Metal Dental Crowns
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
For teeth that are badly damaged, dental crowns can be an effective treatment option. The dental crown procedure utilizes tooth-shaped coverings made of metal, ceramic, or porcelain to restore strength and eliminate discomfort. In addition, dental crowns may be used to anchor a dental bridge or to cap a dental implant post.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made of metal, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal. The type of crown utilized during your dental crown procedure will depend on your unique needs and goals, as well as the recommendation of your dentist.
Metal Crowns
Although their metallic color makes them a poor choice for highly visible teeth, dental crowns made of metal can be an ideal option for repairing decayed or damaged back teeth. They are extremely durable and can be applied with less removal of the natural tooth than all porcelain or ceramic crowns. Metal crowns may consist of various materials, including gold alloy, palladium, nickel alloy, or chromium alloy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
One of the main advantage of Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns is that they offer a very natural appearance. The other advantage of Porcelain fused-to-metal crown is the durability and strength that it provides.
The main disadvantage of the porcelain fused to metal crowns stem from the material used while making the crown itself. They have a metal substructure and require an opaque below the porcelain. This can make the translucency of natural teeth difficult to replicate. Occasionally a darker line will be visible at the edge of the crown, near to your gum when it recedes with age.