Porcelain Crowns
Plaistow, NH

Porcelain crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that fit over damaged or decayed teeth. These custom-made marvels are perfect for restoring your tooth’s shape, size, strength, and aesthetic appeal. They come with numerous benefits:

• Natural Appearance: They closely resemble your natural teeth.
• Durability: With proper care, they can last many years.
• Compatibility: They don’t cause any allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Now, let’s delve deep into the world of porcelain crowns and clear any lingering questions you might have.

Porcelain Crowns: The Process

Embarking on the path to dental rejuvenation, the process of obtaining porcelain crowns unfolds in a series of meticulously orchestrated steps at Plaistow Dental. Here is a summary of what you can expect throughout the process:

• Initial Consultation: The journey begins with a consultation at Plaistow Dental. This is where we assess the condition of your teeth and decide the best crown type for you.
• Preparation: We’ll reshape the tooth to make room for the crown. Impressions are then made to ensure a snug fit.
• Crown Creation: Based on your impressions, your crown is perfectly crafted in a lab.
• Final Placement: Once ready, the crown is cemented into place, providing you with a renewed smile.

Types of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns offer a versatile array of options tailored to meet diverse dental needs, each characterized by unique compositions and attributes. These variations in material composition provide patients with choices that cater to their individual preferences, functional requirements, and aesthetic goals. Let’s delve into the distinct types of porcelain crowns available, highlighting their specific qualities and advantages:

• Traditional: Time-tested, offers longevity.
• Empress: Known for its life-like appearance.
• Procera: Combines durability with aesthetics.
• Lava: Uses a zirconia core for strength.
• Zirconia: Exceptionally strong, perfect for molars.
• Emax: Offers optimum aesthetics and strength.

For example, if you need a crown for a front tooth, Empress or Emax might be the top choices due to their natural appearance. Zirconia or Lava would be ideal for a molar because of their strength.

How to Care for Your Porcelain Crowns

Maintaining the longevity and radiance of your porcelain crowns requires a blend of attentive care and mindful habits. By adopting a few simple practices, you can ensure that your crowns remain both functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come:

Regular Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing diligently to prevent plaque buildup around the base of your crowns and the gum line.

Use Non-Abrasive Products: Opt for non-abrasive toothpaste and mouthwash to prevent unnecessary wear on the porcelain surface.

Avoid Excessive Force: Refrain from using your teeth to bite down on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, as this could potentially damage the crowns.

Limit Staining Substances: Minimize consumption of foods and beverages known to cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and highly pigmented foods.

Wear a Nightguard: If you tend to grind or clench your teeth at night, consider using a Nightguard to protect your crowns and natural teeth from excessive pressure.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule routine dental visits to allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your crowns and address any concerns promptly.

Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any changes, discomfort, or abnormalities with your crowns, contact your dentist for a thorough evaluation.

Integrating these practices into your oral care routine ensures that your porcelain crowns retain their pristine appearance and functionality, contributing to a confident and enduring smile.

How Much Do Porcelain Crowns Cost?

The average cost of porcelain crowns in the US can vary, but at Plaistow Dental Clinic, we ensure cost-effective quality care.

Several factors influence the cost:

• Type of Crown: For example, Emax might cost more than traditional.
• Number of Teeth: Multiple crowns will naturally cost more.
• Tooth Location: Front teeth are often more challenging than molars.
• Dentist’s Experience: Expertise can play a role in pricing.

Insurance often covers a portion of the cost, depending on your plan. At Plaistow Dental, we also provide flexible financing options, making the procedure accessible to everyone.

Porcelain Crowns on Front Teeth

When it comes to restoring front teeth, the stakes are high. These teeth are not only pivotal for functions like biting and speaking, but they’re also the most visible, playing a massive role in one’s appearance and confidence.

Your front teeth are important for numerous reasons, including:

• Aesthetics: The first thing someone notices about you is often your smile.
• Function: Front teeth assist in articulating words and starting the chewing process.

Your dentist will choose the right crown for your front teeth based on several factors:

• Shade: Ensuring the crown matches the color of your other teeth.
• Shape: The crown should mimic the natural shape for a seamless look.
• Size: A perfectly sized crown ensures optimal comfort and aesthetics.
• Fit: A snug fit is vital to avoid future complications.

You might experience a period of adjustment to your new crowns:

• Spend a few days practicing speaking to get accustomed to the feeling.
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods initially to prevent sensitivity.
• Always maintain impeccable oral hygiene to ensure longevity.

Porcelain Crowns vs Veneers

Veneers and porcelain crowns serve distinct purposes in dental aesthetics and restoration, each offering unique attributes that set them apart.

Veneers are delicate shells designed to enhance the appearance of the front teeth, focusing on improving aesthetics. In contrast, porcelain crowns provide comprehensive coverage by encasing the entire tooth, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits. Another noticeable distinction lies in their thickness – veneers are thinner than crowns, contributing to a more subtle alteration of the tooth’s appearance.

The preparation process differs, as veneers require less tooth structure removal than crowns. While crowns often exhibit greater durability and longevity, both veneers and crowns can endure over time when proper care is observed.

By understanding these differences, individuals can make informed decisions regarding the most suitable dental solution to achieve their desired outcomes.

Here is a quick summary of how to choose the right restoration:

• Chipped/Cracked Teeth: Veneers can cover imperfections seamlessly.
• Stained Teeth: Veneers are ideal, but crowns can also mask discolorations.
• Misaligned Teeth: Veneers can create an illusion of alignment.

Porcelain Crowns vs. Metal Crowns (Fused)

Metal crowns are renowned for their strength. Here’s how they contrast with porcelain crowns:

• Strength & Durability: Metal crowns are incredibly strong.
• Biocompatibility: Some metals might cause allergic reactions.
• Corrosion: Some metal crowns can corrode over time.
• Wear: Metal crowns can cause wear to opposing teeth.
• Aesthetics: Metal crowns lack the natural look of porcelain.

For those seeking the resilience of metal with the beauty of porcelain, there’s a solution: Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM). These hybrid crowns offer the robustness of metal, while the outer porcelain layer provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Porcelain Crowns at Plaistow Dental

In dentistry, porcelain crowns stand out for their perfect durability, functionality, and aesthetics blend. Whether you’re restoring front teeth, considering veneers, or weighing the benefits of metal versus porcelain, one thing is clear: porcelain crowns are an excellent choice for many dental scenarios.

At Plaistow Dental Clinic, we’re equipped with the expertise to guide you through this decision.

Book an appointment online or give us a call at (603) 382-7100.

Remember, a confident smile is just a consultation away at Plaistow Dental Clinic!