Inadequate daily care or subpar porcelain materials can cause chipping in porcelain crowns. So, what should you do if your porcelain crown chips? Must it be removed and completely redone? How can you protect your porcelain crowns in daily life?
Minor chips may be polished and reused
Carefully examine the affected crown: note the location, size, and shape of the chipped porcelain. If the chip is small, lacks sharp edges, and is difficult to spot (even with mirror inspection or assistance from others), no immediate action may be needed. If the chipped area is minor and does not compromise aesthetics, consider polishing the crown for continued use.
Extensive porcelain layer fractures require removal and restoration
If the chipped area is prominent, affects aesthetics, involves a large porcelain layer fracture, or creates sharp edges that cause injuries to the tongue, lips, or cheek mucosa, seek prompt dental care. It is best to schedule a follow-up appointment with the dentist who placed the crown.Strictly speaking, after a porcelain layer chips off, the original restoration should be removed and remade. Currently, resin restoration materials for porcelain layer fractures are available. After surface treatment of localized fractures, shaping and light-curing the material can repair the defect. Although excellent materials exist for repair, you should still carefully maintain your porcelain crowns to prevent chipping.
Causes of Porcelain Chipping
Human Factors: Using porcelain crowns to bite hard objects or overly hard/tough foods, such as opening beer bottles or chewing sugarcane; accidental injuries causing forceful impact to the crown.
Quality Issues and Medical Factors: - Improper design or fabrication of the crown itself. - For instance, metal castings too thin to adequately support the porcelain layer. - Inadequate metal preparation or porcelain application. - Such as improper pre-oxidation causing excessively thick or thin oxide layers. - Occlusal issues. - For example, individuals with nighttime teeth grinding habits are prone to porcelain chipping with crowns. - Clinical factors. - For instance, excessive force during try-in or cementation can cause chipping.
How to prevent porcelain veneer chipping?
Develop good cleaning habits to prevent food residue buildup. The junction between veneers and natural teeth easily traps debris, leading to plaque formation and tartar buildup. Thorough cleaning is essential to avoid recurrent plaque accumulation.
Initial discomfort after veneer placement is normal; adapt quickly and practice using them diligently.
Avoid consuming excessively hard foods, as they can shatter the porcelain. Start with soft foods and gradually transition to harder items.
Schedule regular check-ups to maintain good dental hygiene habits. If discomfort arises, seek prompt medical attention.
Kind reminder: Porcelain crowns are not a permanent solution. Careful protection is crucial.Due to material limitations, most porcelain crowns have a restricted tolerance for force. Exceeding this limit can easily damage the crown and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, initially eat only soft foods and avoid using the crown to bite hard bones, crab shells, or similar items. The junction between the crown and the underlying tooth is prone to plaque buildup and tartar formation. Pay close attention to cleaning: use dental floss between teeth and schedule regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.