If you are considering porcelain crowns on your front teeth, you are not alone. Many people choose this option for a variety of reasons. There is a lot to consider when deciding whether crowns are the proper cosmetic dental procedure. What are the pros and cons of dental crowns on your teeth? What should you expect during the process? What is the best way to take care of your new porcelain crowns?
What are crowns?
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over an entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are often used to repair weakened teeth that are cracked or chipped, or broken. They can also cover dental implants or as part of cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Porcelain Crown
This dental crown is made of porcelain material and fits over the top of your weakened tooth. They replace your existing outer structure and can be used for cosmetic purposes. A dental crown will look just like a normal tooth and is custom-made based on the size, shape, and color of your existing teeth.
Dental crowns are a popular choice because they can create an attractive and natural-looking smile. They are also very durable and will last many years with proper care.
The Pros of Porcelain Crowns for Front Teeth
There are several reasons why porcelain crowns might be the right choice for your front teeth:
Easily Restore the Appearance of Your Smile
Dental crowns can restore the appearance of your smile by covering up damaged or stained teeth. A dental crown can make your teeth appear longer and more symmetrical if you have an imperfect smile.
Less Likely to Chip or Break Compared to Other Types of Crowns
Porcelain crowns are less likely to chip or break than other crowns because they are specifically designed to be used on the front teeth. The porcelain is very strong and durable and can withstand chewing, talking, and daily wear and tear.
Long-Term Durability with Proper Dental Care
Dental crowns are very durable and will last many years with proper care — you should expect your porcelain crowns to last between five and ten years. They may need to be replaced at some point due to normal wear and tear, but they can be a much better option than covering up your natural teeth with porcelain fused to metal crowns, gold crowns, metal crowns, or porcelain veneers.
The Cons of Front Teeth Porcelain Crowns
There are also a few disadvantages to porcelain dental crowns that you will want to consider before moving forward with this procedure:
Dental Crown Cost
Dental crowns can be expensive, depending on the type of porcelain used, how many ceramic crowns you need, and the dental lab that creates your crowns. You can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 for crowns, which is more expensive than porcelain fused to metal crowns. However, they are a long-term investment and will last many years with proper care. Some dental insurance plans will also cover part of the cost.
Not Suitable for All Patients
Porcelain and ceramic crowns may not be suitable for everyone. They are not recommended for people with fragile, brittle, or severely damaged teeth, as the porcelain can put extra stress and cause them to break. They may cause hot or cold sensitivity, so those with already sensitive teeth may have difficulty.
Dental Appointment Required for Placement and Removal
Crowns require a dental appointment for placement and removal. You must see a dental professional to have the crowns placed and then return for a follow-up appointment to make sure they are fitted correctly and that you are happy with the results.
Not the Best Option with Existing Dental Work
If your surrounding teeth are already heavily restored, crowns might not be the best choice because they will cover up most of your natural tooth structure.
The Dental Crown Procedure
During the first office visit, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth to create a custom-made ceramic crown, and then the impression will be sent to a dental laboratory, where your dental crown will be made. The dentist may use a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready.
Your dentist will place your permanent crowns on the front teeth and ensure they are permanently cemented to the prepared tooth using a unique dental adhesive. The procedure usually takes about an hour to complete.
You will need to return for an additional follow-up appointment with your dentist so they can have a final check of the fit and color of the newly crowned tooth and make any necessary adjustments. If you have a loose crown or need the crown adjusted, our dentist can do this in the office.
How to Care for Your Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a relatively low-maintenance cosmetic or reparative dental procedure, making them a good option for many patients. Just like your natural teeth, porcelain crowns need to be cleaned regularly — this means brushing and flossing at least twice a day and seeing your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and professional cleaning. Avoiding hard foods like ice, candy, and sticky foods, which can damage porcelain crowns, is necessary to increase the appearance and longevity of your crowns.
How long do porcelain crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last between five and ten years on front teeth with proper care. However, their longevity will depend on your circumstances. It is vital to keep up with your oral hygiene routine and schedule regular dental appointments to ensure that your crowns remain in good condition for as long as possible.
You can take some additional steps to ensure that your new crown(s) last as long as possible.
- Avoid eating sticky foods like taffy or caramels
- Avoid eating hard things like chewing ice or pen caps
- Avoiding grinding your teeth
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Contact Us Today!
Porcelain crowns are an excellent option for many people who need to repair their front teeth, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. If you have any questions about porcelain crowns or whether this is the best cosmetic dental procedure for your needs, please get in touch with Superior Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dental providers. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you make the best decision for your dental health.