What are porcelain crowns and when do I need one?
What are porcelain crowns and when do I need one?
Porcelain crowns are caps that cover your entire tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. You might need a crown if your tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or weakened by a large filling or root canal. I’m Dr. Emily, principal dentist at Picasso Dental Clinic with over 15 years of experience helping patients save and restore their teeth. Throughout my career treating more than 50,000 patients, I’ve placed thousands of crowns that have given people back their ability to chew comfortably and smile confidently. Let me explain everything you need to know about porcelain crowns and how they can help you.
When Your Tooth Needs a Crown
There are several situations where a crown becomes necessary to save your tooth. After a root canal, your tooth becomes more brittle and needs a crown to protect it from breaking. A large cavity that takes up more than half of your tooth structure requires a crown because a filling won’t be strong enough. Teeth that are cracked or fractured need crowns to hold the pieces together and prevent further damage. If you have a tooth that’s severely worn down from grinding, a crown can rebuild it to the proper height. Sometimes teeth break unexpectedly from biting something hard, and a crown is the best way to repair them. Teeth with very old, large fillings often develop cracks around the filling over time. A crown placed before the tooth breaks completely can save you from needing an extraction. Crowns also work as anchors for dental bridges when replacing missing teeth. During your examination, I’ll take X-rays and assess whether your tooth can be saved with a crown or if other treatment is needed.
How We Make Your Crown
Getting a crown usually takes two visits to our clinic. On your first visit, we numb your tooth and carefully shape it to make room for the crown. This involves removing a small amount of tooth structure all around, usually about 1 to 2 millimeters. We then take impressions or digital scans of your prepared tooth, which we send to our dental laboratory. The lab uses these impressions to create a custom crown that fits your tooth perfectly. While your permanent crown is being made, we place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. The temporary crown looks good and lets you eat normally, but you need to be gentle with it. About two weeks later, you come back for your second visit to have the permanent crown placed. We remove the temporary crown, clean your tooth, and try in the permanent crown to check the fit and color. Once everything looks perfect, we cement the crown permanently onto your tooth. The entire process results in a crown that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural tooth.
Why Porcelain Is the Best Material
Porcelain is my preferred material for crowns because it looks the most natural and blends seamlessly with your other teeth. Unlike metal crowns that show a dark line at the gumline, all porcelain crowns are tooth colored all the way through. Modern porcelain is incredibly strong and can withstand normal chewing forces for many years. The material reflects light the same way your natural tooth enamel does, so it doesn’t look fake or obvious. We can match the exact shade of your other teeth so the crown is virtually invisible. Porcelain doesn’t conduct heat or cold like metal does, so you won’t experience temperature sensitivity. The smooth surface resists staining and stays clean more easily than other materials. For front teeth, porcelain is really the only option if you want a beautiful, natural looking result. Even for back teeth where strength is most important, modern porcelain is durable enough to last 10 to 15 years or longer. At Picasso Dental Clinic, we use only the highest quality porcelain from trusted manufacturers.
Taking Care of Your New Crown
Caring for a porcelain crown is simple and very similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to where the crown meets your gum. Flossing daily is crucial because the gum area around your crown can still get cavities or gum disease. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard objects that could crack the porcelain. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard I prescribe to protect your crown and other teeth. Visit our clinic every six months for checkups and professional cleanings. We’ll examine your crown to make sure it’s still fitting well and there are no problems developing. Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bite your nails, as this can damage your crown. With proper care, most crowns last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. Some of my patients have had their crowns for over 20 years and they still look and function beautifully.
Crowns Versus Other Options
Some patients wonder if they really need a crown or if a filling or veneer would work instead. A filling only works if there’s enough healthy tooth structure left to support it, usually less than 50 percent damage. Once a tooth is more than half damaged, a filling will likely crack or fall out under chewing pressure. Veneers only cover the front surface of teeth and are used mainly for cosmetic improvements, not structural repair. If your tooth is weak or broken, a veneer won’t provide enough protection. Dental implants replace teeth that are already missing or need to be extracted, so they’re not comparable to crowns. Sometimes I see patients who delayed getting a crown and their tooth broke so badly it had to be extracted. Losing a tooth creates more problems and costs more in the long run than getting a crown. Crowns are one of the most reliable and longest lasting restorations in dentistry. When I recommend a crown, it’s because I want to save your tooth and help it last for many more years. During your consultation, I’ll explain exactly why a crown is the best option for your specific situation.
Protect Your Smile With Quality Crowns
If you have a damaged tooth or have been told you need a crown, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. The skilled team at Picasso Dental Clinic provides beautiful, durable porcelain crowns that will restore your tooth and your confidence. With locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, expert dental care is always nearby. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you save your tooth with a custom porcelain crown.
