Dental crowns have been widely used as a tooth replacement solution. They can restore the look and function of your damaged tooth and improve your smile.
When Portland City Dental suggests that you get a dental crown, a very important question might come to your mind: what type of dental crown is best for me?
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns are customized caps bonded to teeth and fitted over them to restore them to their original function, size, and strength. These crowns are one of the best restorative options for protecting and strengthening teeth that are impossible to repair with fillings.
Porcelain crowns are created using porcelain compounds in the color of the patient’s teeth, so they blend flawlessly with the existing healthy and natural teeth. They can also make your smile much more aesthetically pleasing.
The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns give a very natural look. They match the shape, size, and color of the adjacent teeth. The best part about these crowns is that they are biocompatible, which means that no metal is used to produce porcelain crowns. Hence, they are free of toxins.
Unfortunately, porcelain crowns are not as tough as metal crowns. They can last a long time, but you need to take excessive care. They are not suitable for patients who suffer from bruxism and may cost more than other types of crowns.
Porcelain Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns are also a popular type of porcelain dental crowns. They provide strength due to their metal structure and look aesthetically pleasing due to the porcelain cover on the cap. In addition, they are highly durable and have been around in the industry for over 50 years. The best part about PFM crowns is that they are less expensive than porcelain crowns.
However, PFM crowns do have a few disadvantages. First, they contain metal which can cause greyness at the gum line. Thus, they do not provide the complete aesthetic look that porcelain crowns provide because they contain metal. Second, PFM crowns may wear down more easily against the opposing teeth if you have a habit of clenching your teeth.
Is the Process of Getting Porcelain Crowns Painful?
No, the process of getting porcelain crowns from Dr. Dan is not painful at all.
You will be under local anesthesia while we prep your teeth for the crowns. After your first appointment, we will place temporary crowns on your teeth, and you may feel some sensitivity in your gums.
When we attach the permanent crowns, you may feel some discomfort, but we will perform the procedure under local anesthesia. We will also apply topical numbing agents to reduce the discomfort.
After the permanent crown placement, you might experience soreness for a few days, but as long as you stick to soft foods, there will not be any significant or lingering pain.
A dental crown is a long-lasting
restorative dentistry, and you will have it for several years. Hence, when considering the different types of dental crowns, try not to opt for the least expensive option without analyzing all of your options.
Get in touch with Dr. Dan at Portland City Dental today for more information about porcelain crowns or call (503) 256-7917 to book your appointment.
