Porcelain Crowns
Seattle, WA
 Your teeth are strong. In fact, they are the strongest substance in your body, even harder than your bones. Even though they are strong, they are not indestructible. Teeth can be faced with damage such as cracks, chips, and decay. When these issues affect more than just the enamel layer of your teeth, they can compromise the structure of the affected teeth, and increase the risk of infection. When teeth are damaged, treatment is needed right away. At Queen Anne Family Dental, we can treat damaged teeth with porcelain crowns.
What is a Dental Crown?
A porcelain crown is a restorative treatment. It is essentially a cap that is designed to fit over, and cover, the entire visible surface area of a damaged tooth. The crown holds the damaged tooth together, preventing it from experiencing further harm. It can also prevent serious, and painful infections. Crowns are fixed in place on the teeth and are not made to be removed.
Dental Crown Materials
Crowns can be made from one of several different types of materials:
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Metal. Metal crowns have been in use the longest. They are by far the strongest crowns available. They can stand up to exceptionally strong bite forces and can last 50 years or more. While these crowns are so strong, they are not aesthetically pleasing. Metal crowns are either silver or gold in color, which makes them stand out in your mouth, even when placed on the back teeth.
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Porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fused to metal crowns combine the strength of metal around the tooth with the aesthetics of porcelain. Porcelain can be made to perfectly match the color of your natural teeth. However, porcelain crowns often have a thin metal line that shows through along the gums.
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Ceramic. Ceramic crowns are the most popular crowns available. They are made completely from ceramic. Although they are not as strong as metal crowns, they can still withstand most normal use. Their biggest advantage is that they can be made to blend in perfectly with the color of the rest of your natural teeth. There is no way to tell the difference between your real teeth and the restoration. |
How is a Dental Crown Placed?
Placing a dental crown typically requires two separate appointments. At your first appointment, we have to prepare the damaged tooth. Done under a local anesthetic, preparing the damaged tooth involves removing a portion of the enamel to reduce it in size. This process is necessary to ensure that your new restoration fits perfectly in with the rest of your teeth and feels comfortable. After the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken.
The impressions we take are sent to our dental lab, where they are used to design and create your customized crown. It can take up to two weeks for the crown to be sent back, so a temporary restoration is provided to protect your prepared tooth while you wait. Once the crown is finished, you will have your second appointment. At this visit, we check to make sure that your crown fits, that it is comfortable and that it looks natural. If no adjustments are needed, it is bonded into place.
Dental Crown Benefits
Dental crowns provide several benefits:
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Damaged teeth are protected from further harm.
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Crowns help to prevent bacterial infections.
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The strength of your tooth is restored.
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The need for extraction is avoided.
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If you have a porcelain or ceramic crown, the appearance of your smile is restored.
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Crowns can also be used following a root canal, or to cover abutments for dental implants. |
Dental crowns help to protect damaged teeth, prevent infections and further harm, and provide the teeth with the strength they need to function normally. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Queen Anne Family Dental today at (206) 424-4450.
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