Porcelain Crowns | Dentist in Athens, GA
Why You May Need a Dental Crown
Crowns are used when a tooth is broken or cracked to the point where a filling is not an option or as a cosmetic solution to broken, oddly shaped, or decayed teeth. If this describes your situation, you may be a perfect candidate for an appointment with a porcelain crowns dentist. Dental crowns are needed for protection when a tooth is weakened through decay or extreme cavities. They can also be used to cover a dental implant or to hold a dental bridge in place.
When To Use Porcelain Crowns – Dentist Recommendations
Though they make up the center focus of our face, our smiles are extremely delicate. There are many ways to damage our teeth. If you have cracked or chipped a tooth, it can take a toll on how you feel about your smile. Porcelain crowns put in by experienced dentist, William Rice, DDS, out of Athens, GA are your finest option to get your smile back to leaving a great first impression.
According to many cosmetic dental service providers, porcelain crowns are a top choice for reconstruction. They are made of a durable porcelain composite material and can effectively replicate both the appearance and function of natural teeth. Porcelain crowns give you back a healthy, beautiful smile and improve your teeth functionality.
Besides a cracked or chipped tooth, there are many other reasons your dentist may suggest a porcelain crown. Cosmetically, you may wish to alter the color or shape of your tooth to match the rest of your smile. The crown is also a useful solution after a root canal. Root canals require a crown to protect the tooth that has just been repaired. It is also a possible answer to a failed filling. The crown will allow the damaged tooth to regain proper function.
When a tooth is too damaged to be repaired using a filling, your dentist may use a dental crown to replace the entire visible tooth surface with a natural, functional crown. Unlike traditional metal crowns, porcelain crowns are indistinguishable from natural teeth, both in appearance and function. In fact, the porcelain composite material used for your crown can strengthen your natural tooth so it is less susceptible to damage from chipping, pitting, and breakage.
Benefits and Advantages of Dental Crowns – Porcelain:
- Natural appearance and function
- A solution to cosmetic dissatisfaction with your smile
- Can be put in after a root canal or instead of a filling
- Aid in overall oral health, avoiding shifting, gum recession, and tooth damage
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
A dental crown, or tooth crown, is a cap that is placed over a tooth. These caps are shaped to the individual tooth. It is used to regain the general appearance of the tooth, including shape, size, and function. When the crown is cemented into place fully, it encases the entire visible portion of a tooth.
Dentist William Rice, DDS, has years of experience installing dental crowns. The procedure of placing the crown is done in the dentist office, often following a root canal or large filling. A tooth crown may also be placed when a dental bridge is being put in. It follows the placement of a temporary crown after the initial procedure. Dr. Rice ensures that the crown is the proper size and color for your teeth before placing. A dental crown fits snugly up to the gum line.
Benefits and Advantages of Dental Crowns:
- Natural appearance to restore shape and size
- Can be a fix for cracked or broken teeth
- Fully covers the visible part of a tooth
- Can be placed following a root canal
Make an appointment with Dentist William Rice, DDS, to have your crown placed today.
Dental Cosmetics | Porcelain Vs. Ceramic Crowns
What is the difference between ceramic crowns and porcelain crowns, and why does it matter? Technology advancements in dentistry in recent years have made it easier for patients to receive the dental care they need while still considering aesthetics. Ceramic and porcelain crowns each have their advantages, but it is important to understand the differences so you can choose the one that is right for you. The main difference is the material that is used to construct the crown – all-ceramic material vs. porcelain dental crowns. Porcelain crowns are a specific type of ceramic. Both types of material are made to match your tooth color and a dentist may use either to reconstruct your front or back teeth.
Both ceramic and porcelain crowns are exceptionally durable and strong options, so you can have the peace of mind that your new crown will not fall out when you are eating, sleeping, or engaging in physical activity. These types of crowns should last 25+ years with suitable dental care. However, you may experience wear and tear that could require repairs along the way. Porcelain crowns are almost always “porcelain-fused-to-metal” crowns (or PFM crowns), and other ceramics tend to not include any metal.
Without metal, ceramic can be a bit more brittle and sensitive to wear and grinding compared to porcelain crowns, but they will not show any metal at the top of your tooth in the event that your gums begin to recede. All-ceramic options are also more resistant to temperature changes, which helps to lessen tooth sensitivity. For these two reasons, ceramic tends to be the top choice for front teeth, while porcelain crowns, slightly more resistant to cracks, tend to be the top choice for smile-visible back teeth for the extra support.
Reach out to us today to schedule and appointment with Dr. William Rice to discuss the best option for your dental cosmetic needs.
Dental Cosmetics | Crowns Vs. Veneers
Dental crowns and veneers are used to restore the function and aesthetic of your teeth and smile. If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, you may be wondering which option is the most appropriate for you. The main difference between dental crowns and veneers is the tooth coverage. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth and fit snugly to the gum line, and veneers cover only the front of your tooth. Dr. Rice has a high success rate with both, and they are mutually viable options depending on your specific needs.
