Creating A More Beautiful Smile

Debunking Common Myths About Porcelain Crowns

If you are looking at the different alternatives you have to make your smile more aesthetically pleasing, there is no question that the idea of porcelain crowns will come up. This form of cosmetic dentistry is one of the faster ways to completely transform the appearance of your smile. However convenient and effective, a lot of potential patients will completely skip this option altogether, and this is usually due to some misconception about porcelain crowns. Here are a few of the most prevalent misconceptions and the real facts you should know before you dismiss porcelain crowns as an option. 

Misconception: Porcelain crowns are prone to breakage and cracks. 

Fact: Just as you should not eat extremely crunchy foods with your natural teeth, you should use the same cautions with porcelain crowns. However, the porcelain crowns are actually more resilient than what most people think. Additionally, porcelain crowns can be fused to metal beneath the crown itself, which gives them an enhanced strength and durability. 

Misconception: If you get porcelain crowns, you cannot drink certain things because they will stain your teeth.

Fact: People often believe that drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine would stain porcelain crowns and leave them looking dirty. While the crowns could be prone to staining if you do not keep them clean, what you drink will not normally be a concern with appropriate dental hygiene. Porcelain is porous, but the porcelain crown is protected by a solid layer of acrylic-porcelain blended materials to give each tooth an additional layer of protection. Therefore, it will actually not stain as easily as your natural teeth. 

Misconception: Porcelain crowns will be too obvious because they are so bright and shiny. 

Fact: Porcelain crowns are only bright and shiny if this is the color option that you choose during the initial consultation with your dentist. Your crowns can actually be varying shades to match the more natural hues of your teeth. However, many people do prefer to have their veneers a few shades whiter than their natural smile. Since porcelain color cannot be changed after a crown is made, your dentist will use a tooth shade guide with 16 of the most common tooth colors (sometimes there are additional "bleached options" to the 16) to find a good match beforehand.

If you believe that you may have dismissed porcelain crowns as an option too soon, make sure you talk to your dentist for more information. You may be surprised to learn that porcelain crowns are a much better option than what you previously thought they would be. 


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