Also called “caps,” porcelain dental crowns are a beautiful option if you’re looking to fully restore, reshape and whiten your smile. Porcelain dental crowns fit right over your natural teeth, which not only improves your smile but also protects your damaged or discolored existing teeth. Your permanent porcelain dental crowns can last up to 15 years with proper care.
Why Porcelain Dental Crowns?
While other types of dental crowns, like metal, are available, porcelain crowns are the best option for a more natural looking smile. In fact, porcelain dental crowns are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth – excepting, of course, the fact that your crowns are healthy, white and perfectly shaped.
Your porcelain crown procedure is simple and generally pain-free. During your procedure, we’ll give you a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. We’ll take imprints of your teeth to ensure that the crowns will not affect your bite. The dentist will then reshape the teeth that require porcelain crowns, using a dental dam to keep your mouth free of debris and the restoration area dry. Depending on the condition and shape of your teeth, the dentist may remove a bit some tooth tissue to prepare for the crowns. After this, the dentist will take another impression of your teeth from which the permanent crows will be created. You’ll receive a temporary crown and return in a few weeks for your permanent crowns. When permanent porcelain dental crowns are applied, the dentist will use cement to perfectly place the crowns on your teeth.
Once your smile has been restored, you’ll need to care for your crowns in the same way you care for your natural teeth. If you experience any difficultly chewing, mouth or jaw pain, or if you feel that one of your crowns is loose, you should contact your dentist immediately.