Dental porcelain restoration is a dental method that uses porcelain crowns or bridges to restore the shape, function, and aesthetics of damaged or missing teeth.
The doctor will grind the real tooth (or attach it to the implant) and then put a porcelain crown on top, helping the tooth to:
- be stronger
- look natural
- chew as well as a real tooth.
When is dental porcelain restoration needed?
Doctors often prescribe it in the following cases:
- large cavities that cannot be filled
- broken or chipped teeth
- teeth that have had root canal treatment (easily broken)
- severely discolored teeth
- tooth loss (making porcelain bridges or on implants)
Common types of dental porcelain restorations
- Porcelain crown (porcelain veneer)
Used when a tooth is damaged but the root is still good.
Procedure:
- grind down the real tooth
- take a tooth impression
- manufacture a porcelain crown
- attach the crown to the tooth
- Porcelain bridge
Used when 1 or more consecutive teeth are missing.
The doctor will:
- grind the 2 adjacent teeth
- attach a porcelain bridge consisting of 3 adjacent teeth
- Porcelain tooth on implant
In case of complete tooth loss, the doctor:
- places an implant into the jawbone
- attaches a porcelain crown to the implant.
This method is the most like a real tooth.
Types of porcelain materials
Some common types:
- Metal - porcelain (PFM)
- Titanium - porcelain
- All-ceramic Zirconia
- All-ceramic E.max (highly aesthetic)
How long do porcelain teeth last?
Average lifespan:
- 10 - 20 years or longer
Depends on:
- type of porcelain
- doctor's skill
- how to care for teeth.
Advantages of dental porcelain restoration
✔ improve aesthetics quickly
✔ restore chewing function
✔ teeth are stronger
✔ color is similar to real teeth
Disadvantages
- need to grind real teeth (for crowns and bridges)
- higher cost than fillings
- if done incorrectly, it can cause sensitivity or gingivitis.
