The cosmetic properties of porcelain for crowns and other dental restorations

A well-made dental crown or veneer, from a skilled cosmetic dentist such as Dr. Alex or Nina Basti, looks exactly like a healthy tooth. No matter how closely you look, how detailed a photo is, you can't spot the difference. You would never guess that the tooth was anything other than natural, unless you are told. Of course, a poorly made restoration will not look as good. However, even the best cosmetic dentist cannot create a genuinely natural appearance without a material that replicates tooth enamel perfectly. Porcelain is the ideal material for cosmetic restorations for several reasons.

What is porcelain

Porcelain, an especially beautiful type of ceramic, has become the material of choice for crowns and many other restorations. Porcelain is one of the most versatile materials available. It has given humankind a unique way to blend beauty and functionality for thousands of years. Some of the earliest examples of porcelains are ornate and useful teapots, bowls, and other dishes. Despite the long history of porcelain, its use was limited by its fragile nature until recently. With modern manufacturing techniques, dental porcelains are strong and durable as well as beautiful.

How porcelain mimics enamel

At first glance, you would think that tooth enamel was one color, plain white, and opaque. However, it's not that simple. A tooth is composed of many layers, beginning with soft pulp in the center. A layer of hard material called dentin surrounds the pulp, and it is covered by a thin layer of enamel.

In reality, tooth enamel is slightly translucent. It looks opaque, because of the light-colored dentin behind it, but the translucency gives a special sheen and depth to the appearance. Similarly, a tooth is not stark white, nor is it monotone. The natural shade may range from slightly yellow to slightly blue or gray, and it tends to be a bit darker near the root and lighter at the tip. Porcelain is also slightly translucent, and the degree of translucency can be adjusted as can the color. Modern restorations are designed to incorporate the same subtle variations in form and color that natural teeth display, resulting in that coveted hyper-realistic appearance.

If you are want a stunning smile and the "born with it" look, high-quality porcelain restorations may be the solution you are seeking. Call us at 949-427-2096 and schedule an appointment today.