Advantages of Porcelain Dental Crowns

Strength and Beauty in Dentistry

A dental crown is one of the most common dental procedures performed.  When it comes to repairing a tooth with a crown, understanding your options can help you achieve the best cosmetic and restorative result possible.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is used to replace tooth structure which has been lost due to injury or decay.  When a large portion of the tooth is damaged, a filling is not sufficient to restore the strength and stability of the tooth.  A dental crown replaces much of the tooth structure above the gum line, providing restoration of both appearance and function.

There are several types of dental crowns.  Your dentist will help you choose the option that best suits your needs and desires.  Some crowns are made from a strong base metal, overlaid with porcelain to match the surrounding teeth.  These crowns are very strong and durable, especially for restoration of molars and back teeth.  Porcelain crowns are made by layering strong porcelain to create a dental crown that is both strong and beautiful.  Porcelain crowns are commonly used in teeth along the smile line because of their aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Why Choose a Porcelain Crown?

Most people who choose porcelain crowns do so for aesthetic reasons.  When restoring a tooth in the smile line, you want it to look, feel and function like a natural tooth.  Metal based crowns can be used in the front teeth, but for cosmetic purposes, full porcelain crowns are commonly recommended for the following reasons:

• Porcelain crowns can be made to look more like the surrounding natural teeth
• Full porcelain crowns allow for a certain amount of transparency along the thinner edges, allowing light to pass through as it does in a natural tooth.  Metal based crowns are opague and do not allow for natural transparency.
• Porcelain crowns eliminate the potential for any exposure of the metal base along the gumline.  

Should You Choose Porcelain Crowns?

Your dentist can help you decide the best treatment option for your individual dental needs.  A consultation at Forest Lane Dental can help you understand your treatment options.  To schedule a consultation for dental crowns, contact the Dallas dental office of Dr. Jack E. Burroughs.