Daniel R. Melnick D.D.S

Question

Porcelain Crowns and
Tooth Bonding FAQs

Laurel, Columbia, Fulton, Silver Spring - Maryland

1. What is a tooth crown?

A tooth crown covers your entire tooth. Rather than replacing the tooth altogether, it replaces just the outside of your tooth, leaving the inside intact for greater strength.

2. Will a crown look and feel like my real tooth?

Yes. A porcelain tooth crown will look and act just like your natural tooth. You will be able to use the tooth the same way you did before it became damaged.

3. What is the benefit of porcelain over other types of crowns and tooth bonding?

Porcelain can be matched to your normal tooth color, and reflects light in a way similar to your natural tooth surface. So porcelain looks completely natural.

• Gold tooth crowns are very visible
• Composite bonding and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a dull, flat look
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal tooth crowns often have a dark line that shows near the gum line
4. What is tooth bonding?

Tooth bonding is a way of covering small flaws in teeth such as cracks, gaps, and discoloration. After shaping and preparing the tooth, Dr. Melnick will apply some special solution and a bonding agent that combine to create strong adhesive. Over that, a tooth-colored composite material is applied and shaped to correct the flawed area. It's hardened by a high-intensity light and then smoothed and polished.

5. Will tooth bonding look and feel like my natural teeth?

Yes. Porcelain tooth bonding will be matched to your natural tooth color, and will function as a normal part of your tooth. It will not feel raised, have edges, or interfere with chewing.

6. What is the difference between tooth crowns, bonding, and veneers?
• Tooth crowns cover an entire tooth when decay is too extensive for a filling to be adequate
• Tooth bonding builds up missing parts of your tooth.
• A veneer is a thin shell that is bonded to the front of each tooth to give a smooth and even appearance.
7. Will I have to wear a temporary crown while I wait for my permanent crown to be prepared?

No, we use CEREC technology which allows us to create your permanent crown in one visit.

8. Will the procedure be painful?

Dr. Melnick is dedicated to providing you with painless and relaxed dentistry. His sedation dentistry techniques have proven effective for even the most sensitive patients and those who are resistant to numbing.

If you have more questions about porcelain crowns and bonding in Laurel, Maryland, please contact us today for your initial consultation. View our Before and After Gallery and read Testimonials from our crown and tooth bonding patients.