Ceramic or all-ceramic crowns are dental restorations used to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. They are made entirely of ceramic materials, such as porcelain or zirconia, and are designed to closely resemble the natural appearance of teeth.
At Mega Dental, we have ceramic crowns custom made to match the patient's natural teeth's size, shape, and color. Our dentist will take impressions of the prepared tooth and send them to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. This customization ensures a precise fit and a natural-looking result.
The Benefits of Ceramic Crowns
- Aesthetics
Ceramic crowns are highly valued for their excellent aesthetics. They can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, exhibiting a natural and seamless blend with your smile. The ceramic material used in these crowns can mimic natural teeth's translucency and shade variations, resulting in a lifelike appearance.
- Biocompatibility
Ceramic crowns are considered biocompatible, meaning they are well-tolerated by the body and do not usually cause allergic reactions or adverse tissue responses. This makes them suitable for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
- Tooth Preservation
Ceramic crowns require minimal tooth structure removal compared to other types of crowns. Our dentist will remove any decay or damaged portions of the tooth and shape it conservatively to accommodate the crown. This preservation aspect is beneficial as it helps retain more natural tooth structure.
The Procedure for Ceramic Crowns
To accommodate the ceramic crown, our dentist will first prepare the affected tooth. This involves removing a small amount of the tooth's outer layer, including any decay or damage. The amount of tooth structure removed will depend on the extent of the dental issue and the specific requirements of the crown.
After tooth preparation, our dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth and neighboring teeth. This is done using dental putty or digital scanning techniques. The impression captures the shape and alignment of your teeth, essential for creating a custom-fit ceramic crown. While the dental laboratory fabricates the permanent ceramic crown based on the impression, our dentist may place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it until the final restoration is ready. This temporary crown is usually made from a quick material and is less durable than the permanent crown.
Meanwhile, the dental laboratory uses the impression and the specifications provided by your dentist to create the final ceramic crown. Skilled dental technicians use advanced techniques to craft the crown, ensuring a precise fit, color match, and natural aesthetics. Once the permanent ceramic crown is ready, you will return to the dentist's office for the final placement. The temporary crown is removed, and the dentist checks the fit, color, and bite alignment of the permanent crown. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable and functional fit.
Ceramic crowns are famous for restoring damaged teeth due to their natural appearance, biocompatibility, and preservation qualities. They can help restore the functionality and aesthetics of a tooth while maintaining a natural-looking smile. To learn more about ceramic crowns, contact the Dentist in Richmond, TX at Mega Dental at 10510 FM 1464 Suite 100, Richmond, TX 77407, or call (832) 930-7723.