6 things to know about the pros and cons of porcelain crowns before getting them

If you want to learn more about the pros and cons of porcelain crowns, you can watch the doctor's shared video here:

1. What is porcelain crowns?

Porcelain crownsis a technique that uses porcelain crowns placed on real tooth crowns that have been ground down. This method helps restore the shape, color and chewing function of teeth. There are many types of porcelain teeth such as metal porcelain teeth, all-ceramic porcelain teeth, titanium porcelain teeth... and each type will have different advantages and disadvantages of porcelain crowns.

This method is often prescribed in the following cases:

• Broken or large chipped teeth
  
• Severely decayed teeth that need to be restored after root canal treatment
  
• Sparse teeth, mild buck teeth
  
• Severely yellow teeth that cannot be whitened
  
• Teeth that have been filled many times but are not effective
  

Porcelain dental crowns help overcome dental defects and protect real teeth

2. Advantages of porcelain crowns

2.1 Significantly improved aesthetics

Modern porcelain teeth today are no longer completely crafted by hand like before but are supported byCAD/CAM technology(design and manufacture of porcelain teeth by computer). With this technology, the doctor will use an intra-oral scanner to take 3D tooth impressions accurately down to the micrometer and create porcelain crowns from monolithic porcelain embryos with almost absolute accuracy.

According to statistics from international dental research, porcelain teeth made with CAD/CAM technology have a close fit to the tooth base of up to 97–99%, minimizing the gap between porcelain teeth and real teeth - the main cause of gingivitis, food retention or bad breath. In addition, the color and shape of teeth are also designed based on a library of biological data, helping porcelain teeth to be 95% translucent and natural, similar to real teeth, difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.

Porcelain teeth are popular because of their marked aesthetic improvement

2.2 Restoring chewing function

Different from tooth filling orveneermethods - which only affect the outer surface of the tooth - porcelain crowns are a shooting technique. The porcelain crown covers the entire crown of the real tooth that has been ground. Thanks to that, the teeth are firmly reinforced from the inside out, increasing the force-bearing capacity up to 800–1,200 MPa (4–5 times higher than real teeth). This helps users chew comfortably with even hard foods without worrying about weak, chipped or broken teeth like with regular fillings.

Ceramic dental crowns restore chewing function better than other methods

2.3 Protecting real teeth

After being ground, real teeth will be completely covered by the outer ceramic crown, helping to prevent bacteria, plaque and mechanical effects such as strong chewing force. This protective layer is especially important for teeth that have had root canal treatment or are severely decayed, which are already weaker and more vulnerable than usual.

2.4 High durability

If properly restored and cared for, all-ceramic teeth can maintain durability for 10–15 years. Especially, with high-end porcelain lines such asEmaxorLava, lifespan can last up to 20 years or more while still ensuring aesthetics and chewing function.

2.5 Does not change color over time

Unlike real teeth, which have a light porous enamel structure and are easily stained by dark foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, wine or cigarettes, porcelain teeth have a surface that is fired at high temperatures, making it very smooth, shiny and less stain-resistant. The porcelain enamel layer is waterproof and does not absorb colorants, helping teeth maintain a stable whiteness over time. This outstanding stain resistance is one of themOutstanding advantages of porcelain crowns, especially favored by people who are often exposed to agents that cause tooth discoloration.

3. Disadvantages of porcelain crowns

Besides many advantages, porcelain crowns still existsome limitations. Understanding the disadvantages of porcelain crowns helps you prepare mentally and choose the right option.

3.1 Real teeth must be ground

To be able to place a porcelain crown on a tooth, the doctor must grind a portion of the real tooth tissue - usually from 0.6mm to 1.5mm depending on the type of porcelain tooth and the patient's tooth condition. This is a mandatory step in the porcelain crown process, to create enough space for the porcelain crown to fit tightly and not cause discomfort. However, tooth grinding means that the real tooth has lost part of its structure permanently and cannot be restored to its original state.

If this procedure is performed by an inexperienced doctor or does not use the correct supporting technology, it can lead to many complications such as: grinding too deeply, exposing the dentin, causing prolonged sensitivity, and even affecting the tooth pulp. According to statistics from the International Association of Aesthetic Dentistry (AACD), about 12–15% of patients with porcelain crowns experience sensitivity or pulpitis due to improper tooth grinding techniques. In addition, excessive grinding also makes real teeth weak and easily broken later if not properly protected.

Porcelain crowns require grinding real teeth quite small. If the doctor is inexperienced, it will lead to many complications

3.2 Can easily cause gingivitis if not properly cared for

After porcelain crowns, the interface area between the porcelain crown and the gums - also known as the gum line - becomes a place where food, plaque and bacteria can easily accumulate if not cleaned thoroughly. Over time, this area can become irritated, red, swollen, and even lead to gingivitis or periodontitis.

 Some dental studies have recorded that about18–22% of people with porcelain crowns experience mild to moderate gingivitisafter 6–12 months, mainly due to poor oral hygiene habits. 

This is a commondisadvantage of porcelain crowns, often encountered in people who are subjective or do not receive careful instructions from the doctor after restoration.

3.3 Cost is higher than other methods

Compared to methods such as fillings, veneers or whitening, porcelain crowns have a significantly higher cost due to the requirement of precise techniques, modern technology and high-quality materials. The price of porcelain crowns ranges from1 million to more than 10 million VND/tooth, depending on the type of porcelain (metal, titanium, all-ceramic or high-quality porcelain such as Emax, Lava). As well as the reputation and skill of the dentist performing it. 

