Investing in a dental crown not only improves the appearance of your smile. But this dental treatment also helps to protect your tooth by encasing the remaining structure. If you need to have a crown put on a tooth, then talk to your dentist about the different materials that are available including a ceramic vs porcelain crown. In most situations, a porcelain ceramic crown is the recommended solution because of the affordability and versatility this material offers.
Porcelain Crown: Withstanding the Force of Your Bite
When you bite down, how much pressure is placed on the back molars? Many people are surprised to learn that the bite force of the back molars is around 247 pounds per square inch (1,100 Newtons). That’s a lot of pressure!
Teeth are built to maintain strength and durability, allowing you to chew on your food. But if there is a weakness in the structure of the tooth, then this high level of force can cause the tooth to crack. When there is significant damage to the tooth, then a dental crown can be placed.
However, the high levels of biting pressure will continue, so choosing durable materials such as a crown porcelain ceramic is essential. Then, you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about the crown breaking or cracking in the future.
Why Do You Need a Porcelain Ceramic Crown?
There are various reasons why your dentist might recommend the placement of a porcelain crown over your tooth. If your tooth has been damaged in any way and needs to be reinforced, then a dental crown might be the ideal solution to preserve the remaining portion of the tooth. These are just a few of the reasons why dental crowns might be necessary:
- The tooth has been injured or damaged.
- An anchor is needed to hold a dental bridge in place.
- You want to improve the shape and appearance of a tooth.
- A large filling has fallen out or is loose.
- The tooth needs protection after a root canal.
Not only does a crown porcelain ceramic protect the tooth, but it acts as a long-lasting replacement to maintain proper function and aesthetics.
Porcelain Crown: A Great Choice for Tooth Restoration
One of the undeniable benefits of a porcelain ceramic crown is that it can be designed to blend in with the rest of your smile. The porcelain color is carefully matched to the surrounding teeth, so you won’t be able to tell the difference between the natural teeth and the restored tooth. Additionally, the dentist carefully designs the right shape and size to ensure optimal appearance. The goal is to restore the tooth without anyone noticing that you had a dental treatment on that tooth.
Another benefit of a porcelain ceramic crown is that this material is quite durable and robust. In fact, porcelain is stronger than the original enamel on the tooth. So, the crown can last for many years. Correct fitting is important to avoid grinding or damage to the other teeth coming in contact with the crown when chewing.
In the past, metal crowns were a standard dental treatment. But the modern version (porcelain crowns) is much more aesthetically pleasing and offers other benefits for patients who need dental restorations.
How the Porcelain Crown Treatment Process Works
When you decide to have a porcelain crown placed on your tooth, several steps will be followed to ensure a successful outcome with this treatment.
First, the tooth needs to be prepared. The dentist will remove any tooth decay or damaged areas of the tooth. This step focuses on preparing the tooth to be fitted for the crown. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression or digital scan is used to get a precise layout of the remaining tooth structure.
Next, a customized crown is designed to fit over the tooth. In the past, it was necessary to have two dental visits for the placement of a crown. After the first visit, it took time for the lab to create the crown. During the waiting period, it was necessary to wear a temporary crown. Then, you would return to the dental office for the new crown to be secured.
Now, modern technology allows a crown to be created instantly. You can relax in the dental chair while the CEREC machine makes the perfect porcelain crown for your tooth. This tool allows us to prepare the tooth and place the crown during the same appointment.
Dental Crowns and Implants
Usually, a porcelain ceramic crown is designed to fit over an existing tooth. But there are times when the tooth needs to be extracted, which means placing a post in the jawbone is necessary to hold the crown restoration. This combination of a dental implant and porcelain crown offers a practical, long-term solution for tooth restoration.
Your dentist will evaluate the overall condition of the tooth to determine if a crown placement will be sufficient or if you need to have a dental implant as well. The preference is always to maintain the tooth’s original structure whenever possible. But if a tooth is damaged beyond repair, an implant offers an effective backup solution to replicate the original function and appearance of the tooth.
A porcelain ceramic crown can only be used if there is a base to hold the crown, such as the natural tooth or an implant post. If an implant is used, an abutment is located at the top of the implant to hold the crown porcelain ceramic in the right position.
Porcelain Crowns and Other Cosmetic Services
If you are considering whether a ceramic vs. porcelain crown is right for your dental services, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll share information about porcelain ceramic crown cost to help you estimate your out-of-pocket expenses. Not only do we offer dental crowns, but there are many other general dentistry and cosmetic treatments you can choose from. We aim to offer a personalized dental plan for every patient who walks through the door.
Call today to schedule an appointment and consult with an experienced dentist about protecting your teeth and improving your smile. Contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas at your convenience.
