Metal free crowns typically have the best aesthetics. Crowns are among the most used restorations in dentistry and can be made from various materials, like porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, silver, gold, and alloys.
Metal free crowns can be used to treat issues like broken, chipped, deformed, or discolored teeth. These restorations are sometimes combined with others, like bridges and implants, to restore missing teeth.
The conventional way of getting a dental crown involves making two trips to the dentist. The first visit is used to prepare the tooth being treated by shaving enamel off all four sides. An impression of the tooth is also taken during this visit. It is sent to a lab where restorations like crowns are manufactured. It takes around two weeks for the finished restoration to return to the clinic. A temporary crown is used to protect the patient’s prepared tooth.
Removing enamel from a tooth is an irreversible procedure, so the patient’s teeth will always need some type of restoration to serve as artificial enamel. Not giving them this protection will make them significantly more vulnerable to issues like tooth decay.
The second appointment involves removing the temporary crown and replacing it with the customized crown made at the lab. Once placed, the crown prevents irritants in the mouth from reaching the vulnerable tooth and protects it from bite forces.
Many patients are trying to choose between metallic and metal free crowns. Here are a few things that they can consider when making this decision.
Non-metallic crowns lead to better aesthetics than metallic crowns. Anything metallic in the person’s mouth will stick out, making it obvious that some of their teeth are covered with crowns. Some people like the look of metals like gold on their teeth, but most prefer restorations that look like their natural teeth.
Non-metallic crowns are often made out of materials like ceramic and porcelain. These share similarities with real teeth, like their translucence and natural white color. They can give the patient natural-looking restorations that do not stick out when they smile.
Certain types of metal crowns are prefabricated, like the stainless-steel crowns used to repair baby teeth. However, most metal crowns have to be made in a dental lab. Modern dental technology enables some dentists to create restorations in their clinics out of solid ceramic blocks. There is currently no way to mill metal restorations in-office.
Non-metallic crowns are less likely to damage adjacent teeth compared to metal crowns. They do not put unnecessary stress on those teeth, like metallic crowns can.
Let us go over a few commonly asked questions about non-metallic dental crowns.
Dentists can match non-metal crowns with the color and shade of the natural teeth. That is why they typically recommend completing any cosmetic treatments before having crowns placed on the teeth. This way, the crowns can be color-matched with how the teeth look after being restored with treatments like teeth whitening.
The process usually takes two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared and an impression is taken. On the second visit, the permanent restoration is placed. Enamel is typically shaved off the sides of the tooth being covered with crowns. This creates a better fit for the restoration, increasing its longevity. The snugger the fit, the less likely irritants in the mouth like bacteria will be able to get to the tooth underneath the crown.
The cost of metal free crowns depends on the material used. However, they are generally more expensive than their metal counterparts. The exceptions are gold, silver, or platinum alloy crowns because they contain precious metals.
There are a few risks associated with any dental procedure. That said, non-metallic materials tend to be well tolerated by the body and have a low risk of allergic reaction.
Dental crowns can be used to treat a wide range of issues, like chipped, fractured, broken, discolored, or deformed teeth. Do you think that you need a crown? Give us a call or visit our Bellevue clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental Bellevue at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Bellevue, WA.
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