What are the disadvantages of porcelain crowns? Porcelain crowns are a popular cosmetic dental option that many people choose for achieving a uniform and brighter smile. However, if not applied correctly or if the procedure is conducted at a clinic with a questionable reputation, patients may experience various unforeseen complications.
Disadvantages of porcelain crowns
Porcelain crowns are a popular dental solution used to restore the natural shape and color of teeth, particularly for those dealing with various imperfections. They can effectively cover up defects such as yellowing, discoloration, crookedness, buck teeth, and even broken teeth. This cosmetic enhancement helps patients achieve whiter, more evenly aligned teeth, as well as a more functional bite.
While the aesthetic benefits of porcelain crowns are notable, there are also several disadvantages that potential candidates should carefully consider before committing to the procedure. Here’s a closer look at both the advantages and the disadvantages of porcelain crowns.
Disadvantages of porcelain crowns: Invasion of real teeth
One of the most significant disadvantages of porcelain crowns is the invasive nature of the procedure, which involves grinding down the natural teeth. This is necessary to create enough space for the porcelain crown to be securely placed. Unfortunately, this step can affect the long-term preservation of the original tooth structure, making it one of the most critical limitations of this treatment.
To ensure the crown fits properly and adheres to the tooth, the dentist must remove part of the real tooth, leaving only a small, ground-down stump. While this process helps secure the porcelain crown, it can also compromise the integrity of the natural tooth, leading to potential issues such as:
- Bite misalignment and temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders: Altering the natural structure of the teeth can lead to bite issues, which may cause discomfort or TMJ disorders over time.
- Increased sensitivity: Teeth that have undergone the grinding process are more prone to sensitivity, especially when eating, drinking, or brushing. Sensitivity can become a persistent issue, affecting daily activities.
- Damage to the tooth pulp: If the tooth grinding technique is not performed correctly, it can damage the pulp, leading to more severe dental complications and even the need for a root canal in some cases. Disadvantages of porcelain crowns
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Disadvantages of porcelain crowns: Tooth sensitivity
Another disadvantage of porcelain crowns is their potential impact on tooth sensitivity. For individuals with sensitive teeth, the grinding down of healthy tooth stumps can result in a reduced ability to perceive certain stimuli, particularly when consuming food or drinks of varying temperatures. Disadvantages of porcelain crowns
Over time, this loss of sensitivity can interfere with the natural chewing process, making it difficult to fully enjoy meals. In some cases, it can even lead to anorexia or a reluctance to eat, as the individual becomes less capable of discerning different textures and flavors. Disadvantages of porcelain crowns
Disadvantages of porcelain crowns: Shorter lifespan compared to natural teeth
Despite their many benefits, porcelain crowns do not have the same durability as natural teeth. The lifespan of a porcelain crown can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of porcelain material used, the skill level of the dentist performing the procedure, and how well the patient maintains their oral hygiene after the crown is placed.
On average, porcelain crowns last between 10 and 15 years, although their longevity can be shorter if lower-quality materials are used. While this may seem like a considerable amount of time, it is still significantly less than the lifespan of natural teeth, which can last a lifetime with proper care.
Patients should be aware that the need for crown replacement is likely at some point in the future. This means additional dental procedures, more time in the dentist’s chair, and added costs. Once porcelain crowns wear out, become damaged, or reach the end of their functional life, they must be removed and replaced—often at the same cost as the initial procedure.
Disadvantages of porcelain crowns: High cost of porcelain crowns
One of the more practical disadvantages of porcelain crowns is their high cost. The price of porcelain crowns can vary depending on the type of material used and the reputation of the dental clinic. Generally, metal-fused porcelain crowns range from 1 to 2.5 million VND per tooth, while all-ceramic crowns can cost anywhere from 4 to 12 million VND per tooth.
The overall expense increases significantly if multiple teeth require crowns. For many individuals, the total cost can be prohibitive, making porcelain crowns an investment that not everyone can afford. Additionally, when a crown reaches the end of its life or becomes damaged, the patient will need to undergo another expensive replacement procedure, which can further strain their budget.
Potential risks after porcelain crowns
In addition to the common disadvantages of porcelain crowns, such as the invasion of real teeth and reduced sensitivity, customers also face additional risks if they undergo the procedure at a low-quality dental clinic. Poorly managed clinics often cut corners and lack proper materials, expertise, and equipment, which can lead to a range of complications. Below are some of the most significant risks associated with getting porcelain crowns at substandard dental facilities.
