Dental Crowns (Porcelain Crowns) in Saratoga Springs, NY

Do you know someone who has large white crowns that look terrible? Do you know anyone that shows a gray line around their crowns at the gumline? If you think all crowns have to look like these, then let our practice introduce you to cosmetic dentistry done the right way. Advances in ceramic technologies have now made it possible to create beautiful, metal-free, life-like restorations for both the front and back teeth.

Our dentists will evaluate your needs, your occlusion (bite), and the cosmetics required to choose just the right product to achieve your ideal result. Talk to our dentists about improving your smile- you might like what we can do.

A crown, commonly called a cap, is a dental restoration that covers the entire tooth, restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns are indicated when extensive damage has been done to the original tooth through decay, fracture, erosion, or attrition.

Crowns are also indicated for:

1. Aesthetics, to change the shape, size, color, or angle of the tooth
2. Improved Function
3. Alter Occlusion (bite)
4. Provide Support for a Fixed Bridge or Removable Appliance (partial denture)
5. Prevent Tooth Fracture (typically done in the case of large pre-existing amalgam restorations with suspicious cracks or fracture lines)

Crowns can be made of different materials. Our dentists will be happy to discuss the different types of crowns available and their indications to help decide which crown may be best for your individual case. The “standard” crown is known as a porcelain fuse to metal (PFM). This crown has a metal core with a porcelain covering. The metals used under the porcelain are judged on their gold concentrations, from metal alloys without gold, known as base or nonprecious metal, to the highest gold concentrations, known as high noble or precious metals.

As a patient, you can be assured that all PFM’s constructed by our office are done using the highest gold content available, helping to assure improved gingival health and lessen the risks of allergic metal reactions. Crowns can also be made of all gold, typically used on back teeth where improved strength is needed, or crowns can be made of all-porcelain, typically used on front teeth where cosmetics are paramount.

Although there are numerous types and brand names for all-ceramic crowns, which we use for different indications, below we highlight two of our favorites. The first is a gorgeous pressed ceramic crown known as Empress, while the second, known as Lava, is an ultra-strong but life-like crown perfect for back teeth.

• IPS Empress Crowns: IPS Empress has more than 15 years of proven experience in the practice of metal-free restorations. This beautiful product allows every crown to exhibit natural contours and aesthetics while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Lava Crowns: Lava-all ceramic crowns are one of the strongest zirconia-based restorations available today. This unique structure is made with a precision milling system and can withstand forces many times greater than those generated in the mouth, yet the translucent overlay still maintains beautiful, natural aesthetic results.

At Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry, we know about the self-consciousness and lack of use of losing or damaged teeth. We offer dental crowns as a choice for Saratoga Springs, NY patients who are expecting to gain a few benefits from their procedure, such as:

• Greater comfort and simplicity of talking, eating, and expression
• Easy, individualized procedure that needs minimal downtime
• Renewed function and aesthetic of teeth and smile
• Longitudinal results that will keep you happy for years to come

A crown procedure typically involves two visits. On the day of your first visit, you can expect to be put at ease by our team of dental professionals – prior to initiating any treatment the entire procedure will be discussed and all of your questions addressed. Secondly, a series of highly specific impressions will be taken; these will be used to create your crown. Using the most painless technique, the dentist will numb the area to ensure your comfort. The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing all the decay, existing restorations, and potential fracture lines. Using a special dye, the preparation will be verified to ensure complete decay removal and cleansed using a prescription antimicrobial rinse. The dentist will then shape the surface of the tooth to properly fit the crown. Once this has been accomplished, a final impression will be completed of the crown preparation. A cosmetic and durable temporary crown will be fabricated and cemented. The temporary crown will be polished and checked for your approval.

At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleansed and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite is accurate. A specific type of radiograph, known as a bitewing, will be taken to ensure all margins of the crown are completely flush and sealed with the natural tooth. You will be given the opportunity to evaluate the work and the shade of your new crown. Only when the patient is completely happy with the results will the crown be cemented permanently. Our offices pride themselves on maintaining a superior level of care; we promise that we will strive to exceed your expectations both in comfort and quality. Following the final cementation, our staff will review all important instructions and homecare. Although crowns are highly durable and will last for many years with proper care, they may eventually need to be replaced.

Is getting a dental crown painful?

No, most patients don't find the procedure to place a dental crown painful. Before we begin, we will completely numb the tooth to be treated with a local anesthetic. After the dental crown is placed, some patients may feel slight tooth sensitivity as the tooth adjusts to the new crown, but this is typically minor and usually goes away quickly.

What tooth issues can a dental crown address?

Dental crowns can fix a number of tooth problems, including teeth that are cracked, chipped, discolored, worn down, decayed, misshapen, and more. A dental crown allows you to keep the tooth while helping to protect it from further damage.

Do dental crowns look like real teeth?

Yes, they do. At Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry, we use two types of dental crowns: IPS Empress Crowns and Lava Crowns, both of which are made from high-quality, extremely durable ceramic that gives you the look and feel of a natural tooth.

How many appointments will I need to get a dental crown?

Dental crowns are placed in two office visits. The first visit is to prepare the tooth by removing any decay while shaping and contouring the tooth to receive the crown. After this is complete, a temporary crown will be placed while your permanent crown is custom-made. When you return for your second visit, the permanent crown is placed.