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
Porcelain Crowns in Avondale, Arizona

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:

  1. We will make sure the area around the tooth is completely numb.
  2. The tooth is carefully reshaped to make room for your treatment.
  3. We take precise impressions (molds) of your prepared tooth.
  4. Our dentists place a temporary crown to protect your tooth and keep you comfortable.
  5. Our trusted dental lab uses your impressions and creates your tailored crown.
  6. 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.
  7. Our dentists use special dental cement to bond your crown permanently in place.

Customer Testimonials

Voices of Satisfaction from Happy Patients

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.