Before deciding on a porcelain crown treatment, you probably have some unanswered questions. At Vero Dental Spa, we want you to feel comfortable with your cosmetic and restorative dental choices, so we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions from our patients. If you are interested in porcelain crowns to restore the function and beauty of your smile, all the information that you need is here.
Crowns have been used as a solution for teeth that have become damaged and decayed for a long time. They sit perfectly over the top of the affected tooth, hiding the tooth completely inside of it, right down to the gum line. Once in place, they restore the shape, strength, and function of the tooth.
Why Choose Porcelain for Crowns?
In the past, crowns have been created from a variety of materials including gold or stainless steel. Porcelain has the cosmetic benefit of being able to be created in a huge spectrum of shades. This means they can be color-matched to your regular teeth, making them extremely discreet and giving you a natural-looking smile.
Crowns that are made entirely from porcelain are also biocompatible, meaning that there is virtually no risk of gum irritations or allergic reactions, unlike what is commonly seen in patients with metal crowns.
You have a tooth that is severely eroded.
You have a tooth that is severely misshapen or a different size to the others.
You have a weakened tooth that is at risk of breaking.
You are also having a dental bridge - crowns act as anchors, securing them in place.
You have a tooth that requires a larger filling than is possible. This is usually because parts of the tooth are broken or severely eroded.
You have a tooth that is severely stained, or is discolored through trauma.
You are having dental implants.
Porcelain crowns are fitted in the same way as regular crowns. We will arrange to take impressions of your teeth to determine the size, shape and color that the crown needs to be. This ensures that the crowns can be made accurately.
Next, the damaged tooth need to be prepared so that the crown can fit snugly over the top of it. This involves giving you a local anesthetic before preparing the tooth for the crown. You will be given temporary crowns to wear while your custom-fit porcelain crowns are being created.
Around a week later you will need to return to our office to have your permanent crowns fitted, restoring the function and appearance of your teeth.
How Long Will My Porcelain Crowns Last?
While porcelain is a highly durable material for cosmetic dentistry, you will still need to maintain your treatment. The life expectancy of your crown will depend on your maintaining a strenuous daily dental care routine, and paying attention to bite pressure, gritting your jaw, and grinding your teeth. When well cared for, most crowns last anywhere between 10 and 20 years, making them a great investment in your oral health.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of My Crowns?
Crowns are usually considered to be a functional dental repair, so they are often covered by insurance. We strongly suggest that you check your dental insurance policy thoroughly before you book any procedure. If you find that you aren’t covered by your insurance, speak to our team to find out more about arranging an affordable payment plan to help you achieve the smile that you deserve.