Repair a damaged tooth, or get a brighter, more confident smile. How? Use porcelain crowns. At Desert Lake Dental, you’ll find skilled dentists specializing in this versatile restoration. Let’s explore the types of dental crowns and costs and why they might be right for you.
What are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain is a strong, tooth-colored ceramic that can be crafted to match the shape and shade of your existing teeth. Porcelain and ceramic crowns look natural and offer a natural-looking solution for:
- Protecting cracked or weakened teeth
- Restoring teeth after root canals
- Covering severely discolored teeth
- Improving the appearance of misshapen teeth
- Anchoring dental bridges
Are porcelain crowns stronger than teeth?
Yes, they provide incredible durability for restoring damaged teeth, but they generally won’t be quite as strong as your natural tooth enamel.
How much tooth is needed for a crown?
It varies. Our dentists will carefully assess your specific situation to determine if this treatment is right for you and whether any tooth buildup is required beforehand.
Types of Porcelain Crowns
There are various types but don’t worry; our dentists will help you choose. But let’s get to know them anyway. Here are types:
- All Porcelain: They offer the most natural look and are perfect for front teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): This option is durable because it has a metal base to add strength. Sometimes, the metal shows as a dark line at the gumline.
- Zirconia is exceptionally strong and aesthetically beautiful. It is ideal for back teeth or patients with grinding/clenching habits (bruxism).
- Max (Lithium Disilicate): They blend strength with lifelike clarity. It’s versatile for both front and back teeth.
- Empress: They are known for their aesthetic appeal and suitability for front teeth.
- Layered Zirconia: They are as strong as zirconia but with greater translucency. This feature makes them possible for front teeth as well.
Is Porcelain the Best Material for Crowns?
These are various materials but the best one is Porcelain. It looks like your real teeth and provide excellent durability for most dental, making them the top choice for a natural-looking restoration.
Are Porcelain Crowns Stronger Than Teeth?
Yes, porcelain crowns are generally very strong and can even be more durable than natural teeth. But how strong are porcelain crowns? They are strong and durable, able to handle daily chewing and biting. While they are strong, you still need to take care of them. These dental crowns can crack under extreme pressure, especially if you grind your teeth or bite into very hard objects.
Porcelain Crown Procedure
At Desert Lake Dental, we focus on your comfort throughout the whole process:
- We will make sure the area around the tooth is completely numb.
- The tooth is carefully reshaped to make room for your treatment.
- We take precise impressions (molds) of your prepared tooth.
- Our dentists place a temporary crown to protect your tooth and keep you comfortable.
- Our trusted dental lab uses your impressions and creates your tailored crown.
- Once ready, you’ll return to the office. Our dentist will carefully remove the temporary one, place the new one, and adjust to ensure a perfect fit and comfortable bite.
- Our dentists use special dental cement to bond your crown permanently in place.
Customer Testimonials
Voices of Satisfaction from Happy Patients
Gabby Vega2024-01-30Love DesertLake and all of their employees!!Angela Leal2023-11-28So pleased with the remarkable staff and their professionalism. I felt so comfortable and that is so important 🫶.zulusmurf232023-11-22So like many (or maybe it’s just me) the dentist is always hard to go to because I don’t like needles. But I will say my experience from being greeted walking through the door to meeting my doctor and my service was one that has changed my perspective and I might have found a new home dental care. I went in through a suggestion from a friend and I am SO SO THANKFUL Dr. Ermias Mehretab. Everything thing he did he greeted me, explained what we were going to do next, and honestly I HATE needles but he truly had a soft touch and it felt effortless but allowed me to relax a lot more. Also his dental assistant for my time, Maria kept checking on me and brought me water and explained all to me before I left payment wise. Just great Overall great experince, love it and will be going back!Ricardo Uriarte2023-11-13Love the new hygentist Karina love the fact she’s very knowledge and cares for our teeth and gums !!Maria Sousa2023-11-13Nice and clean office , staff was great, recommended 100%Rigo Garibaldi2023-11-08Really good place to go if you need any type of dental work. The front and back office people are really friendly and nice. You will be in good hand with them. Definitely will be coming back every year.
