Porcelain CrownIf you are in need of a crown, you should certainly come to Everglades Family Dental. We will examine your tooth and determine if a crown is the right solution. We may also need to place crowns following some dental procedures such as a root canal. Another time you may need a crown is if you are getting a dental bridge. We often place crowns on the teeth on either side of the bridge to hold it in place. The term “crown” also refers to the full replacement tooth used in dental implants. Crowns can be made out of a number of materials. Porcelain is one of the most common. Why Porcelain?Porcelain has a number of advantages over other types of materials. First, it contains no toxins and is not made out of any metal. This means there are few risks with placing a porcelain crown in your mouth. Another advantage is the way the materials looks. Porcelain blends in very well with your natural teeth. This makes it a great option for those who need to have a front tooth repaired. If the porcelain crown is tinted to match the rest of the tooth, few people will even realize it is missing. Ceramic can withstand major changes in temperature, too. The biggest downside of a porcelain crown is that it is simply not as durable as one made from metal. While they will still last for quite some time, it is possible for them to break. They also tend to be more expensive. Porcelain Can Also be Fused to MetalAnother type of porcelain crown is what we call a fused-to-metal or PFM crown. This type of crown combines the advantages of both porcelain and metal. Metal is a much more durable option and can last longer, while porcelain has that natural look most people want. PFM crowns also tend to cost less than crowns made entirely from porcelain. However, if you suffer from bruxism, the clenching of your jaw may also wear down a PFM crown fairly quickly. For implants made with PFM crowns, there is often a small amount of grey metal visible at the gumline. Should You Get a Porcelain Crown?If you need a crown placed on a tooth or a full replacement tooth, you have several options to choose from. While a metal crown is certainly going to be very durable, it may not be right for you. Metal is often used for molars because of the large amount of pressure exerted on these teeth. Since they are in the back of your mouth and are harder to see, metal really is the best option here. However, if you need a crown placed on a tooth towards the front of your mouth or need to replace one of these teeth with an implant, most people prefer ceramic. This is especially true for those who do not want the repairs or replacement tooth to stand out. If you are concerned about durability, you may want to consider a PFM crown. Regardless of which type of crown you want, we can take care of it and all of your dental needs. Call Everglades Family Dental at (754) 764-0465 to make an appointment today. |