Porcelain crowns

Porcelain crowns are ceramic replacements for broken down, heavily filled, misshapen or discoloured teeth when veneers will not work.

Porcelain crowns

Porcelain crowns are made from the same material as porcelain veneers. Compared to veneers, a crown covers the entire surface of a tooth, helping to prevent it from breaking, as well as being cosmetic.

Porcelain crown by Dr Farrington

Porcelain crowns are required when there is insufficient natural tooth to bond a veneer to, for instance on a broken front tooth, or a tooth that has had several fillings previously. They are also useful for front teeth that have had root canal therapy.

They can be used in conjunction with veneers on adjacent teeth to create a harmonious smile.

Porcelain crown by Dr Farrington

Why a porcelain crown instead of a gold, porcelain fused to gold, or zirconia crown?

Porcelain crowns are the choice for front teeth due to their better aesthetic properties. They most naturally mimic the opacity and colour of a natural tooth. The older style of crown (porcelain fused to metal) eventually starts to show a thin black line at the gumline, whereas porcelain crowns do not.

Porcelain crowns are made from EMAX, or litium disilicate. It is a ceramic with both high compressive strength, but also very aesthetically superior.

At Pymble Dental Practice we partner with dental technicians based in Sydney using highest quality materials from Australia, Switzerland, Sweden and Germany. None of our laboratories outsource their work to cheaper companies in China or India, which can be the case for some dental technicians.

FAQ

What problems can veneers solve?

Whilst they are largely a cosmetic therapy, they’re also used to:

  • Disguise misshapen or broken-down teeth
  • Change the shade or colour of badly stained, yellow or discoloured teeth
  • Close spaces or correct crowding
  • Improve the smile by changing the amount of tooth showing in your smile, in symmetry with the lip lines.

How long will it take?

After a consultation and discussion about colour, shape and style; there are two appointments about 2 weeks apart required to prepare the teeth, bond temporaries and then, cement the final products. The process of having veneers fitted normally involves a few appointments;

Are Veneers my best option?

Porcelain veneers are an irreversible procedure. Veneers should not be used as a blanket solution for the cosmetic treatment of every patient. The initial consultation will involve a discussion about all other options.

Some alternative options to veneers include:

  • Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Gum lifts

Veneers can be used in conjunction with these options to help achieve a beautiful smile that looks natural.

Does the procedure hurt?

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic so it is not expected to be painful during its preparation. There may be some tenderness and sensitivity of the tooth and gums following, however usual over-the-counter pain relief is more than enough to control such inconveniences.