Cases Where Porcelain Crowns Should Be Avoided

Overview of Porcelain Crowns

A porcelain crown is a protective “cap” placed over a prepared natural tooth. To fit the crown, the dentist must reshape and reduce part of the tooth structure before bonding the artificial covering. The crown is carefully designed to resemble the original tooth in both color and shape, helping restore function and aesthetics.

Porcelain crowns are ideal for situations such as:

• Discolored teeth due to antibiotics or staining foods and drinks.

• Teeth that are chipped, fractured, or moderately decayed.

• Slightly crooked, gapped, or uneven teeth that need cosmetic correction.

• Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.

• Cases of tooth loss where crowns can be combined with bridges or implants.

When Porcelain Crowns Should Not Be Used

According to dental specialists, there are specific situations where porcelain crowns are not recommended:

1. Severe Bite Problems

Crowns are only suitable for minor bite irregularities. In cases of deep overbite, underbite, or severely crowded teeth, orthodontic treatment such as braces is necessary. Using crowns in these cases could create long-term complications for the bite and jaw joints.

2. Jawbone-Related Protrusions or Misalignment

If the cause of protruding or underbite teeth lies in the jawbone structure, porcelain crowns cannot correct the problem. Surgery or orthodontic procedures targeting the bone are required for proper alignment and stability.

3. Extensive Tooth Decay or Weak Roots

When decay destroys most of the tooth structure or the pulp is dead, crowns lose their effectiveness. If the root system is too weak to support a crown, extraction followed by dental implant placement is often the safer and more durable solution.

4. Teeth Reduced to Roots Only

If a tooth is broken down to just its roots, there is insufficient structure to support a porcelain crown. Alternatives such as dental bridges or implants are more reliable in these cases.

5. Highly Sensitive Teeth

For patients with severe tooth sensitivity to brushing, chewing, or temperature changes, crown placement may worsen discomfort because the procedure requires grinding the natural tooth. Careful evaluation is essential before considering this option.

6. Patients with Systemic Health Conditions

Individuals with cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, or blood clotting disorders may face increased risks during tooth preparation and anesthesia. For such cases, crowns are generally contraindicated to protect overall health.

7. Children and Adolescents Under 17

Since the pulp chamber and tooth development are not yet complete, cosmetic crowns should not be performed on children or teenagers. Orthodontic methods such as braces are more suitable for correcting misalignment or gaps at this stage.

Final Thoughts

Porcelain crowns are an effective and long-lasting dental solution, but they are not appropriate for everyone. If you suspect that you might need crowns, it is important to undergo a thorough dental examination, including X-rays, to accurately assess your oral condition. An experienced dentist will recommend whether crowns are suitable for your case or if another treatment—such as veneers, braces, or implants—would provide better long-term results.