Dental crowns are used to restore the function and appearance of teeth that have been heavily damaged and to protect them from further damage. If your dentist has recommended restoring one of your teeth with a crown, then you might find it difficult to choose a suitable crown material that best fits your dental needs and budget.
Here is an interesting fact: Porcelain fused to metal crowns have been around since the 1960s and are still widely used today. Therefore, we can definitely say that porcelain fused to metal crowns are indeed safe! In fact, it is one of the most durable materials for dental crowns out there.
But why is there so much buzz about porcelain fused to metal crowns in the media lately? We will find that out today. But first, let's explore the different types of crowns and materials available for fixing damaged teeth.
Crown materials can be broadly divided into two types; metal-containing and metal-free crowns.
These dental crowns are prepared from different metal alloys.
The great disadvantage is that they need to be prepared in thick sections to allow space for both layers of metal and porcelain thickness. Therefore, they require extensive removal of the healthy tooth structure. This may weaken the tooth further and can increase the risk of needing root canal treatment.
Gold Crowns: Gold crowns have been in use for restoring damaged teeth for a long time. You might have seen some actors in old movies with “gold teeth.” Gold crowns provide an excellent balance between strength, safety and durability. However, their drawback is their metallic golden appearance, which may not be acceptable nowadays.
These crowns are made from tooth-coloured materials to provide lifelike aesthetics.
Yes! Porcelain fused to metal crowns are generally considered safe and effective for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. These crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the natural appearance of porcelain, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing option.
One thing to keep in mind with porcelain fused to metal crowns is that the metal contains nickel. If you have a nickel allergy, this can cause sensitivity or irritation around the crown. It’s important to discuss your nickel allergy with your dentist so they can choose a crown material that minimises the risk of an allergic reaction. To mitigate these risks, metal-free and biocompatible material options such as ceramic or zirconia crowns are also available.
At Dental Designs Clinic, our priority is to offer the highest quality dental care with our dental team and modern dental diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. During the consultation appointment, we will be discussing treatment options as well as material choices that will best suit your needs.
To find out more about crowns click here or, visit our page on veneers and crowns.