There are many reasons why a tooth may be weakened or reduced in size. Physical damage, bacterial decay, and necessary dental work can all leave a tooth in a more vulnerable condition, threatening its health. Fortunately, you can protect your teeth with dental crowns, restoring their functionality and preventing further harm.
In addition to the restorative capabilities of dental crowns, the cosmetic quality of porcelain allows patients to maintain or even improve a smile. If porcelain crowns are recommended to you by our Rancho Santa Margarita dentist, you can expect to gain numerous benefits.
Uses for Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns can be used to preserve a tooth that may be otherwise damaged or lost completely due to a number of factors. Common reasons for crowns include:
- Physical damage: Large chips or cracks can threaten the integrity and health of teeth, and may not be reliably fixed through smaller restorations.
- Tooth decay: Dental fillings may not be an adequate solution for all cavities. When a significant portion of tooth tissue has been lost to decay, a crown may be necessary for full restoration.
- Worn or eroded teeth: When enamel has been eroded around a tooth, a crown can replace the outer layer and protect the sensitive, softer dentin tissue.
- Undersized or misshapen teeth: A tooth may be too small or oddly shaped due to genetic or environmental factors. By covering it with a crown, the tooth can be resized and shaped.
- Root canal therapy: When a tooth requires root canal treatment, it is left vulnerable due to the amount and type of tissue removed. A crown is often necessary following treatment.
- Dental implants or bridges: Crowns are used to cap dental implants and as a means of support for dental bridges, making them a vital part of the tooth replacement process.
Porcelain crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, as they cover the entirety of a tooth’s surface. For instance, if a tooth has severe discoloration that cannot be fully concealed by dental bonding or veneers, a cosmetic dentist can more adequately mask the imperfection with a crown.
The Restorative Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
Some restorations, such as dental fillings and inlays, are only able to replace lost tissue within a tooth. While these may be appropriate for minor cavities and similar problems, they cannot safely restore the health of a tooth that has been severely reduced in shape and/or size. By capping a tooth with a crown, it is protected against future damage and decay through a solid, permanent layer of porcelain. The crown essentially takes the place of a tooth’s exterior layer, withstanding the forces of biting and chewing.
Because crowns are customized to replicate a tooth’s individual shape, a crowned tooth is effectively no different than any other tooth. Its occlusal surface will be made to complement the rest of a bite pattern, and overall bite strength will be similarly preserved. Cosmetically, porcelain crowns blend in with the rest of a smile and often enhance it by hiding aesthetic flaws.
The Benefits of Porcelain
Although dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, porcelain provides additional advantages. First, porcelain is one of the most durable dental materials, often lasting up to 15 years. With good hygiene and precaution against wear, crowns can last decades with little noticeable damage.
Visually, porcelain is also the best way to mimic natural tooth tissue. Its shiny, semi-translucent surface appears nearly identical to enamel, and can be color matched to a smile’s individual shade. Porcelain’s stain resistance also ensures that crowns will not discolor easily, and will not darken or yellow as other tooth-colored restorations might.
Learn More about Porcelain Crowns
We look forward to meeting with you and discussing each of your restorative and cosmetic options. If you are a good candidate for dental crowns, you can learn more about what to expect from the process and your final results of treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment.