Is a Porcelain Dental Crown Right for You?
If you have a damaged, discolored, or misaligned tooth, a porcelain dental crown might be the solution to restore both functionality and appearance. Dental crowns have helped several patients achieve the durable, stunning smiles they deserve.
Learn more about porcelain crowns with our Farmington, CT, dentist, and see how they can help you restore your beautiful smile by calling (860) 470-3660.
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain dental crowns cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. They’re custom-made, mimicking the size, shape, and color of natural teeth for a seamless appearance, restoring the functionality and aesthetics of your smile.
This ceramic material closely resembles natural tooth enamel in both color and translucence, making it a preferred choice for visible teeth.
Types of Porcelain Crowns
- Full Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns: Made entirely of porcelain, these crowns offer the best color match and are often recommended for patients with metal allergies.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns: A metal base adds strength, with porcelain on the outer surface for aesthetics. Some patients may notice a thin, dark line near the gum over time.
Why Choose Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns offer a blend of durability and aesthetics, making them ideal for restoring teeth while enhancing your smile. Some of the standout benefits of porcelain crowns include:
- Natural Appearance: Porcelain crowns match your natural teeth, ideal for front teeth and highly visible areas.
- Durability: They withstand daily wear and tear, often lasting 10-20 years with proper care.
- Stain Resistance: Porcelain is resistant to staining, keeping your smile bright.
Drawbacks of Porcelain Crowns
While porcelain crowns offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including:
- Higher Cost: Porcelain crowns can be pricier than other options.
- Potential Sensitivity: Some patients experience sensitivity after placement.
- Chipping Risk: Though durable, porcelain crowns may chip under high impact.
The Porcelain Crown Process
Consultation and Evaluation
During this appointment, your dentist in Farmington 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. Frank Kuzmin 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 Farmington dentist 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. Dr. Kuzmin 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.
Alternative Options to Porcelain Crown
Choosing the right restoration depends on your dental goals and budget. Here are alternatives worth considering:
- Composite Resin Fillings: Cost-effective for minor damage but less durable than crowns.
- Gold Crowns: Known for durability, non-abrasiveness, and minimal tooth removal, gold crowns are great for back teeth
- Zirconia Crowns: A metal-free option offering durability and a natural look.
- CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) Crowns: Made using CAD/CAM technology, allowing for single-visit crown placement.
- Onlays or Inlays: Ideal for partial tooth coverage, it can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin.
- Dental Veneers: An aesthetic, conservative option for mostly intact and healthy front teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
With good care, porcelain crowns can last 10 to 20 years. Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding hard foods help prolong their life.
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 crowns resist stains but may discolor if oral hygiene isn’t maintained. Regular dental cleanings and limiting stain-causing foods help maintain their brightness.
Explore Porcelain Crowns with Pinnacle Dental
Considering porcelain crowns to restore your smile? Call Pinnacle Dental in Farmington, CT, at (860) 470-3660 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve Farmington, Plainville, Hartford, New Britain, and surrounding communities. With personalized care, we’re here to help you achieve a strong, beautiful smile.