Crowns and porcelain teeth
A smile says a good deal about us. It is often the first thing other people notice, so being able to show a healthy smile matters — and that comes above all from healthy teeth.
Teeth are kept healthy by good oral and personal hygiene. Brushing regularly protects them from decay, tartar, plaque and much else. Even so, losing a tooth is sometimes unavoidable, particularly after an injury or an illness.
A tooth that has been lost cannot be put back, so the only answer is to replace it — with a crown or a porcelain tooth.
What are porcelain crowns?
A crown is a restoration made for a single tooth. It covers the crown of the tooth and matches a natural tooth in shape and size. Porcelain teeth are a lasting answer where an ordinary filling cannot solve the problem, or where a weakened tooth needs reinforcing.
Porcelain is a type of ceramic fired at high temperature. It is very hard and durable, and it is what most dental crowns are made from today, which has given it a central place in dentistry.
A porcelain tooth, or cap, is placed on a prepared tooth or on an implant. An implant is a screw onto which the porcelain tooth is fitted, while a crown is the part placed on top of the remaining tooth. A dentist will first try to save the whole tooth; if the damage is too great, the tooth is replaced.
When are porcelain crowns used?
There are several situations in which a dentist will suggest a porcelain tooth:
- After the crown of a tooth is lost through injury or fracture.
- In more advanced decay.
- For teeth that are badly positioned or deeply discoloured.
- For teeth worn down by bruxism, that is grinding.
- After an implant has been placed.
- For teeth that need strengthening.
- For appearance.
How is a crown made?
Making a crown goes through several stages:
- The tooth is prepared and an individual impression is taken.
- The crown is made in a dental laboratory.
- The patient tries the crown in, and it is adjusted if needed.
- The crown is finally cemented in place.
When a porcelain crown is fitted, it matters that the tooth is prepared properly so the restoration seats correctly. Where a tooth has been lost and a bridge is being made, the neighbouring teeth are prepared too, since they will carry the structure.
What kinds of crown are there?
People do not usually distinguish between types of artificial tooth. There is, however, a difference between crowns with a metal core and metal-free (zirconium) ones, because some people are allergic to metals — so a safe and natural alternative had to be found.
Metal crowns have been used in prosthetics and dental practices for many years. Metal-free crowns have advanced considerably in recent years, so much so that many now regard them as the first choice. Metal crowns are still used, but metal-free ones far more.
Metal-free crowns are made of very stable materials, which lets them sit better against the gum. They are also made of denser materials, which makes them more durable. They are most often made of zirconium, which combined with porcelain gives the best result.
The commonest types of crown are:
- Metal-ceramic crowns: the core is made of a metal alloy but is entirely covered with ceramic, so the metal part does not show.
- Glass-ceramic crowns: they contain no metal, so there is no discolouration at the gum line. They meet even the highest expectations of appearance.
Zirconium-ceramic crowns: these are precise and biocompatible, and at the same time keep the natural appearance of a tooth.
How are porcelain teeth looked after?
Simply put, porcelain teeth are looked after like your own. Brush regularly, at least twice a day, morning and evening. It is also sensible to avoid fizzy drinks such as cola, and to cut down on coffee and cigarettes, or give them up altogether. These harm natural teeth as much as artificial ones.
One thing worth watching is how hard you brush. Porcelain caps are strong and durable, but heavy pressure can still damage them. Chew gently and evenly and avoid hard food.
How long do porcelain crowns last?
Given what artificial teeth cost, patients expect them to last a long time. They do — but not if they are neglected. In principle they can last fifteen to twenty years. Equally, they can be damaged within a year.
If you keep your teeth and mouth clean and follow the advice on looking after them, your artificial teeth will serve you well for many years.