Crowns and Bridges

Modern Crowns with that life-like look.

Have you ever seen or had a restoration that looked artificial? Perhaps it had gray borders around the gum line or lacked that ‘natural’ look. Crown materials have advanced tremendously within recent years and we now use all ceramic crowns. With ceramic crowns no metal is used, preventing the appearance of a gray line at the gum. The crowns are adhesively bonded to your tooth for increased strength and durability. No one can tell you had work done.

Details

For teeth that are badly damaged, dental crowns are an effective treatment option. The dental crown procedure utilizes tooth-shaped coverings made of metal, ceramic, or porcelain to restore strength and eliminate discomfort. In addition, dental crowns may be used to anchor a dental bridge or to cap a dental implant post.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are made of metal, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal. Dr. Patel uses all different materials:

Metal Crowns

Although their metallic color makes them a poor choice for highly visible teeth, dental crowns made of metal can be an ideal option for repairing decayed or damaged back teeth. They are extremely durable and can be applied with less removal of the natural tooth than all porcelain or ceramic crowns. Metal crowns may consist of various materials, including gold alloy, palladium, nickel alloy, or chromium alloy.

All Ceramic Crowns

All ceramic crowns may be made of porcelain, resins, or dental ceramic materials. They create an extremely natural-looking appearance and are typically used on front teeth. The tooth-colored ceramic material is translucent, like the enamel of your natural teeth, and size and shade can be matched to complement the rest of your smile. However, ceramic dental crowns are not as resilient as metal crowns and do not function as well on back teeth, which sustain a lot of pressure from biting and chewing.

Porcelain Crowns

Dental crowns made of porcelain fused to metal are stronger than all-ceramic versions and more aesthetically pleasing than those made of metal. However, their metal shell gives porcelain fused to metal crowns an opaque appearance. Because they lack the reflective quality of natural teeth, porcelain fused to metal crowns are not as discreet as all ceramic crowns. Additionally, over time, a thin metal band may be visible along the gum line with this type of crown.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Typically, the dental crown procedure is completed in two stages. During the first stage, Dr. Patel removes portions of your natural tooth’s structure to accommodate the dental crown. Surrounding teeth may also be prepared in this way. An impression is made and sent to the lab, where your dental crown is created in about two weeks. A temporary crown will be in place between visits to ensure the most natural look and feel. When you return to Dr. Patel’s office, the temporary crown is removed and your new, custom made dental crown is securely bonded in place.Replacing

Old Dental Crowns

Our patients may be interested in replacing old dental crowns for a number of reasons. Concerns about the appearance of metal crowns on prominent teeth may compel some patients to have their dental work restored with all ceramic or porcelain crowns. Other times, dental crown problems like wear, decay, or poor fit may lead patients to inquire about replacing older dental crowns. Typically, patients should expect to replace their dental crowns after approximately 10 to 15 years.Porcelain

Crowns vs. Porcelain Veneers

Both porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers have unique advantages and limitations that make them appropriate for treating specific dental concerns. For example, all ceramic or porcelain dental crowns improve both the appearance and function of injured or damaged teeth. They cover and protect the entire surface area of the tooth, eliminating pain and restoring strength. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, typically address only cosmetic concerns and are applied to otherwise healthy teeth. Stains, minor chips, misalignment, or other imperfections can be concealed with the thin porcelain shells, which slide over the front surface of teeth. Also, because they cover less of the natural tooth, less tooth structure has to be removed to accommodate porcelain veneers.

Ceramic Onlays and Inlays

They visually disappear in your mouth
Looking for a strong, natural looking replacement for large leaking old silver-mercury fillings or area of decay? Ceramic onlays are both strong and great looking. Ceramic onlays and inlays conservatively restore large broken mercury fillings or cracked teeth. By bonding these restorations adhesively to your tooth, it can be restored back to its original strength. The onlays and inlays feel like your own teeth and visually disappear in your mouth.

Dr. Patel can provide more information on porcelain crowns versus porcelain veneers and help determine which treatment is best for you based on cost and your unique goals and needs.