Porcelain Crowns Vs. Zirconia Crowns
Porcelain crowns are used for their natural look and color. They blend well with surrounding teeth, which makes them a good choice for visible areas. Porcelain is durable, but it may chip over time if exposed to heavy forces. They are mostly used for front teeth.
On the other hand, zirconia crowns are incredibly strong. They’re made from a metal oxide that resists wear better than porcelain. So, they are ideal for molars, where chewing pressure is highest. Although zirconia isn’t as natural-looking as porcelain, it can still look like a real tooth when layered with porcelain on top. Moreover, porcelain crowns are great for front teeth because of their natural look. Zirconia crowns are stronger and work well in the back teeth.
The Crowns Before and After
Before the procedure, you have:
- Damaged or decayed teeth
- Severe discoloration
- Misshapen teeth
- Gaps between teeth
After the process, you have:
- Restored tooth strength and function
- Beautiful, natural-looking smile
- Improved self-confidence
- Protection for a vulnerable tooth
How Long Do They Last?
The typical durability for common types are:
- All-Porcelain (All-Ceramic): 10-15 years
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): 10-15 years
- Zirconia: 15-20+ years
- max (Lithium Disilicate): 10-15 years
- Empress: 10-15 years
- Layered Zirconia: 15-20+ years
What Type of Crown Lasts the Longest?
Zirconia types are renowned for their unmatched strength and durability. They can last for 15 to 20+ years. These are incredibly strong and can often last a lifetime with proper care.
How much Does a Porcelain Dental Crown Cost?
Porcelain crown costs can vary. Typically, they cost you a couple of thousand dollars each. The cost can also vary based on the type. For the most accurate pricing information, contact Desert Lake Dental for a personalized quote.
How Much Does It Cost with Insurance?
Many dental insurance plans offer at least partial coverage for this treatment. However, the level of coverage varies based on your specific plan. It is best to find out by contacting your insurance provider directly.
What are the Advantages of Porcelain Crowns?
If you properly maintain them properly, they offer a handful of benefits, including:
- The natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile.
- Durability of withstanding daily wear and tear.
- Preservation of tooth structure and protection against vulnerability.
- Smile enhancement
- Restoring your chewing and speaking abilities.
What are the Disadvantages of Porcelain Crowns?
It’s important to consider these disadvantages of dental crowns:
- They can be more expensive than other restorations.
- After placement, you may experience some temporary sensitivity.
- As it isn’t indestructible. Avoid biting on hard objects.
- In some cases, they can cause mild wear on the opposing natural teeth over time.
When Should I Replace My Porcelain Crown?
You should have a replacement if:
- Your damaged crown compromises its strength.
- Decay forms around the crown’s margins.
- Your gums recede, and your crown’s edge becomes visible.
- Over time, some crowns show signs of wear.
Can Porcelain Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
No, these dental treatments can’t be whitened like natural teeth. They remain the same color. For a brighter smile, replacements are often necessary if they get discolored. Staining can be prevented by regular dental hygiene, but whitening won’t work here. So, keep your dental crowns looking good.
Dental Crowns Near Me in Avondale, Arizona
For the highest quality porcelain crowns in Avondale, Arizona, turn to the skilled professionals at Desert Lake Dental. Our team has the knowledge and experience to create beautiful, functional restorations that transform your smile. Contact us at 623-388-5888 or make an online appointment to find out if they are the solution you’ve been looking for!
FAQs
Porcelain is highly stain-resistant but not entirely stain-proof. Excellent oral hygiene minimizes staining risks.
They are strong, but excessive force (hard foods, biting nails, etc.) can cause them to crack.
Metal types tend to be the most affordable but lack the natural aesthetics.
In some cases, composite resin bonding or dental inlays/onlays might be a more cost-effective alternative.
They have a higher cost, reflecting their superior aesthetics, durability, and custom fabrication.
While very long-lasting, they aren’t technically permanent. They may need replacement over time due to wear, damage, or changing dental needs.