Damaged or missing teeth can significantly impact your confidence and oral health, but modern cosmetic dentistry offers effective solutions. Dr. Kathy S. Sanders, DMD, AAACD, and the experienced team at Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry specialize in creating beautiful, durable porcelain crowns and bridges that restore both function and aesthetics to your smile. Our advanced techniques and premium materials ensure you receive restorations that look natural while providing long-lasting performance.
Porcelain Crowns and Bridges
Understanding Porcelain Crowns and Bridges
Porcelain crowns and bridges represent cutting-edge restorative dentistry that addresses both functional and cosmetic concerns. A porcelain crown acts as a protective cap that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth, while a porcelain bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent healthy teeth.
These restorations are crafted from high-quality dental porcelain that mimics the translucency, color, and texture of natural tooth enamel. The material’s biocompatibility ensures excellent integration with your existing oral structures, while its strength provides reliable protection against daily wear and tear from chewing and speaking.
Our Services
Our comprehensive porcelain restoration services are designed to address various dental needs while maintaining the highest standards of quality and aesthetics.
Our Porcelain Crown and Bridge Treatment Process
- Smile Assessment
- Precision Color Matching
- Expert Tooth Preparation
- Porcelain Crown
- Restoration Monitoring
Comprehensive Smile Assessment and Digital Planning
During your comprehensive consultation, we thoroughly examine your teeth and discuss your specific needs and aesthetic goals. Digital imaging and impressions help us assess the condition of your teeth and surrounding structures. Dr. Kathy S. Sanders, DMD, AAACD, explains your treatment options and creates a personalized plan that addresses both functional requirements and cosmetic preferences.
Precision Color Matching and Custom Design Planning
We develop a detailed treatment plan that outlines each step of your porcelain restoration process. Color matching ensures your new crowns or bridges blend perfectly with your existing teeth. The plan includes timing, preparation requirements, and temporary restoration needs to maintain your comfort throughout treatment.
Expert Tooth Preparation and Laboratory Crafting
Your teeth are carefully prepared to accommodate the porcelain restorations, with minimal removal of healthy tooth structure. Precise impressions are taken and sent to our skilled laboratory technicians, who craft your custom crowns or bridges. Temporary restorations protect your prepared teeth while your permanent restorations are being created.
Porcelain Crown and Bridge Care Instructions
We provide comprehensive care instructions to help you maintain your new porcelain restorations for years to come. Proper oral hygiene techniques, including gentle brushing and regular flossing, protect both your restorations and surrounding teeth. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor the condition of your crowns or bridges and address any concerns promptly.
Long-Term Restoration Monitoring and Adjustments
Scheduled follow-up appointments ensure your porcelain restorations are functioning properly and your bite is comfortable. We make any necessary adjustments to optimize fit and function while checking for signs of wear or complications. These visits also provide opportunities to reinforce proper care techniques and address any questions about your new restorations.
Why Choose Our Practice
At Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our commitment to excellence in porcelain restorations sets us apart. Dr. Kathy S. Sanders, DMD, AAACD, brings extensive training and experience in cosmetic dentistry, ensuring your crowns and bridges meet the highest standards of quality and aesthetics. Our advanced technology and meticulous attention to detail result in restorations that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
We understand that every smile is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to each porcelain restoration case. From initial consultation through final placement, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction while delivering results that exceed your expectations. Our dedication to continuing education ensures we stay current with the latest techniques and materials in porcelain restoration dentistry.
No More Damaged or Missing Teeth Holding You Back!
Your perfect smile is just one consultation away, and our porcelain crowns and bridges can give you the confidence to share it with the world. Dr. Kathy S. Sanders, DMD, AAACD, and our skilled team at Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.
Call us today at 423-239-7899 to schedule your porcelain crown and bridge consultation, or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to see real patient transformations and get helpful oral health tips. Check out our YouTube page for educational videos about porcelain restorations, then take the next step toward your dream smile by booking your appointment – because you deserve to feel confident every time you speak, laugh, and smile.
FAQs
How long do porcelain crowns last?
Porcelain crowns typically last between 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Factors such as oral hygiene habits, teeth grinding, and regular dental checkups can significantly impact their longevity. With excellent care and avoiding habits like chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth, some porcelain crowns can last even longer than 15 years.
Do porcelain crowns stain?
High-quality porcelain crowns are highly resistant to staining and maintain their color over time. Unlike natural teeth, the smooth surface of porcelain doesn’t absorb stains from coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco products. However, the cement line where the crown meets your natural tooth may show slight discoloration over time, which is why regular professional cleanings are important.
How strong are porcelain crowns?
Modern porcelain crowns are remarkably strong and can withstand normal chewing forces effectively. They’re designed to handle the same pressure as your natural teeth, typically supporting forces of 200-250 pounds per square inch. While they’re durable enough for everyday use, avoiding extremely hard foods and using a nightguard if you grind your teeth helps ensure their longevity.
How long do porcelain bridges last?
Porcelain bridges generally last 10 to 15 years, similar to individual crowns, when properly maintained. The lifespan depends on factors like oral hygiene, the health of the supporting teeth, and overall bite forces. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings help identify any issues early and can extend the life of your porcelain bridge significantly.
Which is better: porcelain or zirconia bridge?
Both porcelain and zirconia bridges have unique advantages depending on your specific needs and location in your mouth. Porcelain offers superior aesthetics with excellent color matching and translucency, making it ideal for front teeth restorations. Zirconia provides greater strength and durability, making it better suited for back teeth where chewing forces are highest, though recent advances have improved zirconia’s aesthetic properties considerably.
Can dental bonding work on broken porcelain bridges?
Minor chips or small breaks in a porcelain bridge can sometimes be repaired with dental bonding as a temporary solution. However, bonding on porcelain doesn’t create as strong a bond as bonding on natural tooth enamel and may not last as long. For significant damage or structural issues, replacement of the porcelain bridge is usually the most reliable long-term solution to ensure proper function and aesthetics.