For those who need to cover many teeth to improve their entire jaw, the total cost can be up to tens of millions of VND - this is a factor that makes many people hesitant when considering choosing this method.

Porcelain crowns are quite expensive compared to other methods

3.4 There may be complications after a while

If the restoration technique is not standard or uses poor quality porcelain teeth, the person with porcelain crowns may encountermany complications Symptoms:

• Sensitivity, prolonged pain:Due to tooth grinding too deep or porcelain crown not installed tightly, causing pressure on the tooth pulp.
  
• Porcelain periodontitis:Porcelain rims do not fit tightly, causing food to trap, creating an environment for bacteria to cause gingivitis and periodontitis.
  
• Gingival recession, tooth root exposure:Usually occurs when porcelain rims are not physiologically correct or are not well cared for.
  
• Fractured, chipped teeth. Porcelain:Found in poor quality porcelain teeth or incorrect bite, causing breakage after a period of use.
  
• Bad breath:Due to plaque accumulation at the edge of the porcelain crown that does not fit closely to the gums.

4. Should you get porcelain crowns? 

Decidingwhether to get porcelain crowns or notshould be based onaesthetic needs,chewing functionandcurrent dental condition.Not everyone is suitable to perform this method, because each case will affect it differentlyAdvantages and disadvantages of porcelain crowns.

4.1 Cases where porcelain teeth should be covered

• Broken teeth, large chips:When the tooth crown is severely damaged and cannot be restored with composite fillings, porcelain crowns will help protect the real tooth and restore its original shape.
  
• Cavities that have undergone root canal treatment:After root canal removal, teeth are often brittle and break easily. Porcelain crowns help strengthen and prevent teeth from breaking during chewing.
  
• Severely discolored teeth:In cases of tetracycline staining, high fluoride or congenital yellow teeth that cannot be improved by whitening, porcelain crowns are a more effective choice.
  
• Teeth are spaced, slightly misaligned, and slightly overhanging:When you don't want long-lasting braces, porcelain crowns can help adjust your shape and create a more regular bite quickly.
  
• Desire to comprehensively improve your smile:Those who pursue an aesthetic smile makeover often choose porcelain crowns to improve the color, size and balance of their teeth.
  

4.2 Cases that should be considered carefully before getting porcelain crowns

• Teeth are healthy, only slightly stained:If the teeth are still strong and not damaged much, you can choose whitening or veneering to retain real tooth tissue.
  
• Avoid grinding teeth:Because porcelain crowns require permanent tooth tissue grinding, those who want to preserve their natural teeth as much as possible should consider carefully.
  
• Not enough finances:Covering many porcelain teeth, especially high-quality porcelain, is quite expensive. People who are not financially ready should step back and choose more carefully.
  
• Metal allergy:People with a history of allergy to metals should not use metal porcelain or titanium alloy porcelain teeth but should choose all-ceramic teeth to ensure safety.
  

If you are in the group that needs to be considered, proactively visit a reputable dental clinic to get x-rays, specific assessments, and personalized advice from the doctor. UnderstandingAdvantages and disadvantages of porcelain crownswill help you make the correct decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.

6. How to limit disadvantages and increase effectiveness when wearing porcelain crowns

To maximizeAdvantages of porcelain crownsTo limit unwanted risks, you need to pay attention to the following important points:

• Choose a reputable dentist and highly qualified doctor:Doctor's skills directly affect the fit, chewing function and longevity of porcelain teeth. Choose a facility with a team of experienced doctors, modern equipment and clear treatment procedures.
  
• Use suitable porcelain tooth material:Depending on your physical condition, aesthetic needs and financial capabilities, you should choose high quality porcelain with good biocompatibility to avoid allergies, bad breath or gingivitis in the future.
  
• Maintain proper oral care habits:Brush your teeth regularly 2–3 times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, combined with dental floss and mouthwash to clean between teeth. At the same time, you should have regular dental check-ups every 6 months to check the condition of your porcelain teeth and handle problems early, if any.
  
• Limit strong impact on teeth:Avoid chewing hard objects such as ice, bones, or hard seeds; Limit items that are too hot or too cold to prevent porcelain cracking and reduce sensitivity.
  

Comply with the above instructions will help you prolong the life of your porcelain teeth, keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, and avoid unwanted complications after capping.

Reputable dental address for porcelain capping

Choosing a reputable dentist is a key factor to ensure the success of porcelain capping and avoid theconsequences of capping. Porcelain teethare not desired. 

One of the dental systems highly appreciated by many experts and customers for its treatment quality and professionalism isLac Viet Intech Dental. 

With the motto"Leading the quality of treatment", Lac Viet Intech has been building solid trust by focusing on three main pillars: a team of highly specialized doctors, a modern equipment system, and a medical-standard treatment process.

Lac Viet Intech Dental Clinic is trusted and chosen by many people for cosmetic porcelain crowns

For detailed examination and advice on her oral condition Brothers and sisters, who also handle issues related to porcelain crowns, make an appointment with the team of experienced experts at Lac Viet Intech Dental today! 

• Website: https://lacvietdental.vn/

• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/lacvietdental.vn

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nhakhoalacvietintech 

• Hotline:0866.38.0033 (or 1900.6421)