Is Porcelain Dental Crown Durable?

What Is a Dental Crown?

It is an oral appliance for restoring damaged teeth in restorative dentistry. Dental crowns work by replacing tooth enamels that have incurred different forms of damage. Usually, a dental crown covers the entire exterior of a tooth, which is why it is also called a tooth cap.

What Do Dentists Use Dental Crowns for?

At Faktor DMD – Manalapan, NJ, dental crowns serve different roles, both cosmetic and restorative. Your attending dentists in Manalapan, NJ, must examine your mouth thoroughly to determine whether a crown is ideal for you. Usually, we prescribe dental crowns for any of the following situations:

1. Holding a dental filling – fillings usually restore decayed and damaged teeth in restorative dentistry. When the size of the dental filling is too big, it can weaken the natural tooth structure, cracking or breaking it. Instead, a dentist will install a dental crown over the filled tooth, holding it in place.
2. Strengthening a weak tooth – various factors can weaken your teeth, lowering their functionality. Some causes of a weak tooth include bruxism, enamel thinning, and poor oral habits. One of the ways to strengthen a weak tooth is by placing a dental crown over it.
3. A tooth implant – after tooth loss, dentists can install implants to replace the missing one. A dental implant features a metal screw-like appliance that replaces tooth roots. Therefore, to complete the tooth replacement procedure, a dentist places a dental crown over the implant.
4. Repairing a fractured tooth – of the many dental appliances dentists can use to repair broken teeth, dental crowns are an ideal solution. The reason is that it will cover the entire tooth, promoting an even look after the repair job.
5. Aesthetic modifications – although cosmetic dentists in Manalapan have many oral devices they can employ to revamp your smile, they can recommend dental crowns. In such cases, the crown becomes an alternative to dental veneers or composite bonding.

What Type of Dental Crown is The Best?

In dentistry, you can have different dental crowns based on the materials used. The categorization of different types of crowns you can choose are:

1. Metal-based dental crowns – feature metallic components, including gold. These dental crowns are ideal for restoring the back teeth because of their sturdiness and resistance to continual use.
2. Non-metal dental crowns – feature different materials other than metal. These dental crowns can either be porcelain or composites. They are both tooth-colored, providing an incredible solution for patients that care for their aesthetics.
3. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns – are a combination of metal and porcelain.

When choosing the best type of dental crown, you cannot make the decision alone. Usually, it is best to liaise with your cosmetic dentist in Manalapan since they know what would work best for you. Besides, it is tight competition between tooth-colored resins and dental porcelain in dentistry. Some of the tips to help you decide are:

1. Sturdiness – how sturdy is the dental crown to support all functions of your teeth?
2. Aesthetics – does the dental crown stand out from the rest of your natural teeth?
3. Durability – how long will your crown last before you need to replace it?
4. Cost – can you foot your dental bill based on the choice of material?

Why Do Dentists Praise Porcelain Crowns?

Many dental experts will recommend porcelain dental crowns over all other options. Various reasons can support these preferences, including the following:

1. Porcelains are not fragile – you cannot compare dental porcelain to typical porcelain that creates mugs and plates. Besides, the fragility of any material usually depends on the force you apply to it. Further, porcelain is sturdier than its counterpart, composite resin.
2. Porcelain resists stains better – you need a dental crown that does not catch stains as soon as you take your first cup of coffee. Although porcelain crowns can stain, the material resists stains better than composite resin.
3. Porcelain looks like real teeth – the color, feel, and general appearance of porcelain crowns closely matches natural teeth. If you pick your shade correctly, you may never tell the difference between your natural teeth and the porcelain crowns.
4. Porcelain is durable – dentists will tell you that porcelain crowns can last between 15 and 20 years. Only improper dental care and bad oral habits can shorten the lifespan of your porcelain crowns.