Amazing Porcelain: From Dental Repairs To Toilet Bowls - Porcelain Gets The Job Done
Posted on: 26 February 2015
If your dentist has suggested that you have a porcelain crown installed on one of your decayed teeth, then you might be wondering about the porcelain used in dentistry. After all, isn't porcelain used in easily breakable china plates and to make toilet bowls? The answer to both is yes. However, it is also true that not all porcelain is created equal.
What is Porcelain?
Porcelain is material that is made by firing kaolin clay in a kiln. Unlike many other clay materials, kaolin is a very fine clay material and can be successfully fired at high temperatures using considerably thick layers of clay. The kaolin clay is not prone to air bubbles and tends to fire very well without as many issues as other types of clay.
Other materials can be mixed within the clay to give the porcelain more strength and durability. Some of these minerals include:
- Bone ash
- Alabaster
- Feldspar
- Glass
- Steatite
In addition, quartz rock crystal is sometimes used as well. This is often the case when it comes to dental porcelains where the color of the clay is vital to the outcome of the final porcelain product. Dental porcelains frequently use glass or quartz in their mixtures of clay.
What are the Advantages of Porcelain?
The reason that porcelain is so popular for such a wide variety of uses is that it is nearly impenetrable. This makes porcelain perfect for use in dental crowns because things like coffee will not penetrate into the surface and cause the crown to turn yellow.
Other advantages of porcelain material include its:
- Hardness
- Translucence
- Strength
- White color
- Resistance to shock
A final advantage for using porcelain in dental crowns is that your dentist will carefully match the color of your existing teeth to the new crown. This means that when you are talking or smiling no one will notice that you have had dental work performed.
Final Thoughts
Now that you better understand the advantages of porcelain and how it is made, you should feel secure that your dentist is making a good suggestion for your new crown. Dental porcelain will be the best match for your other teeth, and it will last for many years to come.
If you have additional questions about dental porcelain products, you should feel comfortable speaking with your dentist. Dentists are happy to share their knowledge with their patients and help them to better understand their oral health treatment options. For qualified cosmetic dentistry, trust the team at NorthShore Family Dentistry.
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