Porcelain Crowns in Santa Clara, CA

What Are Porcelain Crowns?

Porcelain crowns are custom-made caps that completely cover the visible part of a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Unlike other crown materials, porcelain is known for its ability to mimic the natural translucency and light-reflecting qualities of tooth enamel, making it an ideal choice for restoring front teeth and ensuring a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Porcelain crowns are often used to:

• Repair teeth that are cracked, chipped, or broken
• Restore teeth that have been weakened by decay or large fillings
• Protect a tooth following root canal therapy
• Improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth
• Serve as part of a dental bridge to replace missing teeth
• Provide a natural-looking restoration for dental implants

Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns offer a range of benefits, making them one of the most popular choices for tooth restoration:

• Natural Appearance: Porcelain closely mimics the color and texture of natural teeth, providing a highly aesthetic result.
• Durability: Modern porcelain materials are incredibly strong and durable, ensuring your crown will withstand the forces of chewing and last for many years.
• Stain Resistance: Porcelain is highly resistant to stains, meaning your crown will maintain its bright, natural appearance even with daily exposure to foods and beverages.
• Custom Fit: Each porcelain crown is custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly, ensuring comfort and functionality.

The Porcelain Crown Procedure

At our Santa Clara practice, we take great care to ensure that your porcelain crown fits perfectly and looks natural. Here’s what you can expect during the crown placement process:

1. Initial Consultation and Exam

During your initial consultation, Dr. Jayne Hoffman will examine your tooth and determine if a porcelain crown is the best option for restoring its function and appearance. Digital X-rays may be taken to assess the health of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure.

2. Tooth Preparation

To prepare your tooth for a crown, a small portion of the outer enamel will be removed to make room for the porcelain cap. This step ensures a snug, natural fit. After the tooth is prepared, impressions will be taken and sent to a dental lab where your custom porcelain crown will be crafted.

3. Temporary Crown

While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary crown allows you to maintain normal function until your final restoration is ready.

4. Final Crown Placement

Once your custom porcelain crown is ready, you’ll return for your final appointment. Dr. Jayne will check the fit, shape, and color of the crown to ensure it matches your natural teeth. After confirming the fit, the crown will be securely bonded to your tooth, restoring its strength and appearance.

High-Quality Materials for Porcelain Crowns

At our practice, we use only the highest-quality porcelain materials, such as Emax and zirconia, to craft crowns that are both beautiful and durable. These materials are chosen for their strength and their ability to mimic the translucency of natural tooth enamel, providing long-lasting, natural-looking results.

For back molars that endure heavier chewing forces, we may recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns or gold crowns. While PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, gold crowns are often used for patients seeking a more durable option for posterior teeth.

All materials used in our office are sourced from trusted suppliers in the United States, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.

Caring for Your Porcelain Crown

With the right care, porcelain crowns can last many years, helping you maintain a healthy and functional smile. Here are a few tips for keeping your crown in excellent condition:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your crown and surrounding teeth healthy. While porcelain crowns do not decay, the underlying tooth can still be affected by gum disease and decay.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or hard candy, as this can damage the porcelain.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Continue to visit us for routine dental cleanings and exams to ensure your crown stays in good condition and your oral health remains optimal.

When Are Porcelain Crowns Used?

Porcelain crowns can be used in a variety of situations, including:

• Restoring a tooth after decay: When a filling is too large or a tooth is too damaged, a crown can provide a long-lasting solution.
• Protecting a tooth after a root canal: Following root canal therapy, a crown is typically placed to protect the tooth from further damage.
• Improving aesthetics: Porcelain crowns can be used to cover stained or misshapen teeth, improving the appearance of your smile.
• Completing a dental implant: Crowns are often used with dental implants to replace a missing tooth.

Why Choose Us for Porcelain Crowns?

At our Santa Clara practice, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality treatment. Here’s why patients trust us for porcelain crowns:

1. Experienced Dentist: Dr. Jayne Hoffman has over two decades of experience in placing crowns, ensuring precise, natural-looking results.
2. State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest dental technologies, including digital imaging, to create perfectly fitted crowns that match your natural teeth.
3. Comfort-Focused Care: Your comfort is our priority. From the initial consultation to the final placement, we ensure a smooth and pain-free experience.
4. Customized Restorations: Each porcelain crown is custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your surrounding teeth, providing a seamless restoration that enhances your smile.