Why Porcelain Crowns Are Preferred
When you need a crown, your dentist has several materials to choose from when creating it. However, porcelain reigns supreme as the preferred material for dental professionals. Discover how aesthetic crowns made of porcelain outperform others for hiding dental damage and restoring tooth function.
Your dentist may tell you that you need a crown for one of several reasons. For instance, you may need a crown after root canal therapy or getting a large cavity filled. A crown may also serve as the prosthetic tooth cap of a dental implant. Overall, dental crown restore the shape and function of damaged teeth.
When a crown is visible whenever you smile or talk, such as front teeth cap, the dentist must consider appearance when creating it. When used on front teeth, crowns must improve both the strengthen the teeth and the appearance of the smile. Typically, for visible crowns, the dentist will opt for a natural-looking material, such as porcelain.
Over the years, dentists have used several types of materials to create dental crowns based on the patients' needs and dental preferences.
Chromium, gold, nickel, and platinum are a few of the metals used to create crowns. Metal teeth cap have long been popular options due their strength and low cost. However, the metallic color of these looks unsightly. Additionally, some people with metal allergies or sensitivities cannot have metal crowns.
To solve the aesthetic issues of metal crowns, dentists added a layer of porcelain over the metal. While strong, these crowns can have their top layer break off, exposing the metal underneath, eliminating any initial advantages.
Most materials used for crowns require lab-formation, which can require several days to a couple of weeks. During this time, dentists fit patients with temporary crowns made of resin. Not as durable as other materials, it serves to protect the teeth while the lab makes a permanent crown.
The most advanced material used for crowns today is porcelain, also called ceramic. It solves many of the issues of other materials while allowing dentists to offer same-day production.
The biggest advantage of porcelain crowns is their appearance. Porcelain's luster replicates the natural shine of tooth enamel. For a front tooth crown, where appearance matters most, porcelain is the material of choice.
Metals can create allergic reactions in some patients. Biocompatible crowns use porcelain, which does not react with the mouths of those sensitive to metals. Therefore, even if you have had reactions to metals in the past, you can wear a tooth bridge without discomfort.
Porcelain crowns can last for years. As long as you care for yours properly, you may not need a replacement for several years.
Other materials used for dental crowns require your dentist to send an impression to a lab. This process may take a week or two, during which you'd have to wear a temporary crown that requires special care.
However, dentists who use CEREC technology can produce porcelain crowns while you wait. At Sarko Dental, you'll enjoy the convenience of this technology when you choose the aesthetic look and comfort of a porcelain crown.
To get the longest life from your porcelain crowns, take care of your overall dental health.
Brush and floss daily to keep dental decay away. Regular dental checkups give your dentist the chance to evaluate the integrity of your tooth bridge and schedule you for a replacement when you need it.
If you have problems with grinding your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard before you get your crown. The guard will cushion your teeth at night and prevent teeth grinding from causing damage to the new crown.
Finally, if you play contact sports, use an athletic mouthguard that will protect your teeth.
If your crown does break or fall out, schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to have the crown replaced.
Discover for yourself how same-day porcelain crowns can change your smile for the better. Set up your visit with us at Sarko Dental whether you need crowns or have any other dental needs. We want to be your choice for general and cosmetic dentistry in Scottsdale.
Call (480) 951-2782 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
