Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and maintaining a beautiful smile is a priority for most people. Porcelain crowns offer a lasting solution for those seeking to restore damaged teeth while preserving a metal-free appearance. These custom-made caps enhance the look of your teeth while providing strength and can even make your smile more aesthetically pleasing. 

Read on to learn more about the benefits of porcelain crowns, what to expect if you get one, and where to find the best restorative dentist in Valencia and Santa Clarita.

What is a Dental Crown? 

A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or misshapen tooth. It is designed to restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, and composite resin. However, porcelain crowns are a popular choice because of their natural-looking and long-lasting appearance. With proper care, porcelain crowns can last 15 years or more. 

When Should I Get a Dental Crown? 

Dental crowns are used to restore and protect a tooth that is too weak or damaged to be functional on its own. Most dentists will recommend a dental crown in the following cases: 

  • Protect a tooth with severe tooth decay 
  • Repair a cracked tooth or a tooth weakened by damage or decay
  • Cover a large dental filling that compromises the tooth's structure
  • Hold a dental bridge in place
  • Cover misshapen or discolored teeth
  • Protect a tooth after a root canal 

Porcelain crowns are an excellent choice for individuals seeking a natural-looking dental restoration that will closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth in terms of shape and color. Additionally, porcelain crowns are durable and can last several years with proper care, making them a reliable option for long-term dental health and aesthetics. Their strength and stain resistance further enhance their appeal, providing a practical solution for dental repairs.

What to Expect When Getting a Porcelain Crown 

Getting a porcelain crown typically involves key steps spread over two dental visits. The process will be similar to the following:

  1. An initial consultation with dental x-rays to determine if a crown is necessary.
  2. If your dentist determines that you will benefit from a porcelain crown, they will numb the area around the tooth and then reshape it to make room for the crown. This may involve removing some of the tooth structure.
  3. After shaping the tooth, the dentist will take a digital impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth using an intraoral scanner. The digital images are sent to a dental lab where the custom porcelain crown is fabricated.
  4. A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made. This temporary crown will be replaced at your next appointment.
  5. Once the permanent porcelain crown is ready, you will return to the dentist for the final fitting. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one, checking for proper fit, color match, and bite alignment.
  6. If everything fits well and looks good, the dentist will cement the porcelain crown, making any final adjustments as needed.

After your permanent crown is in place, you may initially experience some hot and cold sensitivity or discomfort, but this should subside within a few days. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintaining the longevity of your new crown.

Caring for Your Porcelain Crown 

Properly caring for your porcelain crown is important to ensure that it lasts as long as you need it — and for your overall oral health. Begin by practicing good oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles. 

It's also important to avoid biting down on hard objects, which can crack or damage your dental crown. Foods that you should avoid after getting a dental crown include: 

  • Ice cubes
  • Hard nuts
  • Popcorn
  • Sticky foods like taffy or caramel

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial, as this will allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the crown and address any issues early. 

Additionally, using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night can help protect your crown from excessive wear. Following these care guidelines, you can keep your porcelain crown in excellent condition for many years.

Where to Get the Best Dental Crowns in Valencia and Santa Clarita

We understand that living with a discolored, misshapen, or damaged tooth can negatively impact your self-esteem. Porcelain crowns are an excellent option for maintaining a bright and natural-looking smile. To ensure your crown lasts a lifetime, it is important to choose a dentist who’s an expert in modern restorative dentistry techniques — including the precise application and fitting of porcelain crowns.

At SoCal Dental of Valencia, Dr. Danny Aframian, Dr. Homan Shamoeil, and Dr. Sherry Solouki are committed to providing high-quality care using the most modern technology and focusing on patient-centered treatment plans. You can expect compassionate dental care at our state-of-the-art dental office, including orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics. 

Ready to get a bright and healthy smile with porcelain dental crowns from the best dentist in Valencia?