Porcelain crowns are nearly always paired with teeth that undergo root canal therapy. It’s natural to think that this is their only function, but they can do so much more. In fact, porcelain crowns are used as both restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry solutions, making them one of the most versatile dental treatments available.
Porcelain Crowns as Restorations
Restorative dentistry is all about fixing what’s broken, what isn’t working, what isn’t right. Dental crowns fit into this category superbly because they can do so many things to improve your oral health and the form and function of your smile:
- Decayed tooth: Tooth decay can be small or it can run deep. If you have a very large cavity, your dentist may recommend a porcelain crown instead of a filling. Sometimes, problematic areas are simply not strong enough to hold onto a filling without compromising the rest of the tooth. A crown covers the tooth completely for a full restoration.
- Post-root canal therapy repair: Root canal therapy is treatment for an infected tooth. To get to the inner workings of a tooth, its enamel must be drilled away, and the best way to cover this treated tooth is with a porcelain crown. The crown protects the tooth and makes it look beautiful too.
- Weak tooth: You know when you have a weak tooth – it is susceptible to cavities, chips, cracks, and other oral health problems. Any weak part of your smile can be reinforced with a customized dental crown.
- Dental bridge anchor: A missing tooth is often replaced with a dental bridge, a restoration that clasps to the teeth on other side of the space in your smile. The bridge is anchored in placed with crowns that make it strong and long-lasting.
- Large filling: When a tooth has a large filling, it’s already a little compromised. Fillings do strengthen a tooth, but sometimes a filled area is so big that even the slightest pressure on it can damage the restoration. A crown can take the place of a broken or damaged filling that simply can’t be effectively repaired with another tooth-colored filling.
Cosmetic Benefits of Dental Crowns
In short, a porcelain crown is used cosmetically to fix any unsightly tooth. We’ve all seen teeth like this, the ones that don’t fit into a smile. They stand out far too much and draw attention to themselves, interrupting the beauty of a smile. With a crown or two in place, a smile becomes flawless, symmetrical, and is noticed for its beauty and not its flaws.
Some of the most common cosmetic uses for porcelain crowns include adding these caps to:
- Misshapen teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps and spaces
- Cracked teeth
Porcelain crowns are versatile, strong, and have great longevity. They look natural and fit seamlessly into a smile. If you have any complaints about your teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chi Fu at Chester Hill Dentistry in Rye, NY, to find out if crowns can work for you.