Dental crowns are one of the most versatile and popular restorative dentistry treatments out there. They work on molars and front teeth, protecting them from decay and structural damage.
Before a crown can be placed, the tooth must be filed down to provide space for the material. This may result in some tooth sensitivity.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
The type of dental crowns Wauwatosa WI your dentist uses to repair a damaged tooth has a significant impact on its long-term performance. As such, it’s important that patients understand the pros and cons of each dental crown material to ensure they’re making an informed choice and optimising their oral health outcomes.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a common restoration because they combine the strength that many patients need with pleasing aesthetics. These crowns have a metal alloy base, usually gold or another noble metal, and a porcelain cover that’s baked on top for durability. The resulting crown is extremely strong, and it can stand up to the wear and tear of chewing and grinding. They can also last for decades if they’re well-cared for.
However, their metallic colour can be less aesthetically appealing than all-ceramic or zirconia crowns. For this reason, they’re typically reserved for molars and other back teeth where they’re not as visible. Additionally, they might not be ideal for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities as the underlying metal can cause discomfort and other issues.
Moreover, since they’re opaque to light, these caps prevent natural root illumination that brightens the gum tissue below it. This can lead to dark gum lines in front teeth, which some patients might find unsightly or unnatural-looking.
A drawback of dental crowns Wauwatosa WI is that the underlying metal can show through the porcelain covering, creating a thin dark line at the gumline. This can be a cosmetic concern for some patients, especially if they want a more attractive smile.
Another potential issue is that the porcelain can chip off over time, exposing the underlying metal. While this isn’t a serious issue, it’s something to be aware of. Zirconia crowns are more durable, and they won’t chip as easily or develop small dark lines at the gumline as PFM crowns. These crowns are more expensive, but they can last for years and are a great option for those with the right needs and who are willing to pay a bit more upfront. In addition, they can be fabricated in the office with a Cerec milling unit, reducing the amount of tooth reduction required and ensuring that more of the natural tooth structure remains intact. This makes them a more conservative and esthetic option than dental crowns Wauwatosa WI.
