Porcelain Crowns

Picture a world where smiles are impervious to the unwanted signals of time and everyday wear. At Acorn Dental in Marlton, New Jersey, porcelain crowns are a marvel of modern dentistry that brings this vision to life for countless patients globally. Dr. Woodfork and his team are devoted to giving you a new smile to bring your dreams to life! Porcelain crowns have grown in popularity, and it is no coincidence that they offer a blend of aesthetic and functional benefits that’s hard to match.

What are Porcelain Crowns?

A porcelain crown, often called a dental cap, is a tooth-shaped cap designed to cover the entire tooth from the gum line upwards. When cemented into place, these caps effectively encase the visible portion of the tooth. Crafted from dental porcelain, a biocompatible and color-matching material, the crown’s purpose is to improve tooth appearance, size, strength, and functionality.

There are various types of porcelain crowns, each with specific characteristics and applications. For instance, all-porcelain crowns are a top choice for front teeth due to their natural translucency, while porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) offer increased durability and are often used for back teeth. Their versatility allows dentists to tailor the crown to the patient’s needs, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and durable outcome.

Advantages of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns, the crown jewel of cosmetic dentistry, bring many benefits. Here are several reasons why they are a favored treatment option:

Enhanced Aesthetics: One of the most significant benefits of porcelain crowns is their ability to blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Unlike metal crowns, which can create a visual contrast, porcelain crowns are color-matched to the shade of your teeth. This aesthetic feature ensures your dental work remains virtually undetectable, leaving you with a beautiful, uniform smile.
Durability and Longevity: Porcelain crowns are renowned for their durability, with a lifespan that often exceeds a decade with proper care. The strong porcelain material can withstand the rigors of daily use, from biting into food to your usual oral-care regimen. This longevity solidifies porcelain crowns as a wise investment in your oral health.
Natural Look and Feel: Porcelain crowns mimic the translucency of natural teeth, capturing and reflecting light in a way that synthetic and metal materials cannot. Their natural look doesn’t just boost your smile’s aesthetic appeal; it also rejuvenates your confidence and how you carry yourself.
Restoring Tooth Functionality: Beyond looks, porcelain crowns play a crucial role in restoring the functionality of a damaged tooth. Whether a cracked tooth needs reinforcement or a cavity-filled tooth requires extensive repair, a porcelain crown is a protective cap, ensuring normal biting and chewing functions are preserved.

The Procedure Process

The pathway to a healthier, more radiant smile begins with understanding the process of receiving a porcelain crown.

Consultation and Examination: Dr. Woodfork will thoroughly examine whether a porcelain crown is an appropriate solution for your dental needs. We may take X-rays to assess the tooth and surrounding bone structure. During the consultation, you’ll discuss your treatment goals, and Dr. Woodfork will explain the procedure and its implications.
Tooth Preparation: To prepare the tooth for the crown, the dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic. The tooth will then be reshaped to make room for the crown, ensuring a snug fit and natural alignment with the rest of your teeth. This process involves removing a portion of the tooth’s outer structure, creating a firm foundation for the crown placement.
Crown Fabrication: After tooth preparation, your dentist will take impressions of your tooth and the surrounding area. These impressions serve as a model for your custom porcelain crown fabricated in a dental laboratory. The turnaround time is typically a couple of weeks, during which we may fit you with a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.
Placement and Adjustment: Upon completing your custom porcelain crown, you’ll return to the dentist for the fitting. Dr. Woodfork will ensure the crown is perfect in color, fit, and bite before permanently ceasing into place. Any adjustments will ensure the crown aligns appropriately with your bite and feels comfortable in your mouth.

Aftercare and Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance is crucial to the longevity and functionality of your porcelain crown.

Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from biting down on hard or crunchy foods, especially in the initial days after getting porcelain crowns. This precaution helps prevent damage to the crowns and ensures their long-term durability. Opt for a softer diet during this period to minimize the risk of any accidental harm.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Consistent and thorough oral hygiene is paramount for the well-being of your porcelain crowns. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily to effectively remove plaque and debris from between the teeth and around the crowns. Additionally, rinse your mouth with a non-alcoholic, fluoride-based mouthwash to promote a healthy oral environment.
Minimize Staining Substances: While porcelain crowns are resistant to staining, it’s advisable to minimize the consumption of substances that can potentially stain them. Limit your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. If you consume these, promptly rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward to prevent discoloration and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the crowns.
Address Discomfort Promptly: If you experience Discomfort or notice any issues with your porcelain crowns, it is crucial to contact Dr. Woodfork promptly. Early intervention can address concerns before they escalate into more significant problems. Timely communication with Dr. Woodfork ensures the best care by addressing potential issues and ensuring the integrity of the crowns.
Attend Regular Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are essential for the ongoing care of your porcelain crowns. Schedule and attend these appointments as recommended by Dr. Woodfork. During these check-ups, your dentist can monitor the condition of the crowns, assess your overall oral health, and address any emerging issues. Professional cleanings also help maintain your porcelain crowns’ longevity and aesthetic appeal.

How Porcelain Crowns Can Help Your Smile Here at Acorn Dental

At Acorn Dental, we understand that every patient is different, and their dental needs are just as unique. We take pride in offering porcelain crowns as a comprehensive solution catering to our patient’s requirements. Our team is committed to providing a cosmetic fix and restoration that bolsters your dental health and ensures your comfort and satisfaction. With porcelain crowns, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams while giving you the confidence to laugh, speak, and eat without any worries.

With the help of Dr. Woodfork, you can receive exceptional care from our team at Acorn Dental. Dr. Woodfork has undergone extensive training, helping patients with comprehensive care for surgical procedures. For those missing teeth or struggling with severe tooth decay, porcelain crowns are the solution for you.