Porcelain dental crowns can offer you the most natural-looking option in dental restoration.

If you are looking to fix a chipped or damaged teeth, porcelain dental crowns might just be the solution you are looking for.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is essentially a specially fitted cover that goes over a tooth. They can help strengthen weakened teeth, as well are repair teeth that are broken, cracked, or decayed. A dental crown can also be used to close a space in between two teeth, or correct a bite problem, and they are also used in dental implant procedures.

Porcelain vs metal crowns

Dental crowns can be made out of a number of materials, like metal or porcelain. Dental crowns historically used to be made of metal, like gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. Metal dental crowns were a favorite choice of dentists because metal crowns are strong, and rarely chip or break, and they tend to last the longest, compared to other types of materials. The downside to metal dental crowns is the color, and many dental patients are put off by the obvious look of metal crowns.

Nowadays, porcelain dental crowns are the go-to in the dental field, and are the choice material of Berrien Dental dentists. Porcelain dental crowns are more aesthetically pleasing because they can match the color of your teeth, giving you a more natural, realistic-looking finish. Porcelain dental crowns are a great choice if you have a metal allergy, too, as they are biocompatible and won’t irritate if you have a metal allergy. The downside is that porcelain dental crowns are not as strong as metal crowns and may wear down teeth opposite to where the porcelain dental crown is placed.

What is the process of getting a porcelain dental crown?

Once you and your dentist have decided a porcelain dental crown is the right choice for you, you may wonder what the process is to get one.

At your first visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown. Depending on the damage to the tooth, for example, if it is cracked or broken, the tooth may need to have some of the tooth shaved down or rebuilt to be able to support the porcelain dental crown.

The next step involves taking impressions. At Berrien Dental, we use iTero digital imaging, so there is no messy plaster or putty used to create impressions. The iTero is a 3D scanning technology that captures accurate 3D images of your mouth, which are used tobuild a 3D model. The accurate impressions created by the iTero help ensure that your porcelain dental crown will fit seamlessly into your mouth, and function the way it should. 

The model is sent to a specialist laboratory where your crown will be crafted. In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while you wait for your permanent crown. Once your porcelain dental crown is ready, you will visit Berrien Dental for a second appointment, where the porcelain dental crown will be placed. Your dentist will use cement to adhere the porcelain dental crown to your teeth, and violà, you’re done! Now it’s time to show off that smile!

Know Your Options

If you are looking to fix a damaged tooth and you and your dentist have decided on a crown, a porcelain dental crown by Berrien Dental could be the best choice for you. Make an appointment to visit one of our team members for an oral evaluation and to discuss your natural-looking dental crown options. We can help you restore your oral health and your confidence in your smile.