Advantages of Porcelain Crowns

Full mouth reconstruction

When looking to improve the appearance of decayed, gapped, or damaged teeth, you will see the best results with durable and natural looking cosmetic dentistry. The big advantage of porcelain crowns is that they look and feel “real,” and they are strong too. They are stain resistant and can last up to fifteen years.

Your Chicago North Shore dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, provides porcelain crowns or fillings for patients who need reliable, esthetic dental restorations. In this post, he discusses the advantages of porcelain crowns over metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

The Real Thing

For so long, metal  has been the restoration material of choice for dental crowns. The cost effective, highly durable restorations are attractive to dentists and patients, but not for appearance. Oftentimes, recession occurs around the crown, and a black line will appear at the gum line. Most patients note the metal under the crown is a major drawback. Some patients opt for porcelain fused-to-metal crowns. With this choice, the metal portion of the crown can sometimes show through the porcelain as a faint, dark-colored line at the gums. Some patients have allergic reactions to certain cheaper metal alloys.


Fortunately, modern science and technology allow you to enjoy a healthy smile that imitates nature’s best work.  These front tooth crowns are made of a translucent material that is identical to the color of natural teeth. These porcelain dental crowns are also resistant to stains and custom graded to blend with the surrounding natural tooth. When the crowns cover your teeth, no one will know that they aren’t your real teeth. This may be a breath of fresh air if your confidence suffered a bit due to a less than stellar smile.

With porcelain crowns, you won’t have an awkward, bulky feel to your mouth. They fit your mouth perfectly which can enhance overall function. You may notice it is much easier to eat and chew your foods with your new crowns. If you suffered from slurred speech, you may find improved speech as one of the benefits. The new porcelain crowns are comfortable and functional.

advantages of porcelain crowns

Natural looking crowns can make a smile makeover blend in. They can be used to change shapes of teeth, align them, and brighten them.

Making the Right Choice

Dr. Fondriest can help you choose the best material for your crown. He also notes that all porcelain types have different functions and capabilities. He encourages patients to consider strength, esthetics, the abrasiveness of the material against the opposing teeth, and the skills of the dentist when making a decision.

For example, if you grind your teeth, you may want to consider e Max Monolithic. This type of porcelain restoration does not have a veneering porcelain, which often times is responsible for chips or fractures in crowns. The strength of the crown alone makes it an ideal choice for many.
Most dentists consider feldspathic porcelain options to be the most pleasing to the eye. While these beautiful restorations appeal to many, they are difficult to manipulate and costly.  Dr. Fondriest offers a variety of porcelains and as an expert experienced Chicago cosmetic dentist, he’ll consult with you and recommend the best material for your case.

What to Expect with Porcelain Crowns

During your first visit, Dr. Fondriest will prepare your tooth for the crown. The newer versions of porcelains don’t require as much tooth structure to be removed. Dr. Fondriest will then take impressions of your mouth to send to the ceramist making the crown. During this visit, you and Dr. Fondriest will select the right shade to match surrounding teeth. Dr. Fondriest will check the fit and look of your crown.  While waiting, you will wear a temporary crown until the permanent one arrives. If everything looks okay, he’ll permanently set the crown to your teeth.

Consider longevity and aesthetics when you look at the advantages of porcelain crowns over large fillings. The strength, look, and function should be the determining factors, but cost is also important. The cost can be anywhere between $600 and $3,000. The vast difference in price is due to the quality of the crown. Different porcelain types have different price points. A more expensive crown typically looks more natural and allows for enhanced function. A well done smile makeover done with porcelain crowns will appear totally natural. Best of all, there is no black line at the gumline.

Visit Your Chicago Dentist Today!

If you have more questions about crowns that look real or other restorative dentistry or want to schedule a consultation, contact our Chicago dentist office today at 847-234-0517. Dr. Fondriest serves Chicago and Chicago’s North Shore suburbs.

Dr. Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist. He serves clients from throughout the United States