What are Porcelain Crowns?

Porcelain crowns are widely known as the ‘one fix wonder’ for a variety of dental problems that may occur. Whether you have worn down, broken, decayed, or teeth that stick out, porcelain crowns have become the fix that many dentists choose as treatment. These crowns are also used after root canals and used as a strong support structure for bridges and other dental work or appliances needed to improve a person’s oral health.

Porcelain crowns are natural looking tooth shaped caps that cover and protect or strengthen your tooth. The shade of the crown is matched to the actual shade of the person’s tooth so that it looks like the real thing. If properly done, no one will ever know it’s a crown!

In general, porcelain has two variations: felspathic and pressed ceramic. The felspathic type of porcelain is baked on tin foil in a lab by a ceramist, who then heats the porcelain in an oven. This method has been used by dental labs for over 20 years and is the most commonly used. Using this method, the tints and colorings are made on the inside of the porcelain and not brushed on like the pressed ceramic method.

Pressed ceramic is made with an ingot, which are usually small disc shaped ceramic pieces, processed into the desired shape of the tooth, the shade and coloring are later brushed on to give a more natural look. This pressed ceramic porcelain is found to be stronger than the felspathic porcelain.

Regardless of the type of porcelain crown you may need for treatment, you still need to take care of your teeth. The crown only protects the damaged part of the tooth and does not protect the tooth from new decay or damage. It is important to floss and brush your teeth daily for preventive measures.

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