What Is a Porcelain Crown?
Question: My dentist says she wants to do a
porcelain crown on my front tooth? Why does she need to do a crown? Can't
she just do bonding?
Answer: It's difficult for me to answer whether or
not you need this without seeing your case. A porcelain crown
is much stronger than bonding, and that is the justification for doing it.
But let me take this opportunity to explain a little
more about porcelain crowns. Just saying "porcelain crown" doesn't explain
enough what your dentist is doing. There is a great deal of difference
between a pure porcelain crown and a
porcelain fused to metal crown.
General dentists favor porcelain fused to metal
crowns because they are much easier to place, and they don't require
sophisticated bonding technology.
Cosmetic dentists, however, strongly favor, for
front teeth, all-porcelain crowns. Since these
have no metal in them, they can be made translucent, just like your
natural teeth. When these are well-made, it is difficult to tell them
from a natural tooth.
Dental schools generally teach the techniques for
porcelain fused to metal crowns. Doing an all-porcelain one well
requires extra training and artistic ability, and we strongly recommend
that a patient go to an expert cosmetic dentist for this service.
|
Porcelain
fused to metal crowns. Note the opaque, lifeless look and the dark
black
line at the gumline.
Click on the photo to see a more detailed view. |
Here the
porcelain fused to metal crowns have been replaced by beautiful
all-ceramic crowns by Dr. Sue LeBlanc of Hammond, Louisiana. See our
Louisiana page
for more information about Dr. LeBlanc.
Click on the photo to see a more detailed view. |
Related information:
