Porcelain crowns are custom-made tooth caps designed to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. They are meticulously crafted to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, making them an ideal choice for both cosmetic and functional purposes.
These crowns serve various purposes, such as:
Restoring Damaged Teeth: Porcelain crowns are used to repair teeth with cracks, fractures, or extensive decay.
Improving Tooth Appearance: They can enhance the aesthetics of your smile by concealing discolored or misshapen teeth.
Strengthening Weakened Teeth: When teeth are structurally compromised, crowns provide much-needed support.
Anchoring Dental Bridges: Porcelain crowns can anchor bridges, effectively replacing missing teeth.
Porcelain crowns come in different types, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here are some of the most common types:
E Max crowns are known for their natural appearance, making them an excellent choice for visible teeth. They consist of several layers of porcelain, providing a lifelike translucency that mimics natural teeth. These crowns are a popular choice for front teeth due to their aesthetic qualities.
Monolithic E Max crowns are made from a single block of porcelain. They are exceptionally durable and resistant to chipping, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. These crowns are known for their strength and longevity.
Zirconium crowns are made from a robust and biocompatible material called zirconia. These crowns are incredibly strong and suitable for back teeth that require heavy chewing forces. They also offer a natural appearance and are resistant to staining.
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) crowns are unique because they are designed and fabricated on-site using advanced CAD/CAM technology. This means you can often get a CEREC crown in a single dental appointment, saving you time and reducing the need for temporary crowns.
The cost of porcelain crowns can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of crown, the location of the dental practice, and whether dental insurance covers the procedure. On average, you can expect to pay between $800 to $2,000 per crown. It's essential to consult with your dentist to get an accurate estimate based on your specific case.
Knowing when you might need a porcelain crown is crucial for maintaining your oral health. Here are some common situations in which your dentist might recommend a porcelain crown:
To Protect a Weak Tooth: When a tooth is structurally compromised due to extensive decay, fractures, or large fillings, a crown can provide strength and stability.
To Restore a Broken Tooth: If you've broken a tooth due to trauma or injury, a crown can restore its shape, function, and appearance.
For Cosmetic Enhancements: Crowns can be used to cover discolored, misshapen, or poorly spaced teeth, enhancing your smile's aesthetics.
After a Root Canal: Teeth that have undergone a root canal treatment are often capped with a crown to protect them from further damage.
To Support Dental Bridges: If you're missing one or more teeth, crowns can anchor dental bridges, filling the gaps in your smile.
Discover the smile transformation you've been waiting for! Legacy Dental in Salt Lake City, UT offers top-notch dental crowns and a range of cosmetic procedures. Get in touch with us today to schedule your online consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more radiant smile.
