Dental Crowns
Porcelain Crowns in Lancaster County, PA
Achieve a beautiful, natural-looking smile with quality porcelain crowns from Atglen Family Dentistry in Lancaster County, PA. Call 610-593-2818 today!
Porcelain crowns are a popular solution in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Crowns can protect damaged teeth, prevent further deterioration, and conceal visual imperfections like chips, cracks, or discolored areas. Porcelain crowns can also function as part of dental bridges.
Atglen Family Dentistry in Christiana, PA, offers porcelain crowns and other cosmetic dentistry services in Lancaster County.
What Are Porcelain Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made tooth-shaped caps that encase the tooth surface. Besides porcelain, dentists also use resin, ceramic, or metal crowns.
Quality porcelain crowns are highly durable. They look and function just like your natural teeth, restoring the patient’s chewing ability and dental aesthetics. Typically, a dentist will recommend porcelain crowns for the front and other visible teeth.
A traditional dental crown will cover the entire tooth. Three-quarter crowns and onlays may be suitable for patients who have a solid tooth structure.
The Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns offer the following advantages:
- Protection: Porcelain crowns can prevent further damage to worn-down or decayed teeth.
- Restoration: Porcelain crowns can quickly restore a patient’s smile.
- Appearance: Unlike traditional metal crowns, porcelain crowns look exactly like natural teeth.
- Stain resistance: Porcelain is highly resistant to staining, so the patient can continue enjoying beverages like coffee and red wine.
- Hypoallergenic: Unlike metal, porcelain does not cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
The main disadvantage of porcelain crowns is the necessity to remove a portion of the tooth to prepare the tooth surface for bonding with the crown. This procedure may compromise tooth structure and increase sensitivity to heat and cold.
Who is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Crowns in Lancaster County?
Porcelain crowns are a suitable cosmetic and restorative solution for patients with a sound tooth structure and an intact tooth root. Any tooth decay or gum disease requires addressing before placing a dental crown, or the tooth may continue decaying under the cap.
What to Expect in a Porcelain Crown Procedure
A dental crown procedure typically involves two appointments at the dentist’s office. During the first appointment, Dr. Myers will take dental molds to create a perfectly fitting crown.
Next, the dentist will numb the area, remove any decayed tooth parts, and shape the tooth surface to fit a crown. The patient will receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth while a dental laboratory produces the permanent crown.
At the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and place the permanent crown.
Alternatives to Porcelain Crowns
While all-porcelain crowns are a popular option in cosmetic dentistry, dental clinics may also offer other crown materials or recommend dental implants.
Other Dental Crown Materials
Apart from porcelain crowns, dental clinics may offer crowns made of the following materials:
- Gold: Often used on the back teeth, gold alloy crowns are durable and strong.
- Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are stronger and usually more expensive than porcelain.
- Dental composite: Composite crowns are cheaper and less durable compared to both porcelain and zirconia.
Dental Implants
If the patient’s tooth structure cannot support a crown, the dentist may suggest a dental implant as a more appropriate, cost-effective solution.
While implants are more expensive and involve a long process of surgery and healing, they usually last a lifetime and permanently resolve dental issues like tooth decay and erosion.
Caring for Porcelain Crowns
With proper oral care, quality porcelain crowns can last up to 15 years. Here is what you can do to ensure that your porcelain crown retains its structure and lasts longer.
- Avoid extra hard or sticky foods.
- Brush your teeth and floss regularly.
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste suitable for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid harmful oral habits like nail-biting, teeth-clenching, or teeth-grinding.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a dental exam and cleaning.
If your porcelain crown falls off, contact your dental clinic right away and schedule an urgent dental care appointment. In the meantime, protect the crown area and avoid chewing on the exposed tooth. Keep the fallen crown in a clear bag or container and bring it with you to the dentist’s office.
DR. ONYINYE C. MYERS, DDS: COSMETIC AND FAMILY DENTAL SERVICES IN CHRISTIANA, PA
Atglen Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental services and advanced dental aesthetic solutions across the Greater Lancaster County region. Since 1979, we have been helping patients improve their oral health and enhance their smiles.
Are you ready to achieve the brilliant smile you have always dreamed of? Call us at Atglen Family Dentistry at 610-593-2818 today for a consultation with Dr. Myers about porcelain crowns in Christiana, PA.