A dental crown is a dental prosthetic that is placed over a tooth, encasing its entire surface above the gumline. Dental crowns are custom-made from a variety of resilient materials and can be used to address a number of dental issues. Some of the materials used to make dental crowns, like durable metal and metal alloys, are more appropriate for protecting significantly damaged teeth that are located toward the back of the mouth, where they’re less visible when speaking or smiling. Other materials, like dental resin and porcelain, are designed to look more like natural teeth, which makes them good options for restorations in the aesthetic zone – the area in the front of the mouth that’s most visible from day to day. Many dentists opt to use porcelain crowns for these restorations, as they combine optimal durability with a lifelike appearance that can keep the teeth protected while fully overhauling the appearance of a flawed smile.
Crowns are commonly used to protect a tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or extensively decayed, and they can also hold together a damaged tooth that’s accommodating an unusually large filling. Dental crowns can also be used to stabilize dental bridges. Porcelain crowns are durable and can successfully correct each of these issues, stabilizing and protecting a damaged tooth. Because porcelain crowns are also highly natural-looking, they are ideal for restorations on visible teeth; dentists can custom-match porcelain crowns to the surrounding teeth, achieving precise results that create a seamless appearance. The process for making custom porcelain crowns, which includes precise measurements using a mold of the dentition, assures that the crown will also resemble the neighboring teeth in size and shape and will maintain a comfortable fit around the tooth that’s being restored.
The natural durability of porcelain combines with the precision of a custom-fitted restoration to create a durable, comfortable dental crown that protects the tooth from debris and bacteria, preventing further decay and helping to maintain the health of the oral tissues. The material provides optimal protection for teeth that experience sensitivity or pain because of degraded enamel or exposed roots, eliminating this sensitivity and pain and allowing patients to eat and enjoy a full variety of foods. Porcelain crowns can also be an excellent choice, in particular, for patients who have metal allergies or intolerances, and for people who simply don’t want metal or metal alloys bonded into their mouths. In addition to providing comfortable, aesthetically superior restorations, porcelain crowns can often be crafted and fitted with minimal chair time, making them as convenient as they are attractive and durable. While some dental practices use external dental labs to make custom porcelain crowns, other dentists craft crowns while the patient waits, reducing the treatment timeline even more. There are some cases in which a porcelain crown might not be recommended, and you and your dentist can review your specific needs and preferences before you decide which material is right for you. For many patients seeking to correct the appearance of their teeth while protecting from additional damage, however, porcelain crowns are a successful solution for restoring the comfortable function of the dentition and the lustrous appearance of an even, polished smile.
