Did you know that porcelain crowns are the second most prevalent dental restoration today? Did you also know dentists have used porcelain crowns since the 1800s?
A dental crown is a hollow material shaped like a tooth. After trimming your tooth, the dental crown fits over it to the gum. A dental crown will cap or crown the whole tooth. It restores the color, shape, and function of your original tooth. Find out more with the answers to the frequently asked questions about porcelain crowns.
When Do I Need a Porcelain Crown?
You will need a porcelain crown if:
Your tooth has decayed or has severe cavities
To cover over an implant
Broken or damaged tooth
Teeth that have had a root canal
If your tooth has a large filling
For aesthetics. If you want an attractive smile, they might level your teeth
If you have bite problems, a crown can align it
Why Would I Need a Crown Instead of an Extraction?
Extracting the whole tooth is an option you can explore. But, extracting a tooth can pose several complications. Tooth extraction can lead to jawbone loss, shifting teeth, and the risk of more cavities. A porcelain crown treats the issue with the tooth.
It also works to stop other complications from emerging. A porcelain crown makes your smile more attractive. This is because porcelain crowns are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
How Is a Porcelain Crown Made?
A porcelain crown is complete in two visits:
The dentist will remove the tooth's damage, decay, and bacteria. If there is damage near the gum, they will use a laser to clean the area
The dentist will take digital photos to create an impression for fashioning a custom crown in the lab. You will wear a temporary crown when you leave
When you return, the dentist will clean the tooth again. The dentist will fit the crown then use bonding material to fix it permanently
Do Porcelain Crowns Look Like Real Teeth?
Porcelain crowns are designed to look exactly like natural teeth. The dentists use the right technology to ensure that it does. It matches your mouth from shape to color to translucency. Each porcelain crown is custom-made to fit your mouth and tooth. The color matches that of your original teeth. Usually, the dentist might whiten your teeth. This is so that they can reach the whiteness of the porcelain crown.
Do Porcelain Crowns Cause Bite Misalignment?
If your crown does not feel like it fits, there might be an issue with the design. This happens rarely but is correctable by a good dentist. The dentist usually shapes the crown to fit your bite. It is more likely that your bite will improve after being fitted with a crown. During the procedure, you may need to bite down on a piece of paper to check the alignment of your bite.
For more on porcelain crowns, visit Boss Dental Care at our office in Corpus Christi, Texas. You can also call 361-245-5400 to book an appointment today.
