Porcelain Tooth Crown
Katy, TX
Porcelain Tooth Crown provided by Dr. Melissa Wilson
in Katy, TX at Wilson Dentistry
 At Wilson Dentistry we know crowns. A dental crown can be thought of as a dental cap. It is a restorative, sometimes cosmetic, procedure in which a "shield" is put around a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are used to improve the strength of teeth, stop decay, protect teeth from cavities, prevent teeth from breaking, restore a damaged tooth, hold a bridge in place, or for cosmetic changes that aren’t possible with other treatments. Crowns are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments that we offer here at Wilson Dentistry. Porcelain crowns are the best crown for anyone looking for the ideal fusion of aesthetics and strength.
The Basics of Dental Crowns
While crowns do offer excellent, long-lasting results, this process does require multiple office visits. Our dentist will evaluate your needs and suggest the best treatment path on a case by case basis. At your first appointment, we will determine if you need an onlay, or a crown which covers some of the tooth, or a full-size crown.
We then examine your teeth to make sure a crown can be supported, then file the tooth to prepare it for the cap. If a tooth is damaged or broken, it might need to be filled before a crown is applied. If there is any risk of infection or injury to the pulp of a tooth, a root canal might be necessary before a crown can be placed.
Once the tooth is correctly shaped, an impression is taken and sent to our lab for the permanent crown to be manufactured. Before leaving the office, we will protect your tooth with a temporary crown made of stainless steel. Your permanent crown needs to be custom fabricated by a method which requires intense heat, which is why it is manufactured off site. This process cannot be completed inside the mouth.
Your crown can be made of several different materials or combinations of materials. These include metals (especially gold), porcelain fused to metal, all resin, all ceramic/porcelain, or pressed ceramic. The material of your crown is determined by need, appearance, cost, and durability. We will review all of these options with you to find the bust customization to fit all of your dental issues and concerns.
What Is a Porcelain Crown?
Crowns can be made out of a variety of materials, but without a doubt one of the best is porcelain. Like other materials, porcelain will restore all of the function you rely on, but unlike other materials it will do this while looking just as good, or even better, than your natural teeth. When considering porcelain crowns, you have two main options. Porcelain crowns can be fused to a metal core, making them incredibly durable and hard to damage. Over time, though, the porcelain finish can wear off, exposing the darker metal below. More expensive than porcelain and metal crowns are all-porcelain crowns.
Why Choose a Porcelain Crown?
Patients who choose porcelain crowns do so because they want the best for their smiles. With a porcelain crown, you do not have to make a choice between aesthetics or strength because you are getting both. Modern all-porcelain crowns are quite sturdy.
If you are interested in a porcelain crown, keep in mind their potentially higher cost and the placement of your crown. Teeth near the front of your mouth are the ones that are most noticeable and will most benefit from an all-porcelain crown. Teeth near the back of your mouth, the ones responsible for the majority of chewing, will most benefit from a stronger material, such as porcelain fused to metal.
Permanent Placement of Dental Crowns
When your permanent crown arrives, we will remove the temporary cap and replace it with the new one. Anesthetic might be used so our dentist can effectively fit the crown and adhere it in place with a special cementing compound. The placement of your crown is very important as it must be comfortable, but also function like all of your other teeth. Correct placement also determines the long-term health of a crown, as a poor fit can lead to a buildup of bacteria resulting in tooth decay. Post-treatment care is relatively simple, but you will need to avoid hard or chewy foods which can possibly damage the crown.
If you clench or grind your teeth at night, we advise using a mouth guard to further protect the crown. Clenching your teeth at night, also referred to as bruxism, can damage your teeth by wearing them down and causing chips to your teeth, so you will want to protect your newly made dental crown. If you suffer from bruxism, let us know and we can create a custom made mouth guard for you.
How Long Will Your Porcelain Crown Last?
There is a misconception that porcelain crowns are fragile. They are, after all, made from porcelain, a material that does not exactly have the same reputation as steel. That reputation is false, though. The porcelain we use in our crowns is incredibly sturdy, and we have seen patients with porcelain crowns that have lasted for 15 years, and sometimes even longer than that! Still, like all crowns, even porcelain will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Getting a Porcelain Tooth Crown
Having your porcelain crown placed is no different than getting any other crown. It takes time to fabricate what is essentially a miniature piece of art, as every porcelain crown is a unique made-to-order piece crafted exclusively for your individual smile. After your initial visit to our office you will receive a temporary crown. Once your porcelain crown is complete, we will place it and make any remaining necessary adjustments.
Give Your Smile the Best Crowns in Katy, TX
Wilson Dentistry has been placing crowns for a long time and can help you find the ideal solution for damaged, discolored, or misshapen teeth. With a high-quality, custom-crafted porcelain crown you are giving your smile the absolute best. To find out more about all of the dental crowns and cosmetic dentistry options that Wilson Dentistry offers, call us today at (346) 340-5440! |
