Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns play a vital role in cosmetic dentistry by providing durable and aesthetically pleasing solutions for damaged or compromised teeth. These crowns are custom-made to match natural teeth in terms of color, shape, and size, offering both strength and natural appearance. Beyond enhancing smile aesthetics, porcelain crowns restore tooth functionality, improve bite alignment, and protect weakened teeth from further damage, promoting long-term oral health and patient confidence.  

The Porcelain Crown Procedure 

The journey begins with an initial consultation with our dentist. During this appointment, our dentist will examine the affected tooth and discuss your treatment goals. X-rays and impressions of your teeth may be taken to assess the extent of damage or decay and to plan the crown's placement. 

Once the decision to proceed with a porcelain crown is made, the next step involves preparing the affected tooth. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. The dentist then carefully shapes the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel from all sides. This preparation creates space for the crown to fit snugly over the tooth without altering its overall size or shape. 

After tooth preparation, impressions (molds) of your teeth are taken. These impressions are crucial for creating a custom-fit porcelain crown that matches the natural contours of your teeth. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians fabricate the permanent porcelain crown according to our dentist's specifications. 

While your permanent crown is being crafted (typically takes one to two weeks), a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. This temporary crown protects the tooth, prevents sensitivity, and maintains proper bite alignment. Taking care of the temporary crown is essential, so avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge it. 

At the dental laboratory, technicians use the impressions to create your custom porcelain crown. They meticulously design the crown to match your natural teeth in terms of color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. Porcelain crowns are chosen for their aesthetic appeal, as they mimic the translucency and sheen of natural teeth.  

Once your permanent crown is ready, you return to see our dentist for placement. The temporary crown is removed, and the dentist checks the fit and color of the permanent crown. Minor adjustments may be made to ensure a precise fit and proper bite alignment. Once satisfied, dental cement is used to permanently bond the crown to the tooth.  

After the crown is securely in place, the dentist polishes it to achieve a natural shine and smooth surface. You'll receive instructions on how to care for your new porcelain crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and any precautions to take to maintain its longevity. 

The Advantages of Choosing Porcelain Crowns 

Aesthetic Appeal 

Porcelain crowns are renowned for their natural appearance and ability to mimic the translucency and color of natural teeth. They blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth, making them ideal for front teeth restorations where aesthetic appeal is crucial.  

Durability and Strength 

Porcelain crowns are highly durable and robust, capable of withstanding biting forces and daily wear and tear. They provide protection for weakened or damaged teeth, enhancing their longevity and functionality. 

Biocompatibility 

Porcelain is biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by gum tissue and does not cause adverse reactions or allergies in most patients. This makes porcelain crowns a safe and reliable option for dental restorations. 

Versatility 

Porcelain crowns can be used for a variety of dental issues, including repairing cracked or chipped teeth, covering discolored or misshapen teeth, and protecting teeth after root canal therapy. They offer versatility in addressing different cosmetic and functional concerns. 

Natural Tooth Preservation 

During the preparation of a tooth for a porcelain crown, only a minimal amount of enamel is removed compared to other dental treatments. This conservative approach preserves more natural tooth structure, contributing to better long-term oral health. 

Stain Resistance 

Porcelain crowns are resistant to stains from food, beverages, and tobacco. With proper oral hygiene practices, they maintain their natural appearance and color stability over time, providing a lasting aesthetic enhancement. 

Comfort and Fit 

Custom-made porcelain crowns are designed to fit precisely over the prepared tooth, ensuring a comfortable bite and natural feel. They contribute to improved chewing and speech function without discomfort or irritation. 

Longevity 

With adequate care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can last for many years. Routine dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices help ensure the longevity and performance of porcelain crowns in the mouth. 

Caring for Porcelain Crowns 

• Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup and maintain gum health around the crown. 

• Minimize chewing on hard foods or using teeth as tools to avoid damaging the crown. 

• Schedule routine dental check-ups to ensure the crown remains in good condition and address any concerns promptly. 

Porcelain crowns offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring and enhancing your smile. Visit Parkway Dental at 1404 Sun River Pkwy #125, St. George, UT 84790, or call (435) 256-6167 to explore how porcelain crowns can transform your smile and restore your confidence in dental health.