Transform Your Smile With Porcelain Crowns: Everything You Need to Know

If you feel low in confidence and are afraid to socialize or show your grin, this article is for you. Porcelain veneers can boost your confidence and refine your smile by improving the appearance of your teeth. 

Below is a guide through getting porcelain crowns in California, the post-treatment care, and the cost of the treatment. Continue reading to learn more about how porcelain crowns can transform your smile.

Understanding Porcelain Crowns

These refer to customized coverings made from high-quality ceramic used to encase your tooth if it’s decayed or damaged. They are used when a significant portion of the tooth structure is lost. 

There are many porcelain crown benefits. Porcelain crowns are designed to look like your teeth, including natural-looking texture, shape, and color, ensuring your natural appearance is preserved.

Getting Porcelain Crowns: The Procedure

If you are considering getting porcelain crowns, below is a breakdown of the procedure. Understanding the process can boost your confidence and help you prepare for treatment.

Examination

At this stage, the dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays and impressions to assess the condition of the affected teeth.

Tooth Preparation

Once the damage is assessed, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel to create space for the crown. The dentist may recommend additional dental work before crown placement if the damage is extensive.

Impressions and Temporary Crown

The dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be fitted to protect your teeth.

Crown Fabrication

The dentist will make permanent porcelain crowns using dental impressions to match your natural teeth’ shape, color, and size.

Crown Placement

Once the permanent crowns are ready, you will go in for the final step; placement. The temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown fitted and bonded.

The results of the procedure are noticeable immediately after the surgery. With proper care, porcelain crowns could last decades without requiring multiple procedures. 

Below is information on how to care for porcelain crowns.

Caring for Porcelain Crowns

After the procedure, you will need to adopt a care routine for your teeth to ensure the results last long.

  • Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly to keep the crowns clean and get rid of bad breath.
  • Protect your porcelain crowns.
  • Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or packages. Putting porcelain crowns under immense pressure can lead to breakage.
  • Go for dental check-ups.
  • Schedule for professional cleaning and examination to ensure all defects and cracks are addressed promptly. This will ensure the longevity and health of your porcelain crown.

What Is the Cost of Porcelain Crowns in California?

The price of porcelain crowns varies depending on the clinic, the number of crowns needed, the treatment’s complexity, and the dentist’s expertise. Therefore, getting porcelain crowns in California may cost between $800 and $2,500. However, in some cases, dental insurance may cover part of the bill depending on your insurance and dental plan.

Finding a Skilled Dentist

Going through a dental procedure can be a nervous experience. However, by finding a skilled and experienced dentist, you can remain confident that the results will exceed your expectations. To find a skilled dentist in California, start by looking for a specialist in cosmetic dentistry with a track record of delivering excellent results. Ask for before and after photos of previous clients so you can have peace of mind knowing your porcelain crowns will be expertly crafted and perfectly matched to your natural teeth.

Porcelain Crowns: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the commonly asked questions about porcelain crowns to help clear out any doubts about the procedure and the results.

Can I eat immediately after getting porcelain crowns?

It would be best to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before eating because, besides recovering your mouth feel, this period allows the crowns to bond to the prepared teeth. And when you start eating, avoid ice cubes, popcorn, hard nuts, and sticky foods because they may damage or pull off your crown if too much force is applied.

Will I have tooth sensitivity with porcelain crowns?

Tooth sensitivity is uncommon after getting porcelain crowns. However, some clients may report mild sensitivity after the procedure. Consult your doctor if the sensitivity persists.

Are porcelain crowns noticeable?

Short answer, no. Porcelain crowns are designed to resemble your natural appearance closely. In some cases, they are indistinguishable from natural teeth, especially when placed on the front teeth. The dentist will match the crown’s color to match your neighboring teeth, ensuring you achieve a natural-looking result.

Can porcelain crowns be whitened?

Porcelain crowns are generally resistant to bleaching agents, so they cannot be whitened using conventional teeth whitening methods applied to natural teeth. If you want a whiter shade, it is recommended that you discuss tooth whitening options with your dentist before the procedure.

Do porcelain crowns require special care?

No. Do not worry about devising a new routine to care for your teeth. Porcelain crowns do not require special care beyond usual oral hygiene practices—flossing daily, regularly brushing your teeth, and maintaining regular dental check-ups. However, biting or grinding on hard objects may cause damage to the crowns.