Nothing compares to the confidence of knowing you have a smile worth showing off anywhere, whether on a red carpet, in the boardroom, or even at a cocktail party. Unfortunately, a decayed, broken, or discolored tooth can take a toll on your confidence, and that’s where dental crowns come in.
At Moe Smiles, our renowned dentist uses some of the best porcelain crowns Houston TX to restore worn-down, broken, decayed, or weak teeth. He also uses crowns to cover root canal-treated teeth or dental implants to restore your natural and beautiful smile. Schedule your consultation with our dentist right away.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits snugly over your natural tooth. It is often used to restore broken, decayed, or weak teeth. Before bonding a crown in place, the dentist may remove a small amount of enamel to ensure a perfect fit.
Dental crowns are used for different purposes, including strengthening a weak tooth, protecting and supporting a cracked tooth, holding a dental bridge in place, and covering a dental implant of a severely discolored or stained tooth.
There are different types of dental crowns, and the right option for you depends on your specific oral health needs and preferences. The types available include Houston porcelain crowns, metal crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and pressed ceramic crowns.
What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure
During your first visit to Moe Smiles clinic at Dental Center in Houston, 77005, our dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown. Usually, our dentist will remove some of the tooth’s natural enamel to make space for the new crown and to ensure that it stays in place once bonded. Depending on the condition of your tooth, we may also use a filling material to strengthen the tooth.
With your tooth prepared, our dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth. They will send this to the dental lab, where the technician will use it to craft your customized dental crown. While your permanent crown is being created, our dentist will place a temporary crown made of acrylic or resin to protect your tooth enamel.
At your next appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and check the shape, color, and fit of the new crown. Next, we will bond the new crown to your tooth with a strong dental cement.
Can a Porcelain Crown Stain or Discolor over Time?
If you choose a Houston porcelain crown, you’ll surely want to know its benefits and whether or not it stains or discolors over time. Let’s establish this fact: porcelain is a non-porous material, which makes it highly stain-resistant.
Unlike natural teeth that have microscopic holes where pigments can build up, porcelain dental crowns have a smooth, tight surface that prevents stains. It maintains the original tooth color, and this is the primary reason people use porcelain crowns to replace heavily stained or discolored teeth.
How Do I Take Care of My Porcelain Crown?
Although porcelain is stain-resistant, practicing good oral hygiene will improve its lifespan and maintain its natural look. Here’s how you can keep your porcelain ceramic crowns looking beautiful:
- Brush twice daily and floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles that can cause stains.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as harsh bristles can damage the glaze over the crown.
- Reduce your consumption of staining foods and drinks like coffee and wine. Rinse your mouth with water whenever you consume any of these.
- Avoid smoking as this not only keeps your crowns white, but also benefits your overall health.
- Schedule professional dental care regularly. Professional cleanings can remove deep stains and ensure the crown’s glaze is intact.
Are Porcelain Crowns Covered by Insurance?
When it comes to the Houston porcelain crown cost, one of the questions patients ask is if porcelain crowns are covered by insurance. Really, insurance coverage for dental crowns and dental bridges depends largely on the insurance plan itself.
Generally, most dental insurance plans partially cover dental care, including crowns and root canal treatments. The coverage can range from 50% to 80% of the procedure’s cost. Also, different factors can influence the coverage, including the medical necessity to restore tooth function, address major tooth structure damage, or prevent further decay.
Additionally, the type of crown may also determine whether it is covered or not. For example, some insurance plans may cover porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and not all-ceramic crowns. We recommend reviewing your policy or discussing it with your insurance provider to understand the types that are covered.
Final Thoughts
Dentistry is an important aspect of oral health, and at Moe Smiles, we take pride in delivering exceptional restorative dentistry in a state-of-the-art facility. Our expert dentist can create a personalized treatment plan that will restore your tooth’s functionality and keep you smiling. Schedule a consultation with our dentist today to get started on your dental health journey.
