Mesa Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns, also called “caps”, are used when a tooth has been damaged, or in smile makeovers. The porcelain crown is placed over the prepared tooth, as pictured in the diagram to the right. Porcelain crowns are used to protect what remains of the natural tooth’s structure, and to improve the appearance of the damaged or misshapen tooth.

Porcelain crowns almost always require some reduction of tooth structure, so most dentists will use the more conservative treatment of  porcelain veneers for purely cosmetic makeovers. Crowns are more commonly used when the natural tooth is too damaged or weak to make porcelain veneers viable.

A key element in the placement of porcelain crowns is the technique used to affix the crown to the natural tooth. Many general dentists are not comfortable with the demanding technique of bonding porcelain crowns in place, so they use conventional cement to fix crowns in place. This may be fine for the short term, but issues will develop over time. As we age, our gums recede, and if a crown has been cemented in place the cement will be visible as a dark line along the gum line.

Different Types of Porcelain Crowns in Mesa, AZ

Many different kinds of all-porcelain or all-ceramic veneers are available. Each type has benefits and drawbacks.

Feldspathic Porcelain–This is the most common material used in porcelain crowns, and considered the most beautiful variety of porcelain used for dental purposes.

Empress Crowns–Empress crowns offer a different aesthetic look, which may be preferred by some dentists and clients.

Procera Crowns–These crowns are very strong, and might be considered for patients with grinding issues. They do not have the same level of natural appearance as feldspathic or empress crowns. This type of crown can be cemented into place rather than bonded.

Lava Crowns–Lava crowns can also be cemented rather than bonded, which is a less exacting procedure. Lava crowns are slightly less opaque than Procera.

Zirconia Crowns–If Zirconia crowns are bonded rather than cemented, they can look very natural.

This is only a short list porcelain crowns that are available. We list them here to demonstrate the different types of options that are available, not to imply that you should study this brief list and try to make a decision about what you should ask your dentist for.

The key to cosmetic treatments is not chosing the treatments, but chosing the dentist. Drs. Kitchen and Stapley have the experience, training and skills to place beautiful, realistic porcelain crowns.