Porcelain Crowns for your Cosmetic and Functional Needs

 By Arthur Kezian

Always remember that your dentist wants what’s best for you. There are different types of crowns which are suggested whenever your dentist sees that it needs restoration. The need for dental crowns varies case to case.

A dental crown strengthens and protects the remaining tooth structure and often times improve the appearance of one’s smile. A crown or sometimes referred to as “caps” is a type of dental restoration or covering that fit over a tooth. It is fabricated in a dental laboratory or in some cases can be made out of pure porcelain and other type of ceramics. Thanks to advanced technology it can now be made inside your dental office. Crowns are made with natural looking porcelain.

During your dental visit, in some cases your dentist will suggest having your teeth restored with a porcelain crown. Probably the reason why you are given this option is because your tooth has the following indications:

1. It has a previous filling which is big and the tooth structure tends to become weak thus no longer can support the filling.
2. Extensively damaged by secondary decay
3. Fracture or broken filling
4. Previously had it treated for root canal making the tooth brittle and prone to fracture thus a porcelain crown is suggested to have the remaining tooth structure protected.
5. To hold a bridge in place where the adjacent teeth requires a crown as replacement.
In today’s modern dentistry, there are wide varieties of materials where crown are made from. Some are made from gold, metal alloys where it is fused to porcelain on the outer portion or shell. All porcelain or ceramic crowns are now considered to be the best choice for porcelain crowns because of its natural looking appearance.

Here are the types of  porcelain crowns available:

• Metal Crown – made of gold or other metal alloys such as palladium or base metal alloys such as nickel and chromium. In preparation for a metal crown, one advantage is that there is less tooth structure needed to be removed and tooth wear is kept into a minimum level. Metal crowns relatively break or chip off, but one disadvantage is the aesthetic look because of its metallic color
• Porcelain fused to metal crown – This is a much better option when it comes to aesthetic quality. The color of the tooth will be based with the adjacent or existing natural teeth giving you a much more natural appearance. Depending on the chosen metal alloy or base, sometimes the metal underneath tends to darken on the gum line portion, especially when the gums recede over time.

 All Porcelain Crowns

– These types of crowns are made of different biocompatible materials. They resemble lifelike crowns and bridges of teeth and are crafted to resemble real teeth. Porcelain crowns are recommended for patients with allergies to metal. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to metal crowns.
Fitting a porcelain crown requires at least two dental appointments. For any questions regarding your treatment and instructions after your treatment please call 323 467 -2777. Dr. Arthur Kezian will gladly give you his recommendation because he is a your dentist. You can trust and understands your needs when it comes to quality dentistry.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777

-N.S.