Porcelain Crowns FAQs
Before deciding on a porcelain crown treatment, you probably have some unanswered questions. At Vero Dental Spa, we want you to feel comfortable with your cosmetic and restorative dental choices. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions from our patients. If you’re interested in restoring the function and beauty of your smile with porcelain crowns, all the information you need is here.
What are porcelain crowns?
Crowns have been used as a solution for badly damaged or decayed teeth. They sit over the top of the affected tooth, hiding everything right down to the gum line. Once in place, crowns restore the shape, strength, and function of the tooth.
Why choose porcelain crowns?
In the past, crowns have been made from various materials, including gold and stainless steel. Porcelain has the cosmetic benefit of creating a broad spectrum of shades, meaning they can be color-matched to your natural teeth. This makes them a wonderful solution for giving you a natural-looking smile.
Crowns made entirely from porcelain are also biocompatible, meaning the risk of gum irritation and allergic reactions is significantly reduced. Patients with metal crowns commonly see these kinds of issues.
Why do I need a crown?
Dental professionals may recommend crowns for many reasons, such as
- You have a severely eroded tooth
- You have a severely misshapen tooth or a different size to the others
- You have a cracked tooth that needs to be held together
- You have a weakened tooth that is at risk of breaking
- You are also having a dental bridge – crowns act as anchors, securing them in place
- You have a tooth that requires a larger filling than possible. This is usually because parts of the tooth are broken or severely eroded
- You have a tooth that is severely stained or discolored through trauma
- You are having implants
How are porcelain crowns fitted?
Porcelain crowns are fitted in the same way as regular ones. We’ll take impressions of your teeth to determine the size, shape, and color that the crown needs to be for an accurate fit.
Next, we’ll give you a local anesthetic before preparing the damaged tooth so the crown can fit snugly over the top of it. You will be given temporary crowns to wear while your custom-fit porcelain ones are created.
Around a week later, you will need to return to our office to have your permanent crowns fitted, restoring the function and appearance of your teeth.
How long will my porcelain crowns last?
While porcelain is a highly durable material for cosmetic dentistry, you will still need to maintain your crown. The life expectancy of it depends on how well you take care of it. Maintain a solid dental care routine, pay attention to bite pressure, and avoid teeth grinding and jaw gritting. Most crowns last anywhere between 10 to 20 years when well cared for, making them a great investment in your oral health.
Will my dental insurance cover the cost of my crowns?
Crowns are usually considered a functional dental repair, so they’re often covered by insurance. However, we strongly suggest thoroughly checking your dental insurance policy before you book the procedure. If you find that your insurance doesn’t cover your treatment, speak with our team about arranging an affordable payment plan for the smile you deserve.
