Everyone wants a beautiful smile. However, you may need some help getting it. Also referred to as dental caps, porcelain crowns can give you the type of smile you always wanted. To make your porcelain crowns, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. They will then customize a porcelain cap and adhere it to your teeth.
In addition to restoring or improving the shape, size, and function of your teeth, dental crowns can strengthen your teeth. Porcelain crowns look like a tooth-shaped, hollow cap that a dentist places over a prepared natural tooth, cementing it in place. The crown completely covers the visible part of the tooth lying above the gum line.
Other Reasons to Get Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are also helpful in implant cases. Do you have missing teeth as a result of an accident, decay, or disease? If you do, your dentist can replace your missing teeth with dental crowns. A dental implant inserted into the jawbone will hold the porcelain crown in place and support it where there is no root structure or natural tooth to do so.
How Are Porcelain Crowns Different From Other Types of Dental Crowns?
Dentists use various materials to make dental crowns. These include porcelain, metal alloys, ceramic, composite resin, and even gold. Your dentist will decide on the best material to use based on various factors. These include your gum tissue, the position of the tooth in your mouth, the color of the teeth getting crowned, and your personal preferences.
Most people choose porcelain crowns since they tend to look almost identical to natural teeth. They also allow teeth to function just as they did before. However, you need to understand that porcelain is not as flexible as natural tooth enamel. Therefore, you may need to avoid certain foods after getting porcelain crowns.
How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns should last for around 15 years. If you take good care of them, they can last for up to 30 years. Porcelain crowns, in particular, can last anywhere from five to 15 years.
How to Make Your Dental Crowns Last Longer
The durability of your porcelain crowns will depend on several factors. These include your dental habits, normal wear and tear, and maintenance of your porcelain crowns. Some of the things you can do to increase the longevity of your crowns include:
Avoid chewing on hard objects such as candy, fingernails, and ice.
Brush and floss your teeth every day.
If you can help it, avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth when asleep, get a custom-made nightguard to protect your natural teeth and dental crown.
Go for regular dental checkups to ensure your porcelain crown is in good shape.
If you follow these tips and take good care of your porcelain crowns, they should last a very long time. Dental health can be very complicated, and every mouth is different. Therefore, you should continue seeing your dentist regularly to ensure you are doing the right things to make your crowns last as long as possible.
To learn more about porcelain crowns, visit Marietta Smile Gallery at our office in Marietta, Georgia. You can call 770-809-1500 today to schedule an appointment.
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