Porcelain Crowns in Chicago, IL
A broken, badly chipped, or infected tooth can cause intense pain and should be treated quickly to avoid extraction or other serious complications. Dental crowns help correct these and many other functional or cosmetic dental issues.
Our Chicago dental practice has provided gentle, comprehensive care, including treatment with dental crowns in Chicago, Illinois, since 1996.
Dr. Fedin is highly skilled and experienced in restorative dentistry, having placed thousands of crowns in the greater Chicago area.
His entire team is dedicated to maintaining or improving the health and appearance of our patient’s smiles with techniques that help ensure comfort during treatment and excellent results.
What Exactly Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap typically placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and function.
Dental crowns are often used as the finishing touch of other dental procedures, like root canal therapy or tooth replacement with dental implants.
Crowns made from porcelain closely resemble the natural appearance of a tooth and are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth.
Why Do I Need A Crown?
While fillings are usually sufficient to restore a tooth treated for a cavity, a dental crown is necessary to protect and restore teeth severely damaged by extensive decay, infection, or trauma. The crown is placed over the tooth after initial treatment, such as a root canal, has been completed.
You may also need a crown to replace the visible portion of a tooth that is being replaced by a dental implant.
What Would Disqualify Me for a Dental Crown?
You may need to delay receiving a dental crown if you have advanced gum disease or are receiving surgical treatments for it.
In these cases, waiting until treatment is complete and the soft tissues have healed is best. Gum disease and surgical treatments cause the gums to change shape and can lead to restorations shifting out of their proper position.
You may not qualify for a dental crown because the tooth is too damaged to save. At that point, it needs to be extracted.
A consultation with Dr. Fedin can determine the best treatment for your needs, whether restoring your tooth using a porcelain crown or replacing it with a bridge or a dental implant.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Crowns?
A natural tooth consists of a root, which is surrounded by gum tissue, and the visible portion, also known as the crown. A crown’s outer layer is the enamel, which provides the white translucent qualities that porcelain crowns are designed to replicate.
Within the crown are nerves, pulp, and dentin, all of which can be damaged by decay and trauma. When a filling or other more superficial treatment is inadequate to repair the tooth, a prosthetic is used and is appropriately called a dental crown.
While available in other materials, porcelain crowns offer a wide range of benefits:
- Porcelain crowns are not subject to decay.
- Porcelain crowns are strong and long-lasting.
- Porcelain crowns reflect light like natural teeth.
- Porcelain crowns can fully restore the function and beauty of your smile.
- Porcelain crowns can be used to support a bridge to replace your tooth.
- Porcelain crowns can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth.
- Porcelain crowns are used to complete root canal therapy (RTC) and dental implant placement.
Porcelain crowns can be part of a complete smile makeover after Invisalign® and teeth whitening with Zoom!.
Want to learn more about how porcelain crowns can restore your beautiful smile? Call Chicago Dental Arts today at (312) 642-6631.
What the Dental Crown Procedure Is Like
Our Chicago dental crown procedure requires two visits for the highest quality, natural-looking dental crowns.
During your first visit, we work with you to pick the color for your crown that best matches the surrounding natural or whitened teeth. Our specialist will prepare your tooth for the crown and then make an impression of the remodeled tooth and adjacent teeth.
Dr. Fedin will provide you with a temporary crown before you leave, and your second visit is scheduled for about two weeks later.
Your dental impression is sent to our professional dental lab, where they will create your custom porcelain crown.
On the second visit, your life-like permanent dental crown is placed and secured with a strong dental cement.
What Is Recovery Like After Dental Implant Placement?
Because Dr. Fedin uses Waterlase®, your procedure should be comfortable throughout, and any sensitivity or pain you may experience after your first crown appointment will be minimal.
You should not experience any discomfort during or after your second visit.
Taking Care of Your Porcelain Dental Crowns
Your permanent crown(s) should be cared for just like your natural teeth. While resistant to tooth decay and stains, porcelain crowns can become discolored if excessively exposed to tobacco products and dark staining liquids or fruit. Crowns can fail if gum disease is allowed to begin or progress.
Avoid consuming the following for the first two weeks:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Grape juice,
- Alcohol (especially red wine)
- Tough or hard-to-chew foods (until fully healed)
- Tobacco products
Try to drink highly pigmented (staining) beverages through a straw.
Protect your teeth and crowns from injury by using your teeth only to smile or chew food (NO ICE) and not as a tool to open bottles or packaging.
Implement or continue a comprehensive oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth for two minutes twice daily and flossing every day.
Be sure to thoroughly clean the gum line to remove debris that can get stuck there and cause bacterial growth, tartar, plaque, decay, and gum disease.
Attend all your recommended dental visits for regular cleanings and check-ups.
What Results Can I Expect After Receiving Porcelain Crowns?
You can expect your crowns to blend in naturally with the rest of your teeth and a functional, comfortable bite for an improved ability to chew your favorite foods.
If your teeth are professionally whitened before having crowns placed, you can also count on a uniformly bright and beautiful smile.
Porcelain Dental Crowns in Chicago & Skokie, IL
Dr. Fedin and the team at Chicago Dental Arts are committed to helping individuals and families in Chicago ensure their smiles are healthy and aesthetically pleasing by offering comfortable, high-quality dental care.
Our is well-equipped with advanced Cone Beam 3D imaging and Waterlase® for a more comfortable experience.
Call our Chicago, Illinois, porcelain crown provider at (312) 642-6631 for answers to your questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
You can also ask about our other Chicago general or cosmetic dental services.
Check out more of Chicago Dental Arts’ before and after photos here.
Porcelain Crowns FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long do dental crowns last?
The longevity of porcelain crowns can vary based on factors such as oral hygiene practices, habits like teeth grinding, and overall dental health. On average, porcelain crowns can last between 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care.
