Why You Need a Porcelain Crown?

A damaged tooth, a decayed tooth, and a fractured tooth all have one thing in common – They make their owners feel uncomfortable when they try to smile. As we will all acknowledge, a beautiful smile can play a very important role in making a wonderful impression. A flawed dentition can, however, make it hard to smile and convey a warmth that could otherwise leave a lasting impression. Now, if you do find yourself in such a situation when your natural teeth are becoming a source of concern there is a good news for you. The solution is simple – use a porcelain crown.

There are a number of tooth crowns though, namely; ceramic crowns, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloy, and metal alloy crowns. But out of all, porcelain crowns are the most preferred because they are durable and they have a natural look. What makes porcelain crowns different though, what is a porcelain crown and what is it made of? Let us consider these and more.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps and are used to replace a damaged tooth or give it an improved appearance. Porcelain crowns are easily regarded to be the most good-looking dental crown these days that befits a tooth. Porcelain in itself is a type of ceramic and it is made by stacking and then firing the ceramic. A tooth crown made purely of porcelain is the only one that can give the highly sought-after translucent look that is desired for the tooth. Porcelain crowns have a translucent color and the tooth under them is the major influence on their color. They are usually customized for individual patients in a laboratory after which secure placing on the front teeth can happen. There is a type of porcelain crown that is fused to metal (Porcelain fused to metal crown). It is stronger than porcelain-only crowns but is not advisable for patients allergic to metal just like other dental crowns fused to metal. Porcelain dental crowns are however more expensive than other types of dental crowns. This is not farfetched though, their natural look and feel make up for the cost.

Indirect Restoration

Your tooth does not have to be totally damaged to use porcelain as it can be used in an otherwise healthy tooth in indirect restoration. In a case of indirect restoration where there is a large filling, inlays or outlays made with porcelain can be used to help. There is no difference between inlays and outlays other than, their placements. Within the grooves in using inlays, restoration is done by placing them between cusps or points of teeth while in using outlays restoration is done by placing them over the teeth cusps. They can also be utilized in the total replacement of old fillings whether large or small. Inlays or outlays are partial crowns made with porcelain that are very durable and long-lasting.

Procedure For Fitting

After consultations, the first step the dentist takes is the examination of the damaged tooth doing so by taking an X-ray. This is to determine if the pulp is damaged by extensive decay so that it can be decided if the root canal process should be used. This is followed by preparing your tooth by cleaning and reshaping. Then the dentist tapers a part of the tooth to ensure that your crown fits in perfectly to the tooth. Next is the taking of an impression of your tooth with the aid of dental putty.

Your dentist then takes the mold to the laboratory meanwhile giving you a temporary crown which he fits your tooth. In a space of two weeks, your permanent crown should be ready after which the dentist take out the temporary crown and fits in the permanent crown using etching acid to ensure the crown sticks to your tooth. A dental cement is then used to firmly fix the crown to the tooth.

Why You Need a Porcelain Crown

Unlike veneers and bonding which can only improve your appearance, dental crowns would not only give you a brighter smile but would incredibly improve tooth function as well. This makes it the perfect choice. Also while dental fillings can be used to seemingly restore a portion of the tooth that has little damage, in cases of large damage such as a major tooth crack, only a crown would suffice. Now while there are other types of tooth crowns, let’s discuss some reasons why porcelain crowns should be your obvious choice.

• A porcelain dental crown can restore to full measure the original function of your tooth and the appearance would be like that of your natural tooth. In cases of tooth decay, threatening enamel damage, or damage due to accidents, using a crown is a perfect choice.
• Another benefit of using a porcelain crown is the fact that it can be custom made to look and feel exactly like your original tooth or even better thereby improving your tooth. So for cosmetic reasons they are excellent. They can replace porcelain veneers and would last longer because of their thickness.
• Another positive effect of the porcelain crown is that it does not cause allergic reactions and is very biocompatible. The chances of sensitivity with porcelain crowns are low.
• Dire enamel erosion can be covered.

Symptoms Indicating You Need a Porcelain Crown

While porcelain dental crowns can obviously improve your appearance and smile, it can also help in relieving dental issues that cause physical discomfort and pain. Some of these conditions include;

• A weak tooth
• Severe tooth decay
• Dental bridge
• Tooth having a large filling
• Severe tooth fracture or damage
• Very discolored teeth

Now you know why you need a porcelain crown. If you do get a porcelain crown please note that you have to maintain good oral hygiene to maintain your new tooth and maintain oral health as well. Don’t forget to always visit your dentist from time to time as continuous dental care is important. Follow these tips and be rest assured your porcelain dental crown would be in good condition and last for a long time.