Porcelain Dental Crowns

Tooth-colored porcelain crowns restore teeth without detracting from the appearance of your smile. These dental crowns enhance your smile while also providing optimal function and strength.

Whether you have a weak tooth that needs protection or want to replace an old metal restoration, all-porcelain crowns can be an effective, aesthetically pleasing option. To schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentists in New York City, please call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344.

Porcelain Crowns to Restore Damaged Teeth

Dental crowns protect and restore teeth. In this way, they prevent further tooth damage and maintain a healthy, pleasing smile. Specifically, a tooth crown may be used for the following:

• To protect a weak, damaged tooth
• To prevent a tooth from breaking apart
• To hold together a fractured tooth
• Restoring a tooth after a root canal
• As the replacement tooth atop a dental implant
• As the support for a replacement tooth in a dental bridge

Other dentistry restorations may also be an option, depending on the exact issue you are facing. Inlays, onlays and dental fillings are a few other restorations commonly used to treat damaged, decayed or weakened teeth. Our dentists are experienced in biomimetic dentistry techniques, which means they know how to restore teeth in a way that returns the tooth to an appearance, function and strength that mimics natural tooth properties.

How Should I Care For and Maintain My Porcelain Crowns?

Porcelain crowns are maintained in the same way as your natural teeth. It is important that you brush after every meal and floss at least once a day to help prevent issues such as gum disease or infection underneath your restorations, but no special tools or care will be needed.

Because crowns can become scratched, it is a good idea to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and to avoid abrasive toothpaste (charcoal, baking soda, etc.). It may also be necessary to avoid certain mouthwashes, though this is not always the case.

During your routine visits to our office, we will evaluate your crowns to make sure they are still functioning as needed. Crowns can be replaced when necessary to help ensure consistently pleasing results.

How Will Crowns Impact My Diet?

Dental crowns are capable of restoring strength and function by replacing missing, broken, or otherwise weakened teeth. As such, dental crowns serve to restore eating abilities that may have been impacted by bite issues.

It can take a few days to adjust to the feeling of your new crowns, but once you’ve acclimated, your crowns will serve the same function as your natural teeth, enabling you to eat a full and healthy diet. It should be noted, however, that much like natural teeth, biting non-food items like pens or unforgiving things like ice and hard candy will also damage crowns.

Will My Porcelain Crowns Break?

Porcelain is exceptionally strong. This is one of the reasons it’s a great material for dental restorations. Strong is not indestructible, however. Crows can be scratched, stained, broken, and damaged from lifestyle choices such as poor oral hygiene and dietary selections.

Breaking a crown isn’t something you should expect, but it is possible. Fortunately, we can replace crowns quickly when they break, helping to keep your smile strong and attractive at all times.

Will Porcelain Crowns Stain?

Porcelain is stain-resistant. It is not stain-proof. You can help to prevent stains through proper maintenance of your crowns.

Porcelain restorations cannot be whitened. Once they have become stained, they must be replaced to restore appearance. We can replace individual crowns as needed to help keep your smile strong, stable, and attractive at all times.

What are the Potential Risks of Getting a Porcelain Crown?

All dental procedures carry inherent risks. Though rare, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the numbing medication administered during treatment. Due to the absence of metal in porcelain crowns, the risk of allergic reaction to the crown itself is virtually zero. Additional risks of getting a dental crown include temporary nerve trauma. To fit a dental crown, the dentist must reduce the damaged tooth quite a bit. This is done with a dental instrument that vibrates against enamel. Vibrations are felt by the nerve and may lead to sensitivity and mild discomfort that can take several weeks to fully resolve. Dental crowns are widely revered as necessary and successful dental restorations. The risks of treatment are very low. With good care, the risks of damaging the final crown can be well-managed.

Porcelain Crowns vs. Other Types of Crowns

Dr. Tabib and Dr. Mello use only all-porcelain crowns at NYC Smile Design. Advantages of this type of dental crown include:

• Natural tooth color matched to your teeth
• Durable, strong porcelain material
• Secure bond formed between porcelain and enamel

Another common type of crown is made of porcelain fused to a metal base. While that type of crown is quite durable, it tends to cause the tooth to have a grey or silver tint. Also, a thin line of metal can become visible along your gum line, especially if your gums begin to recede. These problems are avoided when an all-porcelain crown is used.

Patient Testimonial

"This was my first visit to NYC Smile Design. Dr Mello was great! Good bedside manner, knowledgeable, professional and thorough. She explained everything she was doing as well as her evaluation of my case. Staff was wonderful too."

How long do Porcelain Crowns last?

A dental crown can last an average of 15 years. Porcelain crowns may last anywhere from 5 years to more than 20. The longevity of the restoration is influenced by numerous factors. Patients who take excellent care of their teeth and gums should face lower chances of a crown failing. In addition to dental habits, chewing habits and lifestyle habits also contribute to the lifespan of a dental crown. Some tips for good dental crown maintenance include: Brush and floss daily as recommended by the dentist. Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. If you clench or grind your teeth, have your dentist fabricate a custom-fit night guard to protect your teeth and gums. Do not bite or chew hard foods or objects.

What are Porcelain Onlays?

Like porcelain crowns, porcelain onlays are made to resemble the natural tooth. Onlays are advantageous dental restorations that may be ideal for repairing the same injuries that dental crowns cover, but smaller. For example, a dental onlay may be recommended to restore strength to a tooth that has a minor fracture or chip on the chewing surface. This restoration could be referred to as a partial crown. It is made in a dental lab and is secured to the tooth with strong bonding material. With proper care, an onlay can last many years.

Contact us Today!

If you are interested in New York City and Manhattan porcelain crowns at NYC Smile Design, please contact our helpful team at 212-452-3344. We serve NYC and all of the surrounding areas in New York.