When a tooth has damage beyond the repair of porcelain inlays or onlays, Dr. Smith may decide a porcelain crown is necessary. After mouth moldings are made, a custom crown is constructed in the laboratory. These may take a few weeks but in the mean time, a temporary crown is placed. Smith Dental Care prefers to use porcelain crowns instead of gold or silver crowns. The porcelain crowns are more stable and do not expand and contract like the metal crowns do. Metal crowns and fillings expand and contract with temperature fluctuations causing liquid to leak into the damaged area. A leak in a filling or crown will cause further damage to the tooth and more pain in the long run. For more information, please schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Smith.