What is a Porcelain Crown?: All You Need to Know
Dental crowns, or “caps,” are custom-made restorations that fit over your teeth to prevent them from further damage while also restoring their natural shape and size. Here, we’ll explain what porcelain crowns are, their advantages, and how they compare to veneers.
What Is a Porcelain Crown?
Porcelain crowns, sometimes called ceramic crowns or porcelain teeth, are custom-made caps designed to fit over damaged teeth. They restore the tooth to its original size, strength, and function. These crowns are created from tooth-colored porcelain, ensuring they seamlessly blend with your natural teeth. It not only strengthens the tooth but also enhances the overall appearance of your smile.
Our experienced dentists in Torrance apply porcelain crowns with minimal tooth preparation, preserving the majority of the underlying tooth. The meticulous application of dental crowns significantly improves the longevity, strength, and aesthetics of your teeth. When your dentist suggests a crown, rest assured that you have various options available, and the process is straightforward with our skilled professionals.
When Would You Need a Crown?
Identifying the need for a dental crown is crucial for maintaining your oral health and smile. Dental crowns in Torrance are a highly effective treatment for various dental issues, including broken or fractured teeth, decayed teeth, large fillings, root-filled teeth, and cosmetic dentistry needs.
If you experience physical or aesthetic discomfort related to a tooth, it’s essential to consult with a dentist specializing in dental crowns promptly. Dentists often utilize radiographs or bite-wing X-rays to diagnose and ensure the proper fit of dental crowns.
Radiographs, commonly known as dental x-rays, are integral in this diagnostic process and are similar to other types of x-rays. There are three primary types of diagnostic radiographs used to assess dental crown-related issues: periapical (intraoral), panoramic (comprehensive mouth and jaw imaging), and cephalometric (employed in orthodontic treatment planning).
Periapical or bite-wing radiographs are likely the most familiar to you. They capture images of a few teeth at a time using small film cards placed in the mouth. These radiographs play a crucial role in evaluating your teeth before recommending crowns and are repeatedly used during the process to ensure the precise fit of your new crowns, allowing you to chew and bite comfortably while preserving your oral health and smile.
Porcelain Crowns vs. Veneers
Porcelain crowns and veneers are both options for improving the appearance of your teeth, particularly if they are damaged or discolored. Thin porcelain shells, called veneers, are cemented to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They don’t provide significant strength to the tooth but enhance its appearance and shape.
Porcelain crowns, on the other hand, encase the entire tooth, offering protection to damaged teeth while enhancing the aesthetics of your smile. If you have concerns about the health, strength, and look of your teeth, check with your dentist. They’ll point you in the direction of the most effective dental care solutions.
How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last?
Porcelain crowns are durable but require regular maintenance and examination. They can last a long time, but chipping or damage may necessitate repairs or replacements. Small chips can often be repaired with composite resin, while more extensive damage may require replacing the entire crown.
It’s crucial to monitor the fit of your crown; a loose crown can lead to complications such as increased tooth decay. If you suspect your crown is loose or it falls off, contact your dentist immediately. They will assess the situation and provide necessary repairs or replacements.
Properly fitted dental crowns should feel and function just like your natural teeth, allowing normal biting and chewing. If you experience any discomfort or insecurity with your crowns, reach out to your dentist for assessment and necessary adjustments.
For those interested in learning more about porcelain crowns near you or seeking dental care, you can contact our family dentists through our website or by calling our family dentistry practice directly.
Crowns made of porcelain are an attractive and practical option for fixing broken teeth. If you want a healthy and beautiful smile, Sparkle Family Dentistry can help you get there with high-quality dental treatment and porcelain crowns. Make an appointment or give us a call right now to talk about your options.