or teeth that are in danger of breaking because they have large areas of filling or tooth decay. Dr. Tammy Tran understands how important it is that crowns on front teeth look natural, attractive, and blend in with the surrounding teeth. That's why she uses all-porcelain crowns on front teeth. They can be bonded to the teeth, and the pure, translucent porcelain material is so lifelike, it can be nearly impossible to distinguish these crowns from natural teeth. All-porcelain crowns are an excellent choice for patients needing crowns on front teeth. For back teeth we may be more likely to use porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. They are a bit stronger than all-porcelain and can better stand up to the higher stresses created by chewing using the molars. For front teeth, where this additional strength is really not necessary, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are not as pleasing to look at because they will have a dark line at the gumline, and the crown itself is opaque and just doesn't look natural, as you can see in the photo on the left. The photo on the right shows the more attractive all-porcelain crowns.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look flat and opaque, and develop a black line at the gumline.
All-porcelain crowns are so life-like, it's hard to tell them from natural teeth. Dr. Tran is trained in placing both types of crowns, and understands that, because your smile is important, all-porcelain crowns are her choice for the front teeth.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Crowns
- All-porcelain crowns are more aesthetic than other types of crowns. They can be made to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth.
- All-porcelain crowns are bonded to the tooth, which gives your tooth a strong, long-lasting protection.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns develop a dark line at the gumline.
- All-porcelain crowns can be more expensive than other types of crowns.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are stronger than all-porcelain crowns. Therefore, for molars, where the chewing forces are highest, it may be best to use a metal foundation.
The Porcelain Crown Procedure
A crown usually takes two appointments. First, Dr. Tran shapes your tooth for perfect placement of the final porcelain crown. Then she will take an impression of your tooth and choose the shade to match your teeth. The impression, color and shape specifications will be sent to a ceramist at her dental lab for custom manufacture. Before your first visit ends, Dr. Tran will place a temporary crown for you to use until your final appointment. The permanent crown will be placed at a second appointment once it is received back from the lab. For more information or to set up an appointment, call Dr. Tran Dr. Tran at (714)-979-3710 or visit our Request an Appointment Fountain Valley Porcelain Crowns page.
