Aesthetic dentistry
Porcelain crown and bridge
When a tooth is cracked, decayed or damaged, a crown should be fitted onto it. Crowns can whiten, reshape or realign the existing teeth, creating a healthy and vibrant smile. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance.
Crown procedure
During your first visit, the dentist shapes the tooth so that the crown can perfectly fit over it. This means that a large part of the tooth's outer surface is removed, leaving only a strong inner core. The amount of tooth removed is equal to the thickness of the new crown. An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to the dental laboratory, where permanent, custom-made crown is created.. During this period, a temporary crown made of an acrylic resin is fitted onto the tooth. On your next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent one. The dental hygiene used for normal teeth should be applied to your new crown. Daily brushing and flossing will help to keep the teeth, gums and the new crown free from bacteria that can cause gum disease. Different kinds of materials are used for crowns, new materials are being developed constantly. The following are a few of the alternatives available today: porcelain fused with precious metal crowns, glass porcelain crowns (without alloy) and porcelain fused to zirconia.
1. Metal porcelain crowns
Metal porcelain crowns have been used in dentistry for a long period of time: the majority of crowns are manufactured in this way. A precious metal core is created and porcelain layers are then fused over it. They can give long-term results and rather good aesthetics. However, metal is no longer the preferred material for crowns as it may lead to the formation of dark lines against the gum.
Full mouth rehabilitation with metal porcelain crowns and bridges: before and after
2. Glass porcelain crown
This crown is made of porcelain without an alloy core. It is not as strong as a metal porcelain crown, but it gives a very realistic appearance. It matches the surrounding teeth, giving perfect aesthetics and a look that is natural and discreet. Its translucency and transparency make it superior to metal porcelain crowns, but its predisposition to break or crack is slightly higher, which is why we use them primarily for the reconstruction of front teeth.
Redesign of smile: whitening of teeth and glass porcelain crown on second upper incisor - before and after
3. Zirconia porcelain crowns
Zirconia porcelain crowns are composed of porcelain layers fused to a zirconia core. These crowns combine the advantages of both metal porcelain and glass porcelain crowns. Zirconia porcelain crowns can obtain higher aesthetics and have the cracking resistance similar of metal porcelain crowns. In other words, they offer very high strength and aesthetics.
Zirconia porcelain crowns in the upper and lower jaw - before and after
