Porcelain Crowns

A crown is a dental restoration that completely covers a tooth. It is used to cover and protect a tooth that has a healthy root but is damaged or weakened on the surface. Crowns may be used for broken teeth, a tooth with an old filling, a tooth damaged by cavities, or a tooth that has a problem that leaves it vulnerable to cracking. For front teeth, the standard that has been promoted for years is the porcelain fused to metal crown. While this type of crown looks okay, often people can tell that it doesn't look quite real. The metal foundation makes the crown strong, but it also causes it to be opaque, and it can develop a dark line near the gumline.

Newer technology allows dentists to use pure ceramic with crowns. The crowns can be bonded to the teeth, and the pure, translucent ceramic creates a lifelike appearance. In the hands of an artist, it can be nearly impossible to distinguish such a crown from a natural tooth, even up close. The techniques to place such crowns are difficult, and dentists need special training beyond what has been generally taught in dental schools to do these crowns. As an accredited cosmetic dentist, Dr. Forth is expert in these techniques. On the teeth that show when you smile, he always uses all-porcelain crowns. On the right, at the top, is a photograph of traditional porcelain fused to metal crowns. In the bottom photo, the dentist has replaced them with all-porcelain crowns. Notice the opaque appearance in the top photo, and the dark line at the gumline. In the bottom photo, however, it is difficult to tell which teeth aren't real.

Having a Porcelain Crown Placed

Having a porcelain crown placed generally requires two appointments. First you will be given a thorough exam to make sure that your teeth are healthy. Next, the tooth is prepared by having any decay removed. The shape of the tooth is refined and an impression of your teeth is made. You will also be given a temporary crown to protect the tooth.

Once your new porcelain crown is ready it will be permanently placed. Of course you will still need to practice good oral care in order to prevent gum disease and growth of bacteria around the base of the crown.

Transforming Your Smile with a Porcelain Crown

Because Oklahoma City dentists Dr. Forth and Dr. Bender expect only the best for their patients, they use only the most reputable labs in the country to create your crown. The porcelain materials used will look absolutely natural and give you a beautiful, strong, long-lasting smile with complete restoration of function. Because they look so natural, porcelain crowns are a particularly good choice for front teeth.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Crowns

• They are more aesthetic than other types of crowns. A skilled cosmetic dentist can match the color and translucency of your natural teeth.
• All-porcelain crowns are bonded to the tooth. Tooth bonding requires a great deal of skill which most general dentists do not have.
• All-porcelain crowns do not develop the black line around the gumline.
• They can be more expensive than other types of crowns.
• Porcelain fused to metal crowns are stronger than all-porcelain crowns. Therefore, for molars, where the esthetics aren't as important and where the chewing forces are the highest, it may be best to use a metal foundation.