerted on teeth without any problems.
- Protection: By covering teeth, crowns protect them from additional damage and exposure. This is an excellent way to preserve a tooth, rather than having to extract and replace it.
- Comfort: A crown is molded to your tooth for a natural fit. Once it is permanently cemented on, a crown should feel no different than any other tooth in your mouth.
- Tooth-colored: Porcelain is the most effective material for matching the realistic color and texture of teeth. In most instances, a porcelain crown will be virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth.
- Stain resistant: Porcelain is considered a stain resistant material. As long as consistent dental hygiene is kept, a crown should not discolor over time.
How Can a Crown Benefit You?
If you believe a porcelain crown may help you, or you are interested in hearing the additional advantages of our restorative techniques, contact our office today.
