Porcelain Crowns (Caps)

Porcelain Crowns – Stuff You Have to Know

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  Practically, a dental crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Because of the advantage that it offers, a dental crown is somehow expensive.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth.  They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Main Reasons for Getting Dental Crowns

Many patients get crowns because they want their teeth to look good. Over time, teeth erode because of wear and tear, poor dental habits, and the general quality of processed foods. Dental crowns are long-term solutions that will complement excellent oral hygiene habits.

• Broken or fractured teeth.
• Cosmetic enhancement.
• Decayed teeth.
• Fractured fillings.
• Large fillings.
• Tooth has a root canal.

Choosing Between Crowns and Veneers

Another popular dental option if a veneer procedure. If a porcelain crown is fitted all over a tooth, a veneer is simply fitted on the tooth’s surface. Veneers are tough and can last for as long as 15 years but you must take care of them properly.

It’s easy to choose between a porcelain veneer and a porcelain crown. Simply determine if you need an all-around ‘fix’ for your broken or decayed tooth. A porcelain crown is an all-around fix that costs lesser than veneers. It’s very likely that porcelain crowns are included in dental plans because they are major restorative solutions. Veneers, however, are meant for pure cosmetics.

Important Notes About Porcelain Crowns

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.  Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown.  A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown.  Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed and the tooth will be cleaned. Additionally, your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate. Your dentist has years of experience and mastery when it comes to the application of dental crowns, so you don’t have to worry at all!

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown. It’s important to follow the advice of your dentist to raise the longevity of your new dental porcelain crowns.

Thinking of having dental crowns but you don’t have the budget? Then you should check out dental plans offered by numerous clinics. Insurance carriers cover a portion of dental crown procedures, and it’s easy to get a dental plan nowadays. Before getting a dental plan, you need to analyze your financial needs and priorities.

Here at Lancaster Dental, we want you to have the best porcelain crown procedure. Feel free to contact us today to know more or if you want to book an appointment!