Porcelain Crowns
Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have ever thought that dental crowns or caps stand out and are unattractive, then you have never noticed a beautifully hand-crafted all-porcelain crown. Compared to older porcelain fused to metal crowns, all-porcelain crowns have a natural appearance in terms of color and contour. When done properly, crowns should be extremely difficult to distinguish from natural teeth. With all-porcelain crowns, no dark lines are apparent at the gum line. Our office commonly replaces unsightly crowns with beautiful new porcelain crowns.
Porcelain Crown Dental Procedure
When we are looking to protect a weakened tooth with a strong, long-lasting restoration, we turn to crowns. When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. Crowns can also be used to whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.
Preparing the Tooth and Crown
Two visits will be required to fit your tooth for the new crown, with the majority of the work completed at the first visit. The general steps for the creation of a porcelain crown are as follows:
- The area is numbed to make you comfortable for the procedure.
- Any old filling material or decay is removed from the tooth.
- The core of the tooth is built up with filling material to provide a stable base for the crown.
- The tooth is shaped like an upside-down Dixie cup to make room for the material of your new crown.
- A mold of your tooth is taken with impression material or a digital scanner. This is later sent to our lab, where your final restoration will be fabricated.
- We will fit you with a temporary crown that is custom-fit for your tooth to protect it and keep it from shifting until your final crown is returned from the lab.
When you return to the office in a few weeks, the visit is usually quick and easy. The second visit rarely requires anesthetic and basically entails trading your temporary crown for your final crown. After the final crown is fit in place, any required minor adjustments are made. The final step is to cement the porcelain crown in place.
If cared for properly, crowns will last decades and sometimes a lifetime.
Before and After Photos of Treatment
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Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Crowns / Caps
What is a porcelain crown?
A porcelain crown is a custom cap that covers a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Because porcelain reflects light the way natural enamel does, a well-made crown blends in with the surrounding teeth.
When does a tooth need a crown?
A tooth typically needs a crown when it has a large cavity, a fracture, significant wear, or has had a root canal. Crowns are also used to cover a dental implant or to anchor a fixed bridge. Dr. Fienman will work with you to better understand whether a crown is the right choice for your tooth.
How is a crown placed on a tooth?
A porcelain crown is placed over two visits at our West Bloomfield practice:
- The tooth is gently shaped to make room for the crown
- A digital scan or impression is taken
- A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is crafted
- At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite
- The permanent crown is bonded into place
How long does it take to get a crown?
The process takes 2 visits separated by 2 weeks. The first appointment usually runs 60-90 minutes. Over that 2 week time our dental lab will craft your custom porcelain crown. The second visit 2 weeks later to fit your crown and customize it is typically quick and easy. It usually takes less than 30 minutes without the need for local anesthetic.
How long do porcelain crowns last?
A porcelain crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years and often longer with good care. Daily brushing and flossing, routine exams and cleanings, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding all help protect the crown.