Risk of porcelain teeth being easily broken, cracked, or fractured
One of the most serious concerns with choosing a low-quality clinic is the risk of receiving crowns made from substandard porcelain materials. Many such clinics use cheap or “floating” porcelain materials of unknown or dubious origin, which do not meet the quality standards necessary for long-term durability. These inferior materials are prone to chipping, cracking, or fracturing even under normal conditions without a significant impact.
Furthermore, low-quality porcelain teeth often have poor heat resistance. This makes them susceptible to damage when exposed to temperature changes during daily activities such as eating and drinking. Hot foods and beverages can cause the porcelain to weaken or degrade more quickly than higher-quality materials, significantly reducing the crown’s lifespan.
Gingivitis, bad breath
Another common issue that arises from poor-quality dental work is the increased risk of gingivitis and bad breath. Clinics that lack advanced equipment and modern technology often struggle to take accurate impressions of the patient’s teeth. The result is poorly fabricated crowns that don’t fit tightly onto the tooth stumps, leaving small gaps between the crown and the gumline.
These gaps allow food particles and debris to accumulate, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Over time, the buildup of bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), leading to swelling, redness, and bleeding. If left untreated, the condition may worsen and progress to more serious infections. Additionally, the bacteria can cause persistent bad breath, making social interactions uncomfortable for the patient.
Painful and unsightly
One of the major drawbacks of low-quality dental work is the rapid deterioration of the porcelain crowns. Customers may notice a decline in the appearance of their crowns within a short period after the procedure. The color of the crowns may change, turning yellow or dark, and unsightly black lines may develop around the gumline, compromising the aesthetics of the patient’s smile. These changes are typically due to the poor quality of the porcelain used or improper bonding techniques.
In addition to aesthetic concerns, patients may also experience increased tooth sensitivity and pain, particularly when eating or drinking. These symptoms are often the result of improper crown placement, which fails to provide the protection and support that the natural teeth require. Over time, the discomfort can worsen, causing the patient to avoid certain foods or beverages altogether.
Damage to real teeth
Perhaps one of the most serious risks associated with poor-quality porcelain crown procedures is the potential for damage to the natural teeth. If the dentist lacks experience or skill, they may grind away too much of the real tooth during the preparation process. Over-grinding can weaken the remaining tooth structure, making it more vulnerable to damage and decay.
In some cases, the dentist may even inadvertently damage the tooth pulp, which can cause severe pain and lead to the need for root canal treatment. Once the real teeth are damaged, they cannot be restored to their original state. This means the patient may experience long-term sensitivity, pain, or even tooth loss in extreme cases. Additionally, weakened teeth may not be able to support future dental work, further complicating the patient’s oral health.
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Criteria for choosing a reputable clinic for porcelain crowns
To minimize the risk of complications and the disadvantages of porcelain crowns, it’s essential for patients to conduct thorough research and select a reputable dental clinic. Here are five criteria to help customers identify a quality dental clinic for porcelain crowns:
- Operating license: The clinic must openly display its operating license issued by the Department of Health. This ensures that the clinic meets the necessary standards in terms of facilities and qualified personnel to perform porcelain crown procedures.
- Qualified dental team: The clinic’s dental professionals should possess valid practice certificates and specialized training in cosmetic porcelain crowns. Additionally, they should have extensive experience, demonstrated by successfully performing numerous procedures and receiving positive feedback from previous patients.
- Modern facilities: The dental clinic should feature spacious and modern facilities, equipped with advanced machinery and equipment sourced from reputable suppliers. Treatment rooms should be private and well-maintained, with a comprehensive sterilization system in place.
- Quality of materials: The porcelain crowns used by the clinic should originate from well-known, reputable brands, accompanied by thorough quality inspection documents and genuine warranty cards to ensure authenticity.
- Transparent pricing and policies: The clinic must provide clear cost estimates, offering package pricing without hidden fees. A transparent warranty policy should also be in place, detailing all customer benefits and coverage.
It’s crucial for patients to remain vigilant and avoid clinics advertising cheap, substandard porcelain crowns. Instead, they should prioritize clinics that meet all five of these criteria to ensure optimal results and safeguard their health.
We have just addressed the common question: What are the disadvantages of porcelain crowns? At Bally, we take every measure to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is not only effective but also enhances your facial aesthetics. With our experienced team, modern equipment, and personalized care, you can trust that your braces experience will be smooth and successful. When you choose Bally, you’ll leave with a smile that you’re proud to show off, completely satisfied with the quality of service and the results we deliver.
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