Porcelain Crowns - Benefits and Drawbacks

Porcelain crowns are used to cover and support damaged or discolored teeth. They can add cosmetically to the look of your smile, and they can also add structure and strength to weakened and worn teeth. Like all cosmetic dentistry procedures, there are some definite benefits and risks to these.

This specific type of crown is made entirely out of ceramic without any added metals. Dentists can make them quite natural looking, which is one of the main benefits. Gone are the days when you had to cap that tooth with a gold crown. With porcelain crowns, you can have a natural looking smile when the procedure is finished. In fact, they are considered the most aesthetically pleasing option on the market.

Besides the improved appearance, this type of crown also adds the benefit of not having any metal. Many people are becoming increasingly concerned about the long term affects of being repeatedly exposed to metal through things in your mouth. With this type of crown, you do not have to worry about this.

Of course, there are some disadvantages to this type of crown, however. In order for porcelain crowns to stick and look right, your dentist will probably need to file away some of your existing tooth structure. Getting rid of perfectly functional tooth structure maybe something you want to avoid.

Your dentist may not be able to match the edge of the crown exactly with the edge of your gum line. This means that there is an increased risk for gingival inflammation in the future. You will need to be very careful about the way in which you care for your teeth after getting a crown. For some reason, a gold crown does not cause as much of an increase in risk for gingival inflammation than a porcelain one will.

For the most part, this type of crown is sturdy and strong. However, because they do not contain metal, they may be more prone to cracking in some situations, especially when on the back teeth where you use heavy biting pressure. You may want to talk to your dentist about alternatives when you are crowning the back teeth.

One final disadvantage is the cost. It takes time and expertise to create a crown that matches the surrounding teeth perfectly. The materials necessary to make porcelain crowns are also pricier than those used metal ones. If the aesthetics are not as important to you as your wallet, you may want to choose a different option. This type of crown will cost more to create and place.

Porcelain crowns carry the benefit of giving you a natural looking beautiful smile, but they are not without their drawbacks. You will need to weigh both the drawbacks and potential benefits before making your final decision. Always consult with your dental office as well to help you in the decision making process. With their help, you should be able to decide if this type of crown is right for your needs.