If you’re looking to repair a damaged tooth or enhance your smile, porcelain crowns can be a good option. We offer high-quality crowns that restore the function and appearance of your teeth. Here, we will tell you all you need to know about this kind of dental treatment so that you can make the best choice. Read on to learn more.

What Is a Porcelain Crown?

It is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth that restores your tooth’s strength, shape, and size. They are a good option because of their natural appearance, durability, and comfort. Porcelain fused to metal crowns provides additional strength, especially for teeth at the back of your mouth. You are a good candidate for this treatment if you:

  • Have a severely damaged or decayed tooth
  • Want to improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth
  • Need to restore a tooth after a root canal

Types of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns in Phoenix fall into different types depending on your needs and preferences. Let’s see their different types together:

 Full Porcelain Crowns

They are made from porcelain and provide a highly natural appearance. Dentists commonly use them for the front teeth, as they look like your natural teeth. However, they are not as durable as other crowns and may chip or crack under pressure.

Porcelain Crowns in Phoenix

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

Porcelain fused to metal crown materials combines the strength of a metal base with the aesthetic appearance of porcelain. Because of their durability and resistance, they are a good option for back teeth that endure heavy chewing pressure. PFM crowns are cheaper than full porcelain or E-Max crowns.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, which is a highly durable ceramic material with excellent strength and resistance to cracking. Dentists use them for back teeth, as they can endure significant chewing forces without breaking. They are rough on the teeth they touch and are not suitable on front teeth.

E-Max Crowns

E-Max crowns are made from lithium disilicate, which is a type of glass ceramic that combines strength with aesthetic appeal. They are a good option for you if you want both beauty and durability. Dentists use them for both front and back teeth. They are less likely to chip compared to full porcelain crowns, but they are still not as strong as zirconia.

Porcelain Crown Procedure

Dentists perform this kind of dental treatment through different steps. Here are all the steps you need to go through in our clinic:

  1. First, our dentist examines your tooth and takes X-rays to evaluate your tooth and surrounding bone.
  2. Then, we remove decayed or damaged parts of your tooth to make room for the crown. We also shape the tooth to ensure the crown fits comfortably.
  3. After shaping your tooth, we take an impression of it to create a custom crown that fits perfectly.
  4. While your permanent porcelain crown is being made, our dentist places a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it.
  5. When your permanent crown is ready, we remove the temporary crown and check if the permanent one fits well.
  6. If everything fits perfectly, we clean your tooth and cement the crown in place. We also ensure the crown is securely bonded and check the final fit and appearance.
  7. Finally, we give you some aftercare instructions to ensure your new crown lasts.

How Strong Are Porcelain Crowns?

They are strong enough to endure normal chewing and biting forces. However, they are not as strong as metal crowns or zirconia crowns. If you take proper care of them, they can last many years. Yet, they may chip or crack under excessive force, like grinding your teeth or biting hard objects.

How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last?

Their lifetime depends on their type and how well you take care of them. Let’s see how long they can last based on their type:

  • Full crowns last 10 to 15 years.
  • PFM crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
  • Zirconia crowns can last 15 years or more.
  • E-Max crowns last 10 to 15 years.

Pro Tip: To maximize their lifespan, you need to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid teeth grinding or hard foods. Regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding hard foods can help them live longer.

Tooth Crown Porcelain vs Zirconia

When it comes to dental crowns in Phoenix, both porcelain and zirconia are popular materials, but they are different in some aspects. Let’s see their differences together.

Porcelain Crowns:

  • Are made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.
  • Look exactly like your natural teeth.
  • Are less durable than zirconia and more likely to chip or crack.
  • Are used for front teeth.
  • Last 10-15 years with proper care.
  • Are more expensive than other crown materials.

Zirconia Crowns:

  • Are made from zirconium dioxide, a strong ceramic material.
  • Don’t look like your natural teeth.
  • Are extremely durable and resistant to cracking or breaking.
  • Are used for back teeth.
  • Can last 15 years or more.
  • Are cheaper than porcelain.

Porcelain Crowns Before and After

Before the treatment, you may:

  • Experience pain or sensitivity from a cracked, decayed, or damaged tooth.
  • Feel uncomfortable while chewing or eating certain foods.
  • Feel shy and hide your smile.
  • Find it harder to bite or chew properly.
  • Some people feel nervous about the procedure.

After the treatment, you will:

  • Have improved appearance.
  • Feel less pain or sensitivity from damage or decay.
  • Chew and bite comfortably again.
  • Enjoy a long-lasting protection.
  • Smile confidently without worrying about damaged or discolored teeth.

How Much Is a Porcelain Crown?

Porcelain crown cost​ depends on factors like the location of your tooth, the type of crown, and your dental insurance coverage. They are generally more expensive than other types and offer long-term value. If you want to learn the price based on your dental condition and preferences, call us at (602) 246-0385.

How Much Does a Porcelain Crown Cost with Insurance?

If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover a part of the cost. The coverage depends on the policy and your basic needs. But, in most cases, they cover up to 50% to 80% of the cost. Contact us to understand the porcelain crown cost with insurance.

Porcelain Crowns Near Me in Phoenix

If you are in Phoenix and looking for a good center for crowns, we can help you. Our team ensures that your dental crowns in North Phoenix are both beautiful and durable by using advanced technology and high-quality materials. If you are still in two minds, just make an online appointment for free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they can stain from smoking over time, especially if you regularly consume tobacco.

Yes, it can still discolor with age or exposure to staining substances like coffee, tea, or tobacco.

They cannot be whitened with traditional whitening methods. To remove stains, professional cleaning by your dentist is recommended.

No, they are strong, but not as strong as natural teeth.

Disadvantages include the possibility of damage or chipping, the need for tooth reduction, and potential gum irritation or sensitivity.