Why Do Porcelain Dental Crowns Look Better?

2 Minute Read: 

Dental crowns are restorations crafted to look just like your natural tooth. The crown protects your tooth from further decay and returns function to your bite.

There are several materials used to create dental crowns, including gold, metal alloys, and porcelain over metal, but pure porcelain is the clear choice when it comes to producing the most natural-looking restoration for your tooth. 

Vector illustration showing a porcelain (tooth-colored) cap restoration being applied to a prepared tooth.

Who Needs a Dental Crown?

Our smiles can be impacted by many things, including our oral hygiene habits, biting into hard food or candy, grinding our teeth, and even medications that we take. A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

  • Large cavities
  • Dental fractures
  • Misshapen or small teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Worn-down teeth
  • Infected teeth

In the case of infected teeth, root canal therapy (RTC) is performed to clean out the tooth before placing a crown.

What Is Involved in Getting a Porcelain Dental Crown?

If you need a crown, your tooth will be cleared of any existing infection and decay and then modified to receive the crown. 

The color of the crown will be chosen carefully to match the rest of your teeth, and a precise impression of your bite is obtained. 

A temporary crown will be provided for you until your permanent crown is ready. 

Our trusted dental laboratory will fabricate the crown from your dental impression and then send it to our office within two weeks.

When you return to our office, the permanent crown will be placed over your prepared tooth and secured with dental cement. You will be asked to bite down on a piece of dental (articulating) paper a few times so that Dr. Fiss can make any necessary adjustments and ensure you are comfortable with your restoration.

When Is a Porcelain Dental Crown the Best Choice?

Porcelain crowns are preferred for all of your visible teeth because other options like gold and metal do not blend in and detract from your smile. Porcelain over metal will wear down after a while, allowing the metal to show through at the top.

Some arguments for metal or gold are their strength, but today’s porcelain crowns are extremely strong and can last for up to 15 years or more. 

If you choose metal or gold for back teeth, remember that porcelain not only looks like your natural teeth at first glance, it also mimics their translucency and should always be used for front teeth.

Do You Want to Learn More About Porcelain Dental Crowns?

If you want to learn more about porcelain dental restorations in the Chicago area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fiss today. He will be happy to explain your options and provide recommendations based on his examination. Call (312) 642-6631 or fill out this online form to schedule your appointment today.