Dr. Brian Hale's San Antonio Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

A crown is a dental restoration that covers the surface of your entire tooth. In years past, dental crowns always had to be constructed with a metal foundation. Modern technology has allowed these crowns to be created from pure porcelain, ceramic, or aesthetic reinforced resins.

A dental crown on your front tooth is necessary when a good portion of the tooth is gone or a majority of your biting edge is gone. This can be the result of:

• Large old fillings
• Tooth fracture
• A large area of tooth decay

There are still instances on the back teeth when the durability of a metal crown makes it the restoration of choice. But for crowns that show, wouldn’t you prefer a crown that looks as natural as your tooth enamel?

Porcelain crown has several benefits. Like all crowns, they cover and protect your tooth. But in addition, a porcelain crown is:

• Strong and durable
• Beautiful, with the life-like translucency of natural teeth
• Healthier for your teeth and gums because the edge of the natural-looking porcelain doesn’t need to be hidden under the gum line

A porcelain crown is precision-crafted in a dental laboratory, so it usually takes at least two appointments to restore your tooth with this natural-appearing crown.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio or the surrounding area, please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Brian Hale.