How do porcelain crowns and veneers differ?
Crowns are part of the treatment needed for a tooth damaged by decay, infection, or trauma, making it a general dentistry solution. However, they can also be used as a cosmetic procedure for teeth that are small, misshapen, or broken. Veneers do not protect or restore the function of teeth and are used cosmetically to conceal structural imperfections and discoloration.
Can porcelain crowns be used for any tooth?
Porcelain crowns are versatile and can be used for most teeth, including front and back teeth. They are especially popular for front teeth due to their natural appearance, but the dentist will determine the most suitable material based on your individual needs.
Do porcelain crowns require special care?
Porcelain crowns do not require extensive special care. Regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, are essential to maintain the health of the crowned tooth and surrounding gums.
Can I whiten a porcelain crown if it becomes discolored?
No, porcelain crowns are resistant to staining, but if discoloration occurs over time, they cannot be whitened like natural teeth. If significant discoloration occurs, replacement or alternative cosmetic procedures may be considered. If you need a crown and also want a brighter smile, have your natural teeth whitened before your crown is color-matched.
Are there alternatives to porcelain crowns?
There are alternatives, including metal, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. The choice depends on factors such as aesthetic preferences, durability requirements, and the location of the tooth being treated.
Is the porcelain crown placement procedure painful?
The procedure for placing porcelain crowns is typically not painful. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Patients may experience some discomfort during the recovery period, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
How much do porcelain crowns cost?
The cost of porcelain crowns depends on factors such as the dental practice’s location, the procedure’s complexity, and the materials used. Porcelain crowns can range from $800 to $3,000 per tooth or more. Dental insurance may cover some of the cost, and financing options are often available.
Case Study
Zirconia Crowns
Patient came in and she expressed dissatisfaction with the chipped edges and uneven shape of her teeth, particularly in the front area.
After discussing various treatment options with Mrs. Smith, including composite bonding, veneers, and crowns, it was decided that zirconia crowns would be the most suitable solution to achieve the desired esthetic outcome. Zirconia crowns are known for their durability, natural appearance, and ability to seamlessly blend with existing teeth, making them an ideal choice for esthetic restorations.
Outcome:
The zirconia crowns successfully addressed Mrs. Smith’s esthetic concerns, restoring symmetry to her smile and enhancing her overall appearance. The natural-looking appearance of the crowns blended seamlessly with her existing teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
Upon initial examination, it was evident that the patient has had dental erosion. The erosion had led to significant enamel loss, resulting in teeth that were worn down, discolored, and asymmetrical.
The patient underwent tooth preparation under oral sedation along with local anesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort. The preparation involved conservative reduction of the affected teeth to create space for the placement of porcelain crowns. Temporary acrylic crowns were then fabricated and placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics and function during the fabrication of the final restorations.
The restorative treatment with porcelain crowns resulted in a remarkable transformation of the patient’s smile. The crowns effectively restored the shape, color, and symmetry of her teeth, significantly improving both aesthetic appearance and functional stability. The patient was delighted with the outcome of the treatment, expressing renewed confidence in her smile and overall oral health.
Dental Crowns
Patient presented to our dental clinic with a concern regarding the gap between his two lower front teeth. He expressed dissatisfaction with the appearance of his smile and reported difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene due to food getting caught in the gap.
Upon examination, the patient exhibited a diastema, between his mandibular lower teeth.
Treatment Plan:
After discussing various treatment options including orthodontic treatment and composite bonding, it was decided to restore the gap using dental crowns. This option was chosen due to its durability, ability to close the gap effectively, and Mr. Doe’s desire for a permanent solution.
Outcome:
The restoration of the lower gap with two crowns successfully addressed Mr. Doe’s aesthetic concerns and improved his oral hygiene. The gap closure provided him with a more confident smile and enhanced his overall dental function.
Custom Porcelain Crowns
Patient presented with significant aesthetic concerns related to her existing composite veneers. The veneers were discolored, misshaped, showed signs of decay, and had noticeable chips. The patient expressed dissatisfaction with her smile, affecting her self-esteem and confidence. The composite veneers, previously placed several years ago, had worn down over time, leading to a compromised appearance and functional issues.
After a comprehensive examination, the dental team proposed a comprehensive treatment plan to address the various issues with the patient’s composite veneers. The plan included the removal of the existing composite veneers and the placement of 10 porcelain crowns to achieve a natural, symmetrical, and durable result.
The existing composite veneers were carefully removed to reveal the underlying teeth. A detailed examination was conducted to assess the overall oral health, and any underlying issues were addressed.
Precise digital impressions were taken to create custom porcelain crowns that would seamlessly blend with the patient’s natural teeth. Temporary crowns were placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent crowns were being fabricated in the dental laboratory. Once the custom porcelain crowns were ready, and the patient approved the color they were permanently bonded to the prepared teeth using advanced adhesive techniques.
The new porcelain crowns provided a remarkable aesthetic transformation, correcting the issues of discoloration, misshapen veneers, and chips.
Porcelain crowns offer superior durability and resistance to staining compared to composite veneers, ensuring a longer-lasting and aesthetically pleasing result.
The removal of decayed areas during the process of preparing for crowns addressed underlying oral health concerns, promoting the longevity of the restorations.
The patient experienced a significant boost in confidence and self-esteem after the completion of the treatment.
The new smile, characterized by natural-looking and well-contoured porcelain crowns, not only addressed the aesthetic concerns but also contributed to improved oral health. The patient reported enhanced functionality and expressed satisfaction with the overall outcome, showcasing the transformative power of a well-executed dental restoration. She even said that after her transformation her son wants to come in for a consultation regarding the esthetics of his smile.
Precise Color Match Of Implant Crown
Treatment Plan:
