Porcelain Crowns

• What are Dental Crowns?
• When Do You Need a Crown?
• Dental Crown Uses
• Porcelain Crowns Materials
• Porcelain Crowns Process
• Porcelain Crowns Appearance
• Porcelain Crowns Results
• Porcelain Crowns Care
• Porcelain Crowns Alternatives
• Porcelain Crowns Cost

What are Dental Crowns?

Porcelain crowns are a form of dental restoration that can help provide support to teeth that have been weakened by large fillings, root canals, cracks, or serious wear. They are bonded to the teeth using dental cement and form what is essentially a “cap,” providing protection and stability to the treated tooth. In addition to their functional applications, dental crowns can also be an effective cosmetic dentistry solution. Since they are designed to fully cover and encircle the tooth, they can help disguise a variety of aesthetic concerns, including discoloration, chips, gaps, misshaping, and even minor misalignment.

When a porcelain crown is placed by a skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr. Miller or Dr. Williams, it can blend seamlessly into your surrounding teeth for a beautiful, natural-looking result. Dr. Miller often incorporates porcelain crowns into her award-winning smile makeover treatments!

When Do You Need a Crown?

A porcelain crown is often recommended when a tooth is so weakened that a filling alone won’t be strong enough to restore it. The tooth could be broken, cracked, excessively worn, deeply discolored, and/or have a large amount of decay or a large old filling. Crowns are also often recommended following root canals, as those teeth generally require more protection.

In cases where a crown is a purely cosmetic measure, Dr. Miller or Dr Williams will consult with you regarding your goals. They may then either move forward with a porcelain crown treatment or recommend a different cosmetic dentistry solution, such as porcelain veneers.

What Are Dental Crowns Used For?

Thanks to the restorative versatility of porcelain crowns, the treatment can be utilized to address a variety of different dental concerns. Crowns can be implemented on their own to strengthen a fragile or damaged tooth, or they can be placed in tandem with other procedures.

Additional applications for dental crowns include:

• Topping dental implant posts
• Protecting teeth after a root canal
• Cosmetic improvements for stained, worn, or otherwise damaged teeth
• Anchoring dental bridges

What are Dental Crowns Made Of?

The all-porcelain crowns at Hamburg Expressions are metal-free and made of a durable, high-quality dental ceramic. Historically, a metal foundation was required for a crown to provide adequate strength. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are functional, but they present some esthetic issues. Many patients who have received porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns notice a dark line that develops along their gumline, which only becomes more prominent with time as the gums recede further. Crowns that contain metal also do not reflect light the same way that natural teeth do, which makes it harder for them to blend in with your natural teeth. Plus, metal-sensitivities and allergies can pose a risk to the long-term health of patients who receive metal-containing dental restorations. Please visit our metal-free dentistry section to learn more.

The appearance of your smile is important, and Dr. Miller and Dr. Williams believe that crowns, especially those placed on the front teeth, should be as discreet and natural-looking as possible. With modern advances in bonding technology and techniques, all-ceramic crowns have proven to be a durable, more cosmetically appealing alternative to metal-containing crowns. Our dentists have extensive experience with the advanced techniques required to place these restorations, enabling them to help patients obtain healthy, beautiful smiles.

How are Porcelain Crowns Made?

The in-house dental laboratory at Hamburg Expressions allows nearly all of our dental restorations—including porcelain crowns—to be made on-site, often on the same day as your appointment. Dr. Miller’s husband, Neil Miller, CDT, CMT, is our master ceramist, and he can create your custom restoration using advanced CEREC^® CAD/CAM computer technology. He will also create a customized stain for the crown and continuously manipulate the gradation until it blends in flawlessly with your surrounding teeth. This eliminates the need for the crown to be sent out to an off-site lab, expediting the process and saving you the stress of waiting to see what the finished crown will look like. Even the most talented cosmetic dentist offices will usually require the patient to return multiple times to achieve a perfect match, but not Hamburg Expressions. Our on-site lab allows the preparation, fabrication, and final fitting of your crown to be completed during the same appointment.

What Do Porcelain Dental Crowns Look Like?

A porcelain dental crown acts as a “cap” that covers the entirety of the tooth surface. At Hamburg Expressions, each crown is customized to the individual for optimal function and aesthetics. Dr. Miller, Dr Williams, and Neil collaborate closely in order to ensure that the final crown is the correct shade, shape, size, and opacity in order to blend in naturally with the rest of a patient’s smile. Once placed, the crown should be virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.

How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last?

Advancements in dental technology have made it so that the high-quality dental ceramics used to craft our porcelain crowns are stronger and more durable than ever, capable of lasting for over a decade with proper care. That said, the longevity of your porcelain crown(s) can be influenced by a number of factors, including your lifestyle habits and overall oral health. In order to safeguard your restoration, Dr. Miller and Dr Williams recommend avoiding tobacco products, wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or engaging in activities with a higher probability of impact, and maintaining good oral health by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. If you clench or grind your teeth, they may also recommend wearing a nightguard while you sleep in order to prevent unnecessary wear on both your crowns and natural teeth.

How Do I Care For My Porcelain Dental Crowns?

Taking care of dental crowns typically consists of adhering to a good oral hygiene routine and attending your regularly scheduled dental check-ups. Continue to brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use antibacterial mouthwash if need be. It is also recommended that patients avoid particularly hard or sticky foods, like popcorn kernels and caramel, as those items can potentially dislodge or damage your new crown. For patients who grind their teeth—a condition known as bruxism—our dentists can discuss potential solutions with you in order to protect your dental crowns from accruing excessive wear. During your twice yearly dental cleanings, your dentist can evaluate the condition of your crowns and provide individualized tips for enhancing their longevity.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a versatile solution to a range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry concerns, but there are alternative treatments that may be more appropriate in certain circumstances.

Dental Bonding
Ideal for treating minor chips, cracks, or gaps, dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin to repair and reshape teeth. Dental bonding may be indicated in cases where there is only mild damage to the tooth in order to preserve more of the natural tooth structure.

Dental Veneers
Thin porcelain or composite shells placed on the front of teeth, veneers offer a cosmetic solution for discoloration, mild crookedness, or slight damage. They are less invasive than crowns but don’t provide the same level of coverage and structural support. 

Tooth-Colored Fillings
Used primarily for cavities, metal-free tooth-colored composite fillings blend with natural teeth. They are a conservative option for smaller repairs but lack the strength and coverage of crowns.

Each alternative has its own benefits, depending on the severity and location of the issue.

How Much Do Porcelain Crowns Cost?

At Hamburg Expressions, the overall price of porcelain crowns can be influenced by a number of factors, including insurance coverage and what type of work—if any—needs to be done in advance of placing the crown. Our experienced team can provide you with a personalized cost quote after we have had a chance to assess your unique needs. Dr. Miller, Dr. Williams, and Neil firmly believe that high-quality dental care should be as affordable as possible, which is why we accept most dental insurance plans and offer a range of payment and financing options. Our experienced staff will work with you in order to figure out the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions for your budget and dental needs. We also accept financing through CareCredit^®, a trusted third-party healthcare lender.

For more information on porcelain dental crowns and other restorative dental treatments, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller or Dr. Williams.