Porcelain Crowns - Caps That Fit Completely Over a Damaged or Weakened Tooth

Posted by Diane Smith on March 15th, 2025

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are caps that fit completely over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength and appearance. They are a very reliable solution to major dental problems caused by accidents, diseases or wear and tear.

They are often used to treat a tooth with severe decay, repair a cracked or chipped tooth, conceal a discolored one that is resistant to professional whitening, and protect a root canal-treated tooth.

Natural Appearance

Modern porcelain crowns Smiths Grove KY look and feel almost identical to natural teeth. They are extremely lifelike and can withstand a variety of chewing and biting forces. They also can be colour-matched to your existing teeth, providing a seamless aesthetic appearance.

Porcelain crowns can be made from a wide range of materials. The most popular and best-known type is feldspathic porcelain, which is used to create the most lifelike appearance. This is a luminous material that can be layered to closely mimic the lustrous, translucent optical qualities of real teeth.

Other types of crowns include porcelain fused to metal (PFM), which is a good mix of durability and aesthetics, or all-ceramic crowns, such as E Max. These are milled from a block of uniform ceramic on a CAD/CAM machine and provide the most natural looking results, but they do not transmit light quite as well as a porcelain crown. Another type of all-ceramic crown is made from Zirconia and is a monolithic structure. These can be coloured, but are not as translucent or light-reflecting as other crowns.

Durability

Porcelain crowns are known for their durability and longevity, largely due to the quality of materials and craftsmanship. However, they are not impervious to damage and will eventually need replacing. Certain factors can impact their lifespan, including the patient’s oral hygiene practices and lifestyle habits. A patient should avoid habits that can exert excessive pressure on the teeth, like clenching or grinding, and make sure to practice regular brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings.

Modern porcelain crowns Smiths Grove KY can last for 10 years or longer with proper maintenance. A CEREC crown made from zirconia is especially durable and can withstand heavier forces, which reduces the likelihood of breaking or cracking. The crown is also gentle on the opposing teeth, resulting in less enamel wear over time. Using CAD/CAM technology, many dentists can make same-day crowns from ceramic while the patient waits. These are particularly useful for front teeth where older fillings have weakened the teeth and caused esthetic issues, such as staining or chipping.

Comfort

Crowns are designed to support weakened or damaged teeth, thereby increasing their lifespan. They provide relief from unexplained pain from filled back teeth due to hairline cracks and help restore full dental function to these teeth. Crowns also strengthen and improve appearance in front teeth with older fillings that weaken the tooth or cause esthetic issues (such as staining or chipping).

The most natural-looking crowns are made of porcelain & ceramic, which look very much like natural teeth. However, they may not be as durable as other types of crowns.

Metal & porcelain-alloy crowns have the durability of metal and the aesthetics of porcelain, offering a strong and attractive solution. Resin crowns are an inexpensive option that bear a good resemblance to natural teeth but tend to wear down more quickly.

Ease of Maintenance

Many dental restorations, including porcelain crowns, require ongoing care to maintain their functional and aesthetic qualities. Proper crown aftercare practices include regular brushing and flossing around the area to prevent plaque buildup. You should also avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge your crown.

In addition, it’s important to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help to ensure that your crowns are in good condition and that any problems are addressed promptly before they worsen.

Occasionally, it may be necessary to replace your porcelain crowns. Signs that your crowns are in need of replacement include pain or sensitivity when biting down, chips or cracks, or discoloration of the surrounding teeth. It’s important to seek professional assistance when noticing these signs as they can indicate serious issues such as tooth decay or nerve damage that can lead to further complications if left untreated.