Porcelain dental crowns (also known as tooth or dental caps) restore and transform the appearance of damaged teeth. They can significantly improve a patient’s smile and confidence.

Dental crowns encircle and protect the damaged tooth on all sides, creating a barrier that shields the inner portion from harmful bacteria. Also, porcelain dental crowns Adelaide are incredibly strong and able to withstand biting and chewing forces without damage.

Strength

While crowns are not indestructible, they can withstand normal bite chew, regular brushing, and flossing. They will not, however, stain like natural teeth. This is why we recommend patients come in for routine cleanings so the dental team can monitor their upgraded teeth for surface stains and other signs of tooth decay.

While in the past, porcelain crowns weren’t considered as strong or sturdy as other types, advances in ceramic composition and high-temperature firing have created new options that are long-lasting and highly aesthetic. Many porcelain crowns exist, including traditional empress, procera, lava, zirconia, and emax crowns.

These new crowns have a durable core or coping, solid ceramic material and a lifelike, translucent top layer hand-crafted by a skilled ceramic artist. Unlike the monolithic CAD/CAM milled crowns (like those produced by CEREC and Sirona) with a single standard shade, these newer porcelain crowns offer a better colour match to natural teeth. They are also more resistant to temperature changes, which can help mitigate tooth sensitivity for some patients.

Durability

Also, porcelain dental crowns Adelaide are a durable restorative option for damaged teeth. They can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years. However, how long they stay will depend on your dental hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular dental cleanings and exams. Also, avoiding chewing on hard foods like ice can help prolong the life of your porcelain crowns.

The type of crown you choose will also affect its durability. Metal crowns are typically more resilient than porcelain ones, but some patients are allergic to certain metals. Porcelain fused with metal crowns (abbreviated PFM or VMK crowns) is a good middle ground for durability and aesthetics.

All-porcelain crowns, on the other hand, are a bit more fragile. They can chip or crack if you chew on your back teeth with force or suffer from bruxism/tooth grinding disorder. The best option for longevity with these crowns is to use feldspathic porcelain bonded to a strong core material, such as E Max monolithic or Zirconium, or layered over a pre-built metal coping.

Aesthetics

Porcelain dental crowns can be made to match your teeth’ natural colour and appearance closely. This, in result, can have a profound impact not just on your smile but also on your self-image and your sense of well-being.

All ceramic crowns are fabricated in one appointment using the Cerec or Sirona milling technology. These are “in the dental office” CAD/CAM milling machines that make tooth-shaped caps out of monolithic blocks of porcelain, and these crowns can be colour-matched very precisely to your teeth.

These crowns are very strong, and their life expectancy is comparable to that of a natural tooth with proper oral hygiene habits. However, it is important to note that crowns can still develop decay and cavities underneath them if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. They can also wear down faster when you have the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism). Crowns fused to metal are not as long-wearing as porcelain-based crowns. They are also less aesthetically pleasing and may appear dark along the gum line, making them a poor choice for front teeth.

Comfort

Furthermore, porcelain dental crowns Adelaide are designed to fit and feel like your natural teeth. They can help to ease the sensitivity that sometimes comes with tooth decay and other dental issues. They are also less bulky than other restorations. You can have the smile you want without sacrificing function.

The new porcelain can be textured and shaped like the enamel of your natural teeth, refracting light just the same. This makes the crowns very hard to detect by others. In addition, they are also stronger than traditional porcelain fused to metal crowns, making them a better choice for molars or the back of the mouth. This helps to prevent damage from excessive bite pressure or jaw clenching.