5 Stars from over 200 reviews! 
Porcelain Crowns in Denver and Golden, CO
Porcelain Crowns
There are a variety of dental conditions that can compromise the strength of a tooth, things such as cracks and chips among them. A porcelain crown can return the strength, appearance, and function of the tooth, and it will make the tooth look great. Golden, Colorado dentists, Dr. Kenson use only porcelain crowns because of their unique combination of strength and beauty.
what is a porcelain crown?
In a clinical sense, a tooth can be divided into two parts — the root and the crown. The root is covered by the gums and is anchored down into the jawbone. The visible upper part of the tooth is called the clinical crown. When a damaged tooth is covered by an artificial restoration that partially or completely covers the clinical crown of the tooth, this is called a dental crown.
In the past, crowns were often referred to as “caps.” Although this term is rarely used today, it is indicative of what a crown really is. It’s a cap of sorts, fitting over the entire area of the tooth above the gum line, restoring the original size and shape of the tooth. More important, it gives the tooth back its strength.
We only use porcelain crowns at our practice. A dental lab creates the crown to precisely fit your tooth and match the color of your adjacent teeth. So that the crowned tooth is not larger than your original tooth, a portion of the enamel of the tooth is shaved off from the width and height of the natural tooth to make room for the crown.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Crowns?
Anyone with a damaged tooth that is affecting the functionality or appearance of their teeth may be an ideal candidate for a dental crown. Porcelain crowns are ideal for patients who:
- Have damaged front teeth
- Want a quick restoration
- Are looking for aesthetically satisfying results
- Are allergic to metals or gold
If you fit the criteria above, you are probably a great candidate for porcelain crowns. Our dentists are Golden Dental Solutions will help you decide which crown choice is best for you.
Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns are crafted to replicate the appearance of natural teeth, even looking better than the teeth they are covering. These crowns are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit them to the teeth they will cap. Porcelain crowns are so natural looking that they are not even noticeable. Due to their cosmetic appeal, these types of crowns are most commonly used to treat front teeth.
Porcelain Crown patient Testimonial
Both dentists take the time to explain their treatment plan and the hygienists do a thorough job while being gentle. I recently had my crowns replaced and they look completely natural, a complete upgrade from my previous crowns!
Abbey S. – Yelp, 2017
Click here to Read More Patient Reviews!
What Problems Can Dental Crowns Fix?
Crowns can have different functions. They can be used to restore the strength of a damaged tooth. They can cover up serious imperfections. And they can act as anchors for a bridge.
Here’s a list of problems a crown can be used to fix or address:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Teeth with overly large fillings
- Severely worn teeth
- Heavily decayed teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Severely discolored teeth
- Teeth that have had a root canal
- Teeth on both sides of a bridge
Need same Day Crowns in Denver CO? Two Visits Ensures Perfection
It takes two visits for Dr. Kenson to place a porcelain crown. During your first appointment, the tooth is prepared. Decay or damaged areas of the tooth are removed and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Next, the enamel is shaved down to create room for the crown. At this point, we take impressions and photographs of your teeth that we send to the dental lab to use in the fabrication of your porcelain crown. We also use these to create a temporary crown that we place on your tooth for the approximate two weeks it usually takes the lab to create your crown.
When your crown comes back from the lab, you come in for a second appointment. First, we clean all of your teeth. Then we test the new crown for fit and for color match with the adjacent teeth. If necessary, we may shave small bits off of the crown. Then we permanently cement the crown onto your tooth and you’re good to go. No recovery time is needed; you can immediately use your new crowned tooth to eat normal foods.
Porcelain Crowns Before and After
porcelain crowns vs. porcelain veneers
Crowns cover the entire visible tooth surface in most cases. Veneers are applied only to the front side of the tooth. Veneers are only cosmetic; they cannot be placed onto teeth that have decay or structural damage. In most cases, crowns are used to return strength to damaged teeth. Really, the only thing the two procedures have in common is that they are made of porcelain.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
A crown is really the last chance to save a damaged tooth. For instance, a tooth with a large amount of decay or a former large cavity that has fractured is too weak to handle a new filling. A serious crack or large chip also affects the structural strength of the tooth. A crown placed over the tooth overcomes these deficiencies. Otherwise, the only option is to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or a bridge. Another option for treatment is dental inlays/onlays. This treatment is ideal to more minor cracks or chips in the teeth.
Why Choose a Porcelain Crown?
A crown has to be very hard but not too hard. It has to withstand chewing forces, but not be hard enough to wear down the opposing teeth. In older times, gold was the preferred material to use for crowns. The problem was appearance — everyone could clearly see your crowned teeth.
That’s why we only use porcelain crowns. Porcelain has a very similar appearance to tooth enamel. Both tooth enamel and porcelain are semi-translucent, meaning that some light penetrates the surface and some bounces back off. This unique combination gives both tooth enamel and porcelain its pearly sheen.
Porcelain has an advantage over enamel, as well. It is highly stained resistant. Unlike enamel, coffee, red wine, berries, and the like don’t stain porcelain.
How to Take Care of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns do not require any special attention or care. It is important to keep up with oral hygiene routines and to treat the crowns the same way you would with natural teeth. Patients who grind their teeth at night are recommended to wear mouth guards to prevent any potential cracking or chipping. Patients with dental crowns should make it a priority to visit their dentist twice or more yearly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
how long will my porcelain crown last?
Porcelain crowns can last up to two decades. Much of the lifespan is contingent upon your home hygiene. If you take good care of your teeth and gums, your porcelain crowns can last a long time.
schedule a consultation
If you are interested in porcelain crowns and would like to see if you are a good candidate, contact our Golden, CO office at (303) 277-9600.
