The strength and stunning appearance of dental crowns made from porcelain
Dental crowns are an important part of our practice in Los Alamitos, California. This procedure can be used to restore the structure of broken, severely decayed, or deeply infected teeth. Crowns may also be appropriate to restore the appearance of poorly-shaped or worn teeth. These teeth may not be good candidates for cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers and dental bonding.
For a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles
We live up to our tagline at Los Alamitos Dental Care. As partners in your oral health, we strive to provide lifelong dental care by exceeding expectations. We ensure that all of the individuals who partner with us are aware of their treatment options to enhance their smiles’ aesthetics. In turn, we know they will make a well-informed decision that is in the best interest of their health and well-being.
Crowns may be made from a variety of dental materials. These materials include metals like gold and ceramics such as porcelain. Crowns may even be made from a combination of metal and ceramic; for instance, porcelain may overlay a strong metal core.
Porcelain Crowns: Restore Strength, Beauty, and Protection
Restore strength and beauty to a damaged tooth by scheduling a porcelain crown consultation with Drs. John Wallace, Michael Zell, Josh Winer, Kerry Hahn, or Jake Sylwanowicz at Los Alamitos Dental Care in Los Alamitos, California, and receive personalized guidance about protecting your smile.
Protect teeth weakened by damage or extensive restoration
Restore strength and function for everyday use
Improve the appearance of damaged or compromised teeth
Receive a custom-designed crown tailored to your smile
Porcelain is a popular material for many restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures. Enamel covers and protects your teeth. It reflects light a certain way and has a characteristic translucency. Furthermore, it is quite strong (stronger than skeletal bone, in fact!).
Porcelain is considered to be the next closest thing to natural enamel. It replicates many properties of enamel. So, patients have peace of mind that their teeth will look natural. It can also be perfectly color-matched to blend in with the surrounding natural structure of the tooth to be treated and the neighboring teeth.
Generally, porcelain does not stain. It is highly durable, too. But, just like natural enamel, porcelain is not indestructible. Porcelain is vulnerable to damage that can threaten the structural integrity of the crown and the natural tooth underneath it. Changes in the appearance of your crowns can be symptomatic of health problems with the treated teeth. They may also be caused by behaviors and habits. For instance, porcelain can wear away like natural enamel. Our dental team works with you to ensure you get the most out of your porcelain crowns and that they look, feel, and function great for years to come.
Good habits to maintain or get into include:
- Of course, don’t skimp on good brushing and flossing at home.
- Visit us as directed by one of our dentists. Routine cleanings and polishings are a “must” to keep your crown healthy and looking its best.
- While strong, porcelain is not as flexible as natural tooth structure. We encourage you to minimize or refrain from habits such as eating lots of sticky, crunchy, or hard foods. It’s a good practice to munch on tooth-friendly foods anyway!
- Protecting your dental work with oral appliances, such as custom-fit night guards. These devices slip over the teeth. They cushion the blow placed on the porcelain if you habitually grind your teeth.
Dental Crowns – Remarkable Patient Results
Los Alamitos Dental Care: Crafting Majestic Smiles with Dental Crowns Perfection
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Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain crowns
What is a porcelain dental crown?
A porcelain crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the visible portion of a tooth that is damaged or compromised, situated above the gumline. It reinstates the tooth’s shape, strength, color, and chewing surface while safeguarding the remaining natural structure from further wear or fracture.
When does a tooth need a crown?
Our dentists recommend crowns for teeth with large cavities, extensive fillings, fractures, severe wear, significant discoloration, or weakened structure after root canal treatment. A crown also completes a dental implant or supports a bridge, making it useful for both restorative and cosmetic treatment.
Why does porcelain look natural?
Porcelain reflects and transmits light in ways that closely resemble tooth enamel, allowing the restoration to blend with nearby teeth. The dentist and dental laboratory carefully match its shade, shape, surface texture, and translucency to create a balanced result within the smile.
Are all porcelain crowns the same?
All-ceramic crowns contain no metal and offer excellent esthetics, while porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a strong inner framework with a tooth-colored outer layer. Drs. John Wallace, Michael Zell, Josh Winer, Kerry Hahn, and Jake Sylwanowicz consider tooth location, bite force, appearance, and space when selecting a material.
What happens during crown preparation?
Your dentist starts by numbing the treatment area, then removes decay or weakened material. He then carefully reshapes the tooth to create room for the crown. A detailed impression or digital scan records the prepared tooth and surrounding bite, providing the dental laboratory with precise information to create the restoration.
Does getting a porcelain crown hurt?
Local anesthesia keeps the tooth and surrounding tissues comfortable during preparation, so patients generally notice pressure or vibration rather than pain. Mild gum tenderness or temperature sensitivity sometimes follows treatment, but these sensations usually improve as the mouth adjusts and the tissues settle.
Why do I need a temporary crown?
A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth, maintains spacing, supports appearance, and allows comfortable chewing while the dental laboratory creates the final restoration. Since temporary cement offers limited strength, avoiding sticky foods and chewing carefully helps keep it securely in place between appointments.
How long does a porcelain crown last?
A well-maintained porcelain crown often lasts many years, although its lifespan depends on bite pressure, oral hygiene, restorative material, diet, and habits such as teeth grinding or chewing ice. Regular examinations identify early wear or damage before the crown develops a larger problem.
How do I care for my crown?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss carefully around the crown every day, and attend routine cleanings and examinations. Although porcelain does not decay, plaque still collects along the edges, where bacteria threaten the natural tooth underneath and irritate the surrounding gums.
What signs indicate that a crown needs attention?
Schedule an evaluation at Los Alamitos Dental Care if the crown feels loose, develops a chip, causes persistent sensitivity, traps food, or changes the way the teeth meet. Swelling, tenderness, bleeding, or an unpleasant taste around the crowned tooth also warrant prompt attention, as these symptoms signal an underlying concern.
Are you concerned that chips, gaps, and other imperfections are detracting from your brilliant smile? Let's chat! Call (562) 539-0011 to schedule a consultation with one of the skilled dentists at Los Alamitos Dental Care. Or, for your convenience, you may request an appointment online.
