Porcelain Crowns

What are Porcelain Crowns?

Porcelain crowns, or dental caps, are prosthetic devices that fit over the entire tooth surface to restore its shape, size, and functionality. Dental crowns focus on covering damaged or unattractive teeth, offering a long-lasting solution that’s indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Unlike fillings, which plug up smaller cavities, or veneers, which cover only the front of the tooth, a porcelain crown encases the entire tooth. It’s often the go-to procedure for teeth that are significantly decayed, cracked, or discolored. The cap is personalized to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.

Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

• Improved Aesthetics: The most immediate and visible benefit of porcelain crowns is their enhancement to your smile. Whether you have teeth that are severely discolored, misshapen, or crooked, a crown can provide a beautiful, symmetrical look.
• Durability and Longevity: Porcelain crowns can withstand the rigors of everyday use, lasting much longer than standard fillings or bonding procedures. With proper care, they can have a lifespan of 10-15 years or more, making them a wise and enduring investment in your oral health.
• Functionality and Comfort: Aesthetics aside, porcelain crowns contribute to your mouth’s overall function and comfort. If your teeth have weakened due to large fillings, root canals, or fractures, crowns can provide the reinforcement needed to keep your bite balanced and your teeth stable.
• Oral Health: Porcelain crowns can be vital in maintaining oral health. By protecting a damaged tooth from further decay, you’re not only preventing potential pain but also ensuring that the internal structures of the tooth remain intact.

The Porcelain Crown Fitting Process

When getting a porcelain crown, you can expect a typical two-step process. However, you will consult Dr. David Sun before proceeding with any procedure. During the consultation, Dr. Sun will examine your oral health and go over your goals. After the consultation, we can begin the following steps to restore and enhance your smile.

1. Preparation: We will prepare the tooth to receive the tooth. This may involve removing a portion of the natural tooth to create space for the cap. After preparation, Dr. Sun will take an impression of your tooth, and we will then send the impressions to a dental lab to create your custom crown. You will wear a temporary crown until the custom crown is ready. 
2. Permanent Crown: Once your new crown is ready, we will have you come in to have the temporary crown removed. We will then place the new crown and cement it. Dr. Sun will make final adjustments to ensure the fit is perfect and your bite is preserved. 

Aftercare

Proper aftercare is vital to the longevity of your porcelain crown. Although the crown itself cannot decay, the underlying tooth and the gum line are still susceptible to damage or infection, which can compromise the integrity of the crown. Regular brushing and flossing around the crown, as well as routine dental check-ups, are essential. Dr. Sun may recommend unique care products or techniques to help you keep your crown and the rest of your mouth in top shape.

Porcelain Crowns in Houston, TX

With the exceptional care you can receive from our highly-educated dentist, Dr. David Sun, you can always expect the best here at Park West Dental. Dr. Sun has undergone the necessary training, having obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from NYU College of Dentistry before returning to serve the wonderful community of Houston, Texas. 

So, if you have been looking to improve the aesthetics of your smile but also maintain the health and functionality of your teeth, porcelain crowns are a fantastic solution we offer at our office. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sun today to see if they are the best option for your unique dental needs. With porcelain crowns, your dental health and radiant smile are well within reach.