Porcelain-Fused-to Metal Dental Crowns
Achieve a Restored Smile with Dental Crowns
Are you seeking a dental restoration option that combines long-lasting durability with aesthetics? Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns may be what you’re looking for. Our Bakersfield dentist is here to provide you with comprehensive information about dental crowns and how they can help you restore your oral health and beautiful smile.
To schedule your appointment and learn more about a porcelain fused metal crown or other dental crown treatment options, contact our Bakersfield dentist today at 661-664-9900.
What Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are a dental restoration commonly used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They consist of a metal base or substructure made of alloys like nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium, which provide strength and durability. This metal substructure is designed to fit over the prepared tooth, providing structural support.
Benefits of PFM Crowns
Metal dental crowns fused with porcelain offer numerous advantages, making them a popular choice among patients seeking dental restoration:
- Aesthetic Appeal: The porcelain overlay of PFM crowns mimics the appearance of natural teeth, creating a seamless integration with your smile. The porcelain color can be customized to match your surrounding teeth.
- Strength and Durability: The metal substructure provides exceptional strength and durability to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.
- Versatility: PFM Crowns can address various dental concerns, including tooth decay, cracks, fractures, and discoloration.
- Longevity: With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a metal dental crown fused with porcelain can last for many years, providing a long-lasting solution for dental restoration.
- Stability and Fit: The metal substructure ensures a stable fit, reducing the risk of the crown dislodging or shifting.
- Minimal Tooth Reduction: Compared to all-metal crowns, PFM crowns require less tooth reduction for placement, preserving more of the natural tooth structure. This helps maintain the integrity and strength of the remaining tooth.
- Cost-Effective: While not as affordable as metal-only crowns, PFM crowns offer a balance between strength, aesthetics, and cost. They’re generally more cost-effective than all porcelain or ceramic crowns, making them a popular choice for patients seeking a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration within a reasonable budget.
Drawbacks of Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns
Like any dental procedure, PFM crowns also have some drawbacks. Understanding these potential limitations will help you make an informed decision about dental treatment:
- Metal Visibility: Despite a porcelain overlay, the metal substructure can sometimes cause a dark line to become visible at the gumline. The metal’s visibility may be more noticeable in individuals with thin or receding gum lines.
- Aesthetics: While PFM crowns provide a natural appearance, they may not achieve the same level of translucency and light reflection as all ceramic or full porcelain crowns.
- Tooth Preparation: Preparing the tooth for a PFM crown involves removing a portion of the natural tooth structure. However, compared to other dental crowns, it’s typically less natural tooth structure removal.
- Potential for Wear: Over time, the porcelain component of PFM crowns may experience wear, resulting in a slightly diminished appearance or changes in bite alignment.
- Metal Allergies: Although rare, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the metals used in the substructure of PFM crowns.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns Dental Process
Consultation and Evaluation
The first step is a consultation with our dentist. They’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if PFM crowns are the right option for you.
Tooth Preparation
During the next appointment, the tooth receiving the crown is prepared. This involves removing a portion of the outer layer of the tooth to create space for the crown. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the extent of damage or tooth decay and the type of crown being placed.
Impression and Temporary Crown
An impression of your prepared tooth is taken, which serves as a blueprint for the dental lab to create your custom PFM crown. While your permanent crown is being fabricated, your dentist will place a temporary dental crown over the prepared tooth to protect it.
Laboratory Fabrication
The impression taken by the dentist is sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians fabricate the PFM crown. The metal substructure is first created using alloys like nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium, followed by the layering of porcelain to match the color and shape of the surrounding teeth.
Dental Crown Placement
Once your permanent PFM dental crown is ready, you return to your dentist for the dental crown procedure. The temporary crown is removed, and the new PFM crown is carefully placed and adjusted for a precise fit. Your dentist will check the color, shape, and bite alignment to ensure optimal comfort and aesthetics.
Follow Up and Care
Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your new crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and dietary recommendations. Make sure to attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the health and integrity of the crown and underlying tooth structure.
The Cost of PFM Crowns
In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,500 per PFM crown. The cost of a metal crown fused with porcelain will vary based on:
- Location of Dentist
- Complexity of the Dental Crown Procedure
- Material Used for Metal Base
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of a PFM dental crown typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, although some may last longer. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can last many years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
No, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns do not contain mercury. They consist of a metal substructure or metal base, usually made of alloys like gold, nickel, or chromium, covered with a layer of porcelain to achieve a natural tooth-like appearance.
Choosing between PFM and full porcelain crowns depends on your needs. PFM crowns are strong, durable, and affordable, but may look dark at the gumline. Full porcelain crowns look natural but can chip and are more expensive. For back teeth or budget concerns, PFM might be better. If you prioritize aesthetics for front teeth, full porcelain may be the way to go.
Let Our Bakersfield Dentist Restore Your Smile with a Dental Crown
When it comes to restoring your smile and achieving optimal dental aesthetics, dental crowns are an excellent choice. To learn more about your dental crown treatment options, contact our dentist in Bakersfield today by calling our office at 661-664-9900. We’re excited to help you achieve pristine oral health.