Cosmetic Dentistry- Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain Crowns
(commonly known as caps)
A crown (or cap) is merely an encasing
that covers an entire tooth surface
while restoring it to its natural size
and shape. The reason a crown is used in
a situation is because there is no other
way to restore the tooth to its natural
size or shape. When the crown is in
place it protects and strengthens a
tooth's structure.
There are several types of crowns that
are used in Dentistry. Each will have
its own set of advantages and
disadvantages. However, the most popular
of them is the Porcelain Crown because
they are designed by different shades of
color to give a precise color match.
Since the match is precise, the crown
will resemble your natural teeth and
restore that smile that you
have always wanted.
As with most dental restorations,
porcelain crowns may have to be replaced
at some point in time. Most patients
have kept the same crown in for decades
and some have kept them in longer!
Porcelain crowns are designed to match
the size, shape and color of your teeth
giving you that natural look.
That being said, they are very durable
and will provide you will many long
lasting years, giving you that
beautiful smile that you
have always wanted.
Reasons For Crowns:
-
Fractured Teeth
- Broken Teeth
- Large Unwanted Fillings
- Tooth that currently has Root Canal
- Fractured Fillings
- Decayed Teeth
What is involved in a Porcelain Crown?
This procedure usually takes two
appointments. To start off the first
appointment, we will take very precise
impressions (molds) of your upper and
lower teeth. When the impressions are
done, you will be given a temporary
crown that you wear for about 1-2 weeks.
The impressions then will be sent off to
a Dental Lab where they will be used to
create a custom (size, shape, and color)
crown. The custom crown will take about
1-2 weeks to make.
This procedure is typically painless,
the area where the tooth is located will
be numb with (novocain). Next the
dentist will prepare the tooth for the
crown by removing any decay and also by
shaping the surfaces of the tooth to
accept the crown. After that, a
temporary crown will be placed on the
tooth using temporary cement. Before you
leave your bite pattern will be checked.
Sometimes it is hard for you to tell how
your bite pattern is when you are numb,
so we use bite ink film, you bite down
and it will leave ink spots where to
tell us if your bite is correct.
At your second (usually last)
appointment, your temporary crown will
be carefully removed and the tooth will
be cleaned again. Then, your custom new
crown will be fitted to your tooth.
Again your bite will be tested to ensure
that it is correct. If need be, very
minor adjustments (nanometers) will be
made.
After the procedure
you will be given post procedural care
instructions. As with any examination or
procedure good oral hygiene practices,
and regular dental examination visits
will be encouraged to maintain the life
of your crown and your smile.
