Porcelain Restorations in Lakeland, Florida

Restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental crowns, veneers, and dentures, give dentists like Dr. Crosby the ability to restore a natural-looking smile to patients. Not only is restorative dentistry needed for dental health reasons, but often the procedures can return confidence to patients as they are thrilled with their brand-new smile that looks and feels like their natural teeth. Using porcelain products in restorative or cosmetic procedures helps to ensure longevity, lasting for years to come.

Our dental team is proud to offer these high-quality solutions to our neighbors in Lakeland, Florida. We know that when a tooth is damaged or decayed, it can affect how you eat and how you feel about your appearance. By focusing on modern dentistry and durable materials, we help you maintain the health of your mouth for the long term. When you visit our office in Lakeland, FL, we will work with you to find the best restoration options for your specific needs.

What Are the Benefits of Using Porcelain?

Compared to other commonly used products, porcelain is a preferred material for dental applications. This material is beautiful and incredibly strong. Your teeth endure a great deal of strain, pressure, and wear, and porcelain can withstand it all. Typical dental metal amalgams can last up to twelve years, but porcelain has been known to last for fifteen years or longer.

Plus, porcelain is a very versatile material that can be used in several applications. It can be molded and shaped to look and feel just like natural teeth. Porcelain also comes in several different colors, allowing patients to easily match their natural tooth color or opt for a whiter, brighter shade to enhance their smile. For these reasons, it is very common to see porcelain used in dental crowns, bridges, and veneers.

Lastly, porcelain is a beautiful product. It is light and smooth and gives the appearance of natural teeth. Porcelain can be custom-designed for each individual patient, making a beautiful creation for each separate smile. Porcelain is smooth and glossy and will function just like a natural tooth.

Who Can Benefit from Porcelain Restorations in Lakeland, Florida

Many patients in Lakeland, FL, choose ceramic restorations to fix various dental needs. If you have a damaged tooth or are living with missing teeth, porcelain provides a solution that looks and feels real. We often recommend these treatments for:

• Patients with significant tooth decay who need more than a simple filling.
• People with cracked or broken teeth that require the protection of dental crowns.
• Those looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of their smile using porcelain veneers.
• Patients who have undergone a root canal and need a new crown to protect the tooth structure.

Choosing the right material is a big part of your treatment plan. Because dental porcelain is so strong, it is a popular choice for both front and back teeth. Our goal is to help you achieve a confident smile while protecting your overall oral health.

How Is Porcelain Applied?

Porcelain can be applied in different ways depending on the cosmetic or restorative dentistry you select. Sometimes porcelain is used in crowns and veneers, where it is molded and shaped to look like a natural tooth. Or, it can be used as an inlay or onlay, to be fitted over the top of the natural tooth. In other cases, porcelain is used as a dental filling and is poured and molded into a cavity.

A porcelain dental structure is often custom-made for the patient and then fitted onto the natural tooth using a permanent dental cement. Depending on the application, the natural tooth may be gently ground to create a rough surface. This process gives the cement and porcelain something to adhere to. During any restorative or cosmetic procedure, the team at Crosby Dentistry will keep you comfortable. If you are nervous, we can always talk about sedation dentistry to help ease your mind throughout the process.

The Role of the Dental Lab in Your Restoration

To provide exceptional results, we work closely with a professional dental lab. After Dr. Crosby takes impressions of your teeth, they are sent to skilled technicians. These experts use the mold to create your type of restoration, whether it is a single porcelain crown or thin shells of porcelain for veneers.

Using advanced techniques, the lab ensures that the shade of your porcelain restorations matches the surrounding teeth perfectly. This attention to detail is what gives our patients a natural appearance. Once the piece is ready, you will return to our dental office for the final fitting. We make sure the restoration fits comfortably and aligns with the rest of your teeth before it is bonded into place.

How Long Will Porcelain Last?

One of the most significant benefits of using porcelain is its long life expectancy. Porcelain is incredibly durable and can withstand your teeth’s daily wear and tear. Most porcelain applications will last for fifteen years or longer. With the proper care, porcelain dental crowns have been known to last for at least thirty years.

Taking great care of your teeth will allow your porcelain applications to last longer. Remember to treat your porcelain just like you would a natural tooth. You will want to brush at least twice per day with a soft-bristled brush, and remember to floss. Porcelain can stain, break, and chip if you are not careful, so remember to avoid crunching hard foods or drinking dark-colored liquids. With porcelain dental structures, you will always want to avoid using tobacco products.

Maintaining Your Porcelain and Oral Health

Proper oral hygiene is the best way to protect your investment. Even though porcelain cannot get cavities, the natural tooth underneath it still needs protection. This is why regular dental cleanings and exams are so important. During these visits, our dental team checks the edges of your porcelain restorations to ensure they are still sealed and strong.

Good oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease, which can affect how long your restoration lasts. We suggest using a non-abrasive toothpaste to keep the surface of the porcelain smooth and shiny. By following these simple steps and visiting us for routine dental care, you can enjoy a bright and healthy smile for decades.