Why should I get porcelain crowns?

Crowns return teeth back to their original function while creating a natural-looking appearance. Porcelain crowns are used when teeth have been damaged by a traumatic event, where there is severe erosion of the enamel or where decay has destroyed a lot of the original tooth. They are also an option for those who grind their teeth to the point that the very structure of the tooth has been destabilised.

Porcelain crowns are thicker than veneers and the extra thickness leads to a stronger structure. Crowns are secured to the tooth by using a resin, which is light-sensitive, and placing it between the original tooth and the crown. A special curing light then hardens the resin and binds the crown to the original tooth.

There are some downsides to porcelain crowns. It will take some time for the crown to be made in a laboratory so a provisional or temporary crown is fitted until the permanent one has been made. Another downside is that some people may develop sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures after the crowns are completed. Also, although durable, crowns don’t have the flexibility of natural teeth so not all foods can be successfully chewed. If the crowns have been fitted to correct the wear and damage caused by teeth grinding, a mouth guard for use during sleep will have to be fitted so that the porcelain won’t be exposed to excessive pressure.

Despite these few downsides, crowns tend to be the best option in the situations described above. Porcelain crowns don’t require any special maintenance besides the routine you use with natural teeth which is using non-abrasive toothpaste and the regular use of dental tape.