Veneers are usually made of porcelain and are super thin. Dental crowns, as discussed above, can be porcelain-fused-to-metal (PMF) or another type of ceramic. Dental crowns are twice as thick as veneers. Veneers are bonded to the front of your tooth, so the procedure is less invasive. Crowns require a more intensive grinding of the natural teeth underneath the prosthetic. Selecting the right option for your tooth problem will be contingent upon the condition of your tooth or teeth.
Here are some reasons you may be considering veneers or dental crowns for your teeth:
- Crooked teeth
- Weak teeth, prone to break (dental crowns)
- Decaying teeth (dental crowns)
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Discoloration of your teeth
As previously mentioned, the color of the crown placed on your tooth will be matched to your natural tooth color. The same method is followed for veneers. There are, however, circumstances in which veneers will not work for a broken tooth case. A veneer requires enough enamel remaining from your tooth for the bonding process to work, so if too much of the tooth has come off, Dr. Rice would recommend dental crowns. You may also have a decayed tooth; in which case the decayed enamel would be removed before the crown is placed. This will likely call for a dental crown as well.
Pros & Cons of Porcelain Crowns
Just like any dental procedure, the various options all have advantages and disadvantages. Check out this list of benefits and drawbacks as it pertains to porcelain crowns, or porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns:
Advantages
- Covers the entire tooth
- Exceptional protection from decay
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Matches your other teeth
- Relatively permanent – lasts 25+ years
- Dental insurance usually covers a portion of the procedure
Disadvantages
- Enamel removal is usually required
- Subject to heat and cold sensitivity
- Metal alloy may be slightly visible at the outline of the tooth
What Is the Process of Getting a Crown?
You may be wondering what the process is like to get a crown placed and how long it might take to prepare for and complete the procedure. Here is a step-by-step guide of what you can expect, starting with your first dentist office visit with Dr. Rice for a consultation:
- Dr. Rice will create an impression of the tooth that you need treated with a mold.
- He may set a temporary crown over the tooth for functionality until your new crown is ready.
- The mold of your tooth will be sent to the lab so they can manufacture the crown to fit your mouth perfectly.
- Once the dentist receives the new crown back from the lab, you will have your appointment to remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent and personalized crown.
- Setting the permanent crown is a bit more involved than the temporary crown because the dentist will need to make adjustments to the new crown to make sure that it fits your mouth shape correctly and is in the right position.
- Once Dr. Rice has your customized crown in the right place, he will cement it into place using special bonding material and a curing light. This assures longevity of the crown.
Your exact process may vary depending on your personalized treatment plan.
Does Your Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover around 60% of a crown, including the consultation appointment, molding visit, creation of the crown, and the final procedure. Call our dentist office now to see if Dr. Rice is in your network!
If you do not have dental insurance, do not let that be an issue. Dr. William Rice also accepts CareCredit, which is a healthcare credit card designed for your health, beauty, and wellness needs. It is a way to pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments. CareCredit helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for you, your family, and even your pets! Once you are approved, you can use it again and again to help manage health, wellness, and personal care costs not covered by insurance. Read more about CareCredit or apply for CareCredit now.
Dental prices will vary depending on your specific need and aesthetic selections.
What Should You Ask Your Dentist?
You may have other questions that were not answered here. Check out our frequently asked questions page for other common considerations when considering your dental visit.
Additionally, here are some dental questions you may consider asking Dr. Rice upon your arrival for your first visit, so you can get the answers from our dentist that are most appropriate and specific to your situation.
- Should I consider other options like dentures or other dental implants?
- If we do decide that a crown is the best route for me, which material is best for my situation?
- Do I need to wear a mouth guard to prevent grinding down on the new crown?
- What special care should I take once I have the crown?
- Does my dental insurance cover additional visits if the crown needs to be adjusted?
Keep in mind that crowns are not the same as dental implants. Dental implants are used to replace a tooth that has been entirely removed, and then a crown goes over it for protection and aesthetic.
Porcelain Dental Crowns
In conclusion, porcelain crowns from Dr. William Rice are a great option for your cosmetic dental needs, whether you need a chipped tooth restored, protection for a weak tooth from decay, to support a tooth with a filling, to hold a dental bridge or implant, or simply to cover discolored or crooked teeth for a more confident smile! There are many different crown options such as stainless steel, metal, resin, and all all-ceramic. For the dental advantages of durability and security and the advantages of a cosmetically appealing smile, porcelain crowns tend to be the best option. Once your dentist has established your new permanent crown, here are some tips to consider when caring for your teeth:
- Use dental floss carefully and thoughtfully around the new crown by sliding the floss out instead of pulling on it.
- Avoid eating extra chewy or sticky foods, like candy or gum
- At least at first, try to use the side of your mouth that does not have the new crown as much as possible.
- Avoid eating extra hard foods that could dislodge or break the crown