Porcelain tooth is a type of restoration commonly used in dentistry. This restoration is made of porcelain, an aesthetic and durable material that can mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth. Porcelain teeth are an ideal option for the following situations:
- Aesthetic Needs: Porcelain teeth provide a very similar appearance to natural teeth. Their color can be adjusted to match the color of natural teeth and they reflect light like natural teeth, making them an aesthetically preferred option.
- Repairing Tooth Damage: It is used to repair decayed, broken or worn teeth. Porcelain is placed over the damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size and function.
- Correction of Tooth Color and Shape: Porcelain veneers can be preferred to correct aesthetic problems such as discoloration or deformities of the teeth.
- Closing Tooth Gaps: In case of missing teeth or large gaps, porcelain bridges or implants can be used to close the gaps between teeth.
- Long Lasting Solution: Porcelain is highly resistant to wear and stains, so it can last for many years with proper care.
Porcelain dental veneers usually require several visits. First, the damaged or to-be-treated teeth are prepared, then the porcelain restorations are specially prepared and finally placed on the teeth. Precise techniques are used in the application of porcelain veneers to minimize damage to the natural structure of the tooth and ensure the best fit.
Although porcelain teeth are a durable and aesthetic solution, they also have their own limitations and maintenance requirements. Therefore, if porcelain dental treatment is being considered, it is important to consult your dentist for a detailed assessment and planning.
Porcelain Tooth Types
There are several types of these crowns, each with different material properties and uses:
- Feldspathic Porcelain: This is the traditional type of porcelain crown used and most commonly made. It is known for its high aesthetic quality and is especially preferred for front teeth. Feldspathic porcelain stands out for its ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth and its capacity to provide excellent color matching. However, it can be a bit more fragile compared to other porcelain types.
- Empress Crown: These crowns have the transparent appearance of a glass and can be called ceramic. They offer a highly aesthetic appearance and are particularly popular for front tooth restorations. These crowns reflect light like natural teeth, providing a very natural look.
- Procera Crown: This type of crown has a ceramic interior and a traditional porcelain exterior. The use of Procera crowns is preferred because of their exceptional strength. An ordinary bridge can be fixed to the tooth with the help of cement and crowns, which makes the restoration long-lasting and durable.
- Lava Crown: It has a translucent Zirconia on the inside. This, combined with the baked outer layer, gives the exterior an aesthetic and attractive appearance. Lava crowns are preferred for their ability to blend in with natural tooth color and offer high durability.
- Zirconia Crowns: They are known for their natural appearance and do not create a black line on the gum line like other crowns. Zirconia is a material that combines high fracture resistance and aesthetic appearance, so it is used in both front and back tooth restorations.
- Emax Crowns: These crowns are becoming increasingly popular today. Emax crowns are especially suitable for people who are allergic to metals. These crowns, which have a translucent color like natural teeth, are the only type of crown that can provide this translucency. With these features, it is an ideal choice especially for patients with high aesthetic expectations.
Each type of crown offers treatment options customized to different patient needs and aesthetic expectations. Therefore, it is important to have a detailed assessment with your dentist to determine which type of crown is best for you.
What are the Advantages of Porcelain Teeth?
Porcelain teeth are a frequently preferred restoration method in aesthetic dentistry and have many advantages. Here are the main advantages of porcelain teeth:
- Aesthetic Appearance: Porcelain teeth can mimic the color, shape and light reflection properties of natural teeth. This makes them a popular choice, especially for front tooth restorations.
- Color Stability: Porcelain is highly resistant to stains and discoloration. This ensures that its aesthetic appearance is maintained over a long period of time.
- Biocompatibility: Porcelain blends well with the tissues in the mouth and does not cause allergic reactions. This is ideal for patients with sensitive gums and those prone to allergies.
- Durability and Strength: Modern porcelain materials offer high strength and durability. This makes porcelain teeth highly resistant to chewing and other oral movements.
- Preservation of Natural Teeth: Porcelain dental veneers can be applied while preserving the structure of the natural tooth. This ensures that the tooth is less abraded and the natural tooth structure is preserved as much as possible.
- Longevity: With proper care and proper oral hygiene, porcelain teeth can maintain their durability for many years.
- Functionality: Porcelain teeth mimic the functionality of natural teeth, facilitating daily functions such as speaking and chewing.
- Reduced Sensitivity to Heat and Cold: Porcelain may not be as sensitive to temperature changes as natural teeth, resulting in less discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
These advantages explain the reasons why porcelain teeth are preferred in dental restorations, both aesthetically and functionally. However, the applicability and lifetime of porcelain teeth can vary depending on individual oral health status and care habits. Therefore, if you are considering any dental restoration, it is important to consult your dentist for a detailed evaluation and recommendation.
Implementation Process
The application process plays a very important role in the treatment of the porcelain crown and needs to be carried out carefully. Here is an extended description of this process:
- Preparation of the Tooth: The tooth to be treated is first cleaned. This involves removing plaque, tartar and other foreign material from the tooth. Next, the tooth is reshaped. This stage aims to create a suitable surface for the crown to sit on. The tooth is also slightly narrowed; this is necessary to ensure that the crown fits tightly over the tooth. This maximizes the preservation of the tooth's natural structure, while increasing the stability of the new crown.
- Impression Taking: After preparing the tooth, a detailed impression of the tooth and surrounding tissues is taken. This is usually done using a special toothpaste-like material. This impression is the basis for the production of a new crown in the laboratory. The impression ensures that the crown is produced in the correct size and shape.
- Temporary Crown Application: While the mold is being sent to the laboratory, the patient receives a temporary crown that is attached to the tooth. The temporary crown protects the tooth until the main crown is prepared and allows the patient to maintain normal dental function. This temporary crown is usually aesthetically pleasing and does not affect daily functions such as eating or speaking.
- Preparing and Applying the New Crown: A period of two to three weeks is usually required to prepare the crown. Once it is ready, the patient comes back to the dentist and the new crown is applied to the tooth. At this stage, the dentist will roughen the surface of the affected tooth to allow the crown to adhere to the tooth. This is usually done using etching acid.
- Crown Fixing: Once the desired appropriate armature has been achieved, the crown is firmly fixed using dental cement. This ensures that the crown remains securely and permanently on the tooth.
- Final Checks and Care Recommendations: After the crown is fixed, the dentist performs the necessary final check-ups. The patient is given instructions about crown care and oral hygiene. It is recommended to take care not to grind, bite or squeeze hard food items. This is important to ensure the longevity of the new crown.
The cost of porcelain crowns can vary depending on the geographical location, the experience of the dentist and the facilities offered by the clinic. In addition, the number of teeth to be treated and the condition of the tooth to be crowned can also affect the cost. Patients are advised to have a detailed discussion with their dentist to get a clear idea of the treatment costs. In these discussions, detailed information about the scope, process and total cost of the treatment can be provided.