Sep
Most people believe their smile is one of their most important assets. After all, the first thing most people will notice about you is your smile. A beautiful smile makes you feel more confident, and healthy teeth are more functional. Over time, teeth can become damaged, whether through accidents or decay. Porcelain dental crowns can be used to resolve several different dental issues.
A porcelain dental crown is a hollow shell that fits over your tooth to cover it completely. Crowns are custom-made to nearly identically match the colour and shape of the rest of your natural teeth. These crowns are translucent. Along with improving your smile, porcelain crowns restore tooth functionality.
Porcelain crowns are most well-known for being used to cover and protect a tooth that has had a root canal. However, crowns can also be used to camouflage decayed teeth, replace large fillings, strengthen weakened teeth, and cover a dental implant. Additionally, porcelain crowns have cosmetic uses. For example, they can be used to alter your tooth’s colour, shape, and size.
Dental crowns can be made with a variety of materials, including resin, stainless steel, gold, and zirconia. However, porcelain is the most commonly used material for dental crowns. Here’s why:
When you need a porcelain dental crown, you’ll visit the dentist’s office twice. At the first visit, the dentist and their team will prepare your tooth by removing some of the enamel to ensure your crown will fit comfortably and snugly to cover the tooth. Then, the team will take impressions, which will be sent to a lab to make your crown. While you wait for your definitive crown to arrive at the office, you’ll have a temporary crown covering your tooth. At the second visit, the dentist will place your crown, making adjustments as needed.
In most cases, a porcelain crown will last about a decade. However, good oral hygiene at home can help your crown last up to 20 years.
The most important thing you can do to make sure your porcelain crown looks great is to continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing before bed and between meals. Equally important, visit the dentist twice a year for checkups.
Another way to take good care of your porcelain crowns is to avoid hard and sticky foods. These can include ice cubes, hard nuts, and popcorn if it has kernels. Avoiding sticky foods like caramel and taffy also helps your crowns remain in perfect condition.
Are you ready to restore your smile so it’s more beautiful and functional? Dr. Alireza Farkhondeh and the team at The Hope Dental Care Centre in Kanata, Ontario, are here to help you with all your dental needs. Call us today at (343) 803-6333 or use our online form to request an appointment.