The Surprising Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

If one of your molars has tooth decay or damage, you may think the best way to address it and repair your tooth is with a metal crown. While that was true for many years, porcelain crowns are now increasingly used, thanks to advances in restorative dentistry.

At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, Family and cosmetic dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, uses porcelain crowns to help preserve teeth and support natural-looking smiles. Keep reading to learn how porcelain crowns work and discover some of their surprising benefits. 

What is a porcelain crown?

A porcelain crown is a tooth-shaped covering that’s bonded on top of a damaged or decaying molar. Once placed, the crown envelopes your entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, and appearance. 

Porcelain crowns are different from metal crowns in that we can match them to the natural shade of your enamel. We ensure they blend in with your surrounding teeth, allowing you to speak, smile, and laugh confidently.

Benefits of porcelain crowns

Porcelain crowns offer various benefits, including:

Strength and protection

When a molar is damaged or develops a cavity, your tooth enamel breaks down, increasing the risk of pain and sensitivity. Without prompt treatment, these issues can also lead to dental extractions, affecting your gums and the health of your surrounding teeth.

Porcelain crowns prevent further decay and fractures. Because they restore your tooth’s size and shape, you can continue eating your favorite foods, even those that are hard or crunchy. 

Natural appearance

Many people with metal crowns feel self-conscious when they open their mouths because the silver amalgam doesn’t blend in with their teeth. As a result, they may go out of their way to avoid social settings or think twice about speaking and laughing.

Porcelain crowns match your natural tooth color and look so similar to your existing teeth that people often tell us their friends and family don’t realize they’ve had any work done. 

Improved function

When molars experience damage or develop decay, it can affect your chewing and biting abilities. Uneven chewing surfaces can make these symptoms more noticeable, making it difficult to eat comfortably. 

Since porcelain crowns restore your tooth’s shape and size and provide a protective barrier, you don’t need to worry about further breakdown. This is especially true if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). 

Long-lasting durability

Porcelain crowns typically last between 10 and 15 years*, and sometimes longer, depending on how well you care for them. The material is also stain-resistant, so you can continue to enjoy coffee, red wine, and foods that stain without worrying about them affecting your appearance.

To keep your crown in good shape, it’s important to brush and floss regularly and visit our office for preventive care. These steps can help maintain its durability over time. 

A porcelain crown can restore your smile and confidence

If you think you might have a cavity, or you simply want to replace a metal crown with a more aesthetically pleasing porcelain crown, we can help.  To make an appointment, call SolidSMILES Dental today or book your visit online.

*Individual results may vary.