Tulsa Porcelain Crowns

It used to be that when porcelain was used for a crown, it had to be fused to a metal foundation in order to be strong enough, but not anymore. With the latest advancements in bonding technology, crowns can be made out of all porcelain, even the foundation. What this means for you is a more beautiful, natural looking crown.

What is a porcelain crown?

Sometimes called caps, a porcelain crown is a dental restoration that completely covers a natural tooth. It is used when a tooth with a healthy root has been damaged in some way. Some common uses for crowns are with broken teeth and teeth damaged by decay. Its purpose is both to protect the damage tooth and improve appearance.

All porcelain crowns versus porcelain fused to metal

Look at the picture on the bottom left. When porcelain has to be fused to metal, it requires an opaquer layer that detracts from the natural translucency of the restoration. Notice how the teeth don’t look quite like natural teeth. It is almost as if someone put a thin layer of paint on the teeth. As time goes by, porcelain fused to metal crowns also tend to develop a dark line at the gum line, which is distracting to people looking at your smile.

Now notice the picture on the right. This is the same smile, but with all porcelain crowns. Look at the natural translucency of her teeth. There are variations and subtleties in the color that you can only get with all porcelain crowns, and they will never develop a dark line at the gumline.

There are some precautions to take. While all porcelain crowns are strong enough for your front teeth, your back molars receive more pressure, so we generally avoid placing them there. Some new ceramics are extremely strong, so we are making some exceptions to that rule, but porcelain fused to metal is still the strongest porcelain crown. Also, it takes advanced bonding technology and cosmetic skill to place them correctly, so you will want to make sure you are going to a qualified, artistic cosmetic dentist.

If you think you may need a crown, you may request an appointment with our office.