Comprehensive Benefits Of Porcelain Crowns

What Is Porcelain Crowns?

Porcelain crowns are dental coverings placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. They are commonly used in cases such as restoring a tooth that is broken or severely worn down, protecting a weak tooth, supporting a tooth after root canal treatment, holding a dental bridge in place, or covering a dental implant during the final restoration phase. Porcelain crowns are renowned for their natural appearance, making them a popular choice for restoring front teeth, places requiring maximum aesthetic seamlessness and natural appearance.

Pros And Cons Of Porcelain Crowns

Pros

• High Aesthetic Appeal: One of the greatest benefits of porcelain crowns is their exceptional aesthetics. They exhibit color, translucency, and texture that closely resemble natural tooth enamel, creating restorations that blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth and provide optimal aesthetic outcomes.
• Biocompatibility: Porcelain crowns are metal-free, offering high biocompatibility. They do not cause allergic reactions or gum irritation and integrate easily with oral tissues, making them the preferred choice for patients with metal allergies.
• Stain Resistance: The non-porous molecular structure of porcelain crowns (lacking tiny pores) prevents them from absorbing stains from food and beverages over time. This helps to resist discoloration and staining, maintaining their natural brightness and shine.

Cons

• Less Durable: Porcelain crowns are prone to chipping or cracking under strong biting forces, making them less suitable for molars or patients with bruxism (teeth grinding).
• High Cost: The complex fabrication process and high-quality materials make porcelain crowns more expensive than other types. As a result, they are often less considered for patients with limited budgets.
• More Tooth Preparation: The tooth preparation process for porcelain crowns requires more natural tooth reduction to ensure enough space for a proper fit. This helps restore the shape and size, and achieve the best possible aesthetic result.

Types Of Porcelain Crowns

All-Porcelain Crowns

All-porcelain crowns are made from a type of dental ceramic material that closely mimics the natural color and translucency of real teeth. They are an excellent choice for restoring front teeth and highly visible areas. Additionally, all-porcelain crowns offer superior resistance to staining and discoloration, maintaining their brightness over time. However, they are prone to chipping and cracking under significant pressure and often require more extensive tooth preparation.

Porcelain Fused To Metal (PFM)

PFM crowns are composed of two main layers: a metal base and a porcelain overlay. This combination creates a PFM restoration with durability comparable to that of a metal crown, while significantly enhancing its aesthetics. As a result, PFM crowns have been a popular choice for a long time and are commonly used for both anterior and posterior teeth. However, due to their metal composition, they are not suitable for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, the dark metal margin may become visible, especially if gum recession occurs over time.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium oxide, a strong and durable material capable of withstanding chewing and grinding forces, making them suitable for both anterior and posterior teeth. Zirconia crowns are metal-free and highly biocompatible, making them an excellent choice for patients with metal allergies as well as for those who suffer from bruxism.

E.max Crowns

Emax Crowns are a type of dental crown made from lithium disilicate, a glass-ceramic material known for its strength and natural appearance. Emax Crowns are an optimal choice that offers both strength and aesthetics, making them suitable for areas where maximum esthetics are required, such as the front teeth. However, they are not a widely chosen option due to their relatively high cost, which can pose a challenge for patients with limited budgets.

Hybrid Ceramic Crowns

A hybrid ceramic crown is a dental restoration that combines ceramic and composite materials. The ceramic component provides strength and aesthetics, while the composite component makes the material more flexible and easier to work with. It is a suitable material for both anterior and posterior teeth.

The Procedure Of Porcelain Crowns

The process of getting a porcelain crown, similar to other types of dental crowns, usually involves two appointments at the dental office. During the first appointment, the tooth is prepared, internal cracks are assessed, decay is removed, and a temporary crown is placed. The temporary crown is secured using non-permanent cement and checked for proper alignment and comfort while the permanent crown is being customized.

At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and the new porcelain crown is bonded to the tooth under local anesthesia. The patient’s bite is checked to ensure the crown fits correctly. Care instructions for the new crown are provided, and its condition will be monitored during regular dental check-ups.

Porcelain Crowns At NSW Dental Lab

The choice of crown type depends on each individual’s specific needs and dental condition. It is best to consult your dentist before making a decision. If you have any questions about the different types of porcelain crown materials or dental restorations in general, feel free to contact us. The experienced technicians at NSW Dental Lab are ready to answer all your questions and help you make the best decision for your oral health.