What To Know About Porcelain Dental Crowns

Dentist Blog

If you don't have the smile you want, there are many ways you can achieve a white, bright smile. Porcelain dental crowns are one cosmetic dentistry procedure that can drastically alter the appearance of your smile. If you are interested in dental crowns, check out these four facts.

They Come in Different Choices

Porcelain dental crowns come in all-porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the more durable option; however, you can see some discoloration (from the metal) alone the gum line, worsening as gums recede. All-porcelain crowns look completely like natural tooth tissue, but they aren't as durable, making them a poor choice for back teeth. For aesthetic reasons, your dentist will likely use all-porcelain crowns on front teeth, which don't chew. Back teeth, however, do best with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Tooth Tissue Must Be Removed

The dental crown replaces the outer shell of your tooth, and in order for the crown to fit, some tooth tissue must be removed. This usually involves removing most or all of your tooth's enamel from every surface of the tooth. If the crown fails or needs to be replaced at some point in the future, you can't simply have the crown removed. Your tooth will be exposed to decay and infection. Therefore, porcelain dental crowns are a lifelong commitment.

They Improve Cosmetic Imperfections

If you have cosmetic imperfections, porcelain dental crowns are a great choice. For starters, they look almost like natural teeth because of the porcelain. Therefore, you can choose from many shades, ensuring you get a white smile. If you have minor gapping or crooked teeth, dental crowns can correct those by making your teeth look straight with a false exterior.

They Strengthen Teeth

The final benefit of porcelain crowns is that they actually strengthen teeth. Teeth with big cracks or fillings are more likely to shatter when you are eating because they have weak spots. By covering the tooth with a dental crown, the tooth loses those vulnerabilities. As an added benefit, your tooth is nearly impervious to plaque and bacteria (except along the gum line) because the crown protects every surface.

If you are unhappy with the smile you have, there are ways to get the smile you've always wanted. Porcelain dental crowns look like natural teeth, and they can even improve the overall look of your smile. For more information about dental crowns, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today.

Share

20 May 2018