Cosmetic Dentistry – Porcelain Crowns & Bridges

PORCELAIN CROWNS & BRIDGES

Cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sean Kutlay, provides porcelain crowns and bridges to return strength to damaged teeth and to replace missing teeth. While the two are different dental prostheses, crowns are an integral part of every bridge. Both play a role in our journey to provide you an amazing smile.

When a tooth either has extensive decay or inherent problems such as a crack or chip, we use a crown to return function, strength and stability. A crown is a porcelain restoration that covers a cracked or chipped tooth. In addition to damaged teeth, crowns can be used to cover misshapen teeth or to fill uneven gaps. They also serve as the anchors for dental bridges.

What Problems Can Porcelain Crowns Correct for You?

  • Teeth with overly large fillings
  • Severely worn teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Broken or fractured teeth
  • Heavily decayed teeth
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Severely discolored teeth
  • Teeth that have had a root canal
  • Teeth on both sides of a bridge

What is a Porcelain Crown?

When a tooth either has extensive decay or inherent problems such as a crack or chip, we use a crown to return function and strength. A crown is a porcelain restoration that covers a cracked or chipped tooth to help your tooth function and gain back strength.

In addition to damaged teeth, crowns can be used to cover misshapen teeth or to fill uneven gaps. They also serve as the anchors for dental bridges

Am I a Candidate for A Porcelain Crown?

If you have cracked, chipped, misshapen teeth, or if you have a dental bridge, then you may be an ideal candidate for a porcelain crown.

During your initial consultation, we will be able to better determine whether or not a porcelain crown is right for you.

What is the Procedure for A Porcelain Crown and How Are They Placed?

Placing a porcelain crown requires two visits. During your first visit, we prepare the tooth. Decayed or damaged areas of the tooth are removed and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. To make room for the crown, we then reduce a portion of the tooth enamel. Following that, we make impressions and photos to send to the dental lab to create your porcelain crown. Fabrication takes about two weeks, and we place a temporary crown on your tooth in the meantime.

When your crown is finished you return for your second appointment. First, we check the fit and color match of your crown. We may make some minor adjustments to ensure the perfect it. Then we cement the crown onto your tooth permanently.

How Long Do Crowns Last?

With proper care, there is no upper limit to how long porcelain crowns can last. Their lifespan is often contingent upon the health of the underlying tooth and surrounding gums, which will depend on your home care and dental hygiene. Generally, we see crowns lasting between 15-20 years.

Porcelain Crown Maintenance.

Taking care of your dental crowns is pretty straightforward. Just like you usually would, make sure to brush and floss your teeth and dental crowns at least twice a day, and come into see Dr. Kutlay and his dental team every six months for preventative dental cleanings. If your crown chips or breaks at any point, schedule an appointment with our office and we will get it taken care of.

Porcelain Crowns vs. Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that are applied only to the fronts of the teeth. They are typically only used as part of a cosmetic smile makeover. A crown completely covers the tooth and returns strength to a tooth that is damaged or heavily decayed.