Do You Need a Porcelain Dental Crown?

Porcelain dental crowns are designed to restore and enhance the look of teeth that are damaged, discolored, or misaligned. These dental crowns have enabled many patients to achieve the strong and beautiful smiles they desire.

To learn more about porcelain crowns, contact our Tacoma, WA, dentist and discover how they can help revitalize your smile by calling (253) 761-5422.

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What Are Porcelain Crowns?

Porcelain crowns are designed to cover the entire visible part of a damaged tooth. They’re crafted to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, restoring both functionality and the aesthetics of your smile.

Porcelain, a ceramic material, closely resembles natural tooth enamel in both color and translucency. It’s particularly favored for its aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal choice for front teeth or any teeth visible when smiling or talking.

Types of Porcelain Crowns

Full Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns: These crowns are entirely made of porcelain, offering the best natural color match compared to any other crown type. Individuals with metal allergies often prefer this option.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns feature a metal base or interior with porcelain on the outside, combining strength from the metal with aesthetics from the porcelain. A potential drawback is that the metal may sometimes be visible as a thin, dark line at the gum line.

Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns provide numerous advantages, including:

Durability: Known for their robust strength, porcelain crowns can endure the daily pressures of chewing and speaking, making them a reliable choice for long-lasting dental restorations.
Aesthetic Appeal: Porcelain crowns closely mimic the look of natural teeth, blending seamlessly with your existing teeth to create a natural-looking smile that enhances your overall appearance.
Stain Resistance: The material’s resistance to staining means your porcelain crowns will maintain their bright, white appearance over time, contributing to a consistently radiant smile.
Versatility: Porcelain crowns are versatile, addressing various dental issues such as chipped, cracked, misshapen, or discolored teeth, providing a comprehensive solution to many oral health concerns.

Drawbacks of Porcelain Crowns

Although porcelain crowns provide numerous benefits, there are some drawbacks to be aware of, including:

Cost: Porcelain crowns tend to be more costly compared to other dental restoration options, such as composite fillings or metal crowns.
Sensitivity: Some individuals might experience heightened sensitivity after receiving a porcelain crown.
Potential for Chipping: While porcelain is strong, it isn’t unbreakable. Porcelain crowns can chip or crack if subjected to excessive force or trauma.

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The Porcelain Crown Process

Consultation and Evaluation

At your initial appointment, your Tacoma dentist will carefully assess your teeth and discuss your treatment objectives and available options. This may involve taking X-rays or dental impressions to assist in creating a tailored treatment plan.

Tooth Preparation

After you and your dentist have chosen porcelain crowns as the ideal solution, the next step involves preparing the affected teeth. Dr. Arvind Petrie will carefully remove any tooth decay or damage from the tooth and shape it to accommodate the crown. This process may require the removal of some enamel from the tooth’s surface.

Impressions

Once your tooth is prepared, an impression or mold of the tooth will be taken. This impression is crucial for crafting a custom-fit porcelain crown that perfectly matches the size and shape of your natural tooth.

Temporary Crown

While your custom crown is being created in a dental laboratory, your Tacoma dentist will provide you with a temporary crown. This temporary solution will safeguard the prepared tooth and maintain your bite and tooth alignment until the permanent crown is completed.

Crown Placement

When your custom porcelain crown is ready, you’ll return to our dentist’s office for the final placement. Dr. Petrie will remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent porcelain crown, making any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits comfortably and looks natural.

Follow-Up Appointment

Once your porcelain crown has been placed, it’s important to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the crown is functioning correctly and to address any potential sensitivity or discomfort. With proper care and maintenance, your porcelain crown can provide lasting results for many years.

Alternatives to Porcelain Crowns

Choosing the appropriate dental treatment involves considering your unique dental needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Here are some alternative options:

Composite Resin: This tooth-colored material can fill cavities or repair teeth in certain cases instead of a crown. While composite fillings can restore teeth with substantial structural loss, they may not provide the same strength and durability as crowns. However, they are typically more cost-effective than dental crowns.
Gold Crowns: Gold has been used for dental crowns for many years due to its durability and non-abrasive nature. It requires less tooth reduction compared to porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Some individuals prefer gold crowns for back teeth due to their durability, while others might not favor the metallic appearance.
Zirconia Crowns: Made from a type of ceramic, zirconia crowns are known for their strength and durability. They’re tooth-colored, offering a good balance of aesthetics and strength. Being metal-free, they’re suitable for patients with metal allergies or sensitivity.
CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) Crowns: Also known as same-day crowns, this innovative system allows for the design, fabrication, and placement of a crown in a single visit. The crown is crafted from a ceramic block using CAD/CAM technology, also referred to as same-day crowns.
Onlays or Inlays: Also known as partial crowns, these options replace a portion of the tooth rather than covering it entirely. They can be crafted from porcelain, gold, or composite resin, making them ideal for teeth that don’t need full coverage but have too much damage for a simple filling.
Dental Veneers: For front teeth that are mostly intact but have cosmetic issues, veneers offer a more conservative alternative. These thin porcelain shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to enhance their appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do porcelain crowns last?

Porcelain crowns, with proper care and maintenance, can endure for 10 to 20 years. However, their longevity may vary based on factors such as oral hygiene habits, diet, and the level of wear and tear they encounter. Known for their durability and long-lasting nature, porcelain crowns are a reliable choice.

How much do porcelain crowns cost?

Porcelain crowns tend to be pricier than other crown types and dental restorations because of the premium materials and the meticulous custom crafting required. The cost of porcelain crowns can fluctuate based on factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of crowns needed, and the geographical location of the dental practice.

Does getting a porcelain crown hurt?

Not at all. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring the procedure is as comfortable as possible. Post-procedure, you might experience some sensitivity or soreness, but this typically subsides within a few days.

Do porcelain crowns turn yellow?

Porcelain is known for its excellent resistance to staining and discoloration, ensuring that porcelain crowns maintain their bright and white appearance over time. To keep them looking pristine, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and limit the consumption of staining substances. Regular dental cleanings can also help remove surface stains, ensuring your porcelain crowns remain in top condition.

Discover if You Need a Dental Crown with Dr. Petrie

Are you considering porcelain crowns to improve your smile? Contact Advanced Petrie Dental at (253) 761-5422 to discuss your options. Porcelain crowns provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for those who need a dental crown to address various dental issues.

Reach out to our Tacoma office today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey toward a rejuvenated smile. We’re proud to serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.