Understanding Porcelain Crowns

Before choosing the material for a replacement dental crown one needs to understand the role the crown plays in occlusal function.

While there are three common materials employed in the manufacture of crowns, or "caps", the most frequently used is porcelain.Porcelain can be used in two ways: As pure porcelain or as metal encased in porcelain.Porcelain crowns merged with gold or other dental-safe metals, alloys, or amalgams result in strongest and longer lasting crowns.

To make the fitting of a crown a success, the tooth being restored must be prepared thoroughly. This presents a difficulty with the porcelain on metal crowns as they require a significant amount of space around the tooth to apply them securely. The dentist will do his best to retain as much of the natural tooth as possible.

A second concern where the porcelain to metal crowns are concerned, is the gradual appearance of the underlying metal within the inner core of the crown as the gum recedes with age. Most dentists make crowns with all-porcelain "collars" which hide the metal as the gum recedes.

Zirconia and aluminous materials, which are ceramic materials, are frequently used to make all porcelain crowns. The fact that the all porcelain crowns do not have a core means that they are less bulky, and can fit into tighter spaces, but they are much less sturdy than their metal-core counterparts.Pure porcelain crowns are much more natural looking and are often the crown material of choice.

Two visits to the dentist are usually required to complete this treatment. At the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the teeth and apply a temporary crown on each tooth being treated.During the second visit the patient tries out the comfort and aesthetics of the permanent crown and, once satisfied, the crown permanently fitted with cement or a dental bonding agent.

People with partial dentures may also need crowns applied to the teeth that will be used to secure their partial dentures.

Many cosmetic dentists will recommend implant treatment instead of crown placement, if at all possible, because the implants deliver a stronger and more natural bite, and can support partial dentures without compromising any potential abutting teeth.