A black spot on your porcelain crown typically indicates one of four things: decay developing underneath the crown, metal from a porcelain fused to metal crown showing through, staining at the margin where crown meets tooth, or gum recession exposing the metal collar. In my decade treating over 70,000 patients at Picasso Dental Clinic, decay underneath is the most serious cause and requires immediate treatment. Metal showing through or margin staining is cosmetic. You need a dentist to examine it and determine which situation you're facing

True allergic reactions to pure porcelain crowns are extremely rare because porcelain is biologically inert and well tolerated by human tissue. Most reactions attributed to porcelain crowns actually stem from metal allergies in porcelain fused to metal crowns, poor crown fit causing gum irritation, or cement sensitivity. Real allergy symptoms include persistent redness, swelling, burning sensation, metallic taste, or oral lesions around the crown. At Picasso Dental Clinic, where I've placed thousands of crowns since 2013 treating over 70,000 patients, I've seen perhaps three genuine material allergies, all involving metal components rather than porcelain itself.

Porcelain crown costs in Vietnam range from $150 to $600 per tooth depending on the material quality and clinic. At Picasso Dental Clinic, our high-quality porcelain crowns cost between $300 to $500, using premium Japanese and German ceramics that match what you'd find in Western countries. The main price differences come from the type of porcelain used, laboratory quality, and dentist experience. Budget crowns under $200 often use lower-grade materials that stain or chip within a few years, while premium crowns last 15 to 20 years with proper care.

Here's what surprises most patients: porcelain and ceramic crowns are essentially the same thing. Porcelain is a type of ceramic material. The real choice is between all ceramic crowns (which include porcelain) and porcelain fused to metal crowns. All ceramic options look more natural and work beautifully for front teeth, while porcelain fused to metal offers extra strength for back molars. At Picasso Dental Clinic, we've placed thousands of both types since 2013, and I help patients choose based on location in the mouth, budget, and aesthetic goals

A hairline crack in a porcelain crown doesn't always require immediate replacement, but it does need professional evaluation. At Picasso Dental Clinic, I examine the crack's depth, location, and whether it extends to the underlying tooth structure. Surface crazing, tiny hairline cracks in the glaze layer, often doesn't compromise the crown's integrity and can be polished smooth. However, cracks that extend through the full thickness of the porcelain or reach the margin where crown meets tooth need replacement to prevent bacteria infiltration and further damage. In my experience serving 70,000 plus patients, about 60 percent of hairline cracks we see are superficial and can be monitored, while 40 percent require crown replacement within six to twelve months.

You have excellent alternatives to Invisalign, including other clear aligner brands like ClearCorrect and SureSmile, ceramic braces that blend with your teeth, lingual braces hidden behind your teeth, and even porcelain veneers for cosmetic correction without moving teeth at all. At Picasso Dental Clinic, I've successfully treated patients from 65 countries using all these methods. The best choice depends on your specific misalignment, budget, timeline, and lifestyle. Clear aligners work beautifully for mild to moderate cases, but ceramic or lingual braces handle complex movements better. For patients at our Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City clinics seeking instant results, veneers can create a straight appearance in just two visits.

Neither braces nor Invisalign is inherently better; the right choice depends on your specific case, lifestyle, and priorities. Traditional braces work for all misalignment types including severe cases, cost less, and require no patient compliance beyond appointments. Invisalign offers near invisibility, removability for eating and cleaning, and more comfort, but only treats mild to moderate cases, costs more, and requires discipline to wear 22 hours daily. At Picasso Dental Clinic, where I've completed thousands of orthodontic cases since 2013 treating over 70,000 patients, I recommend braces for complex corrections and Invisalign for appropriate candidates valuing aesthetics and convenience