Feel Comfortable in Your Smile with Dental Crowns
When it comes to restoring your smile and protecting your teeth, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns are a tried-and-true solution. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tooth or need a reliable restorative solution, our team is here to help.
To schedule your appointment and learn more about porcelain fused to metal crowns, or our other dental crown options, contact our Wylie dentist today at (214) 702-0446. Please note we may not offer this service.
What Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns?
Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM) are dental restorations that combine the strength of a metal core with the natural appearance of porcelain. This dual-layer structure makes PFM crowns a versatile option for both front and back teeth. The inner metal layer provides strength and durability, while the outer porcelain layer mimics the natural look and feel of real teeth.
Benefits of Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These dental crowns offer 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 color of the porcelain can be customized to match the 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, these dental crowns 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.
Disadvantages
Like any dental procedure, PFM crowns also have some drawbacks to consider. Understanding these potential limitations will help you make an informed decision about your dental restoration options:
- Metal Visibility: Despite the porcelain overlay, the metal substructure of PFM crowns can sometimes cause a dark line to become visible at the gumline. This metal visibility may be more noticeable in individuals with thin or receding gums.
- Aesthetics: While PFM crowns provide a natural appearance, they may not achieve the same level of translucency and light reflection as all ceramic or all-porcelain crowns.
- Tooth Preparation: The process of preparing the tooth for a PFM crown involves removing a portion of the natural tooth structure.
- 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.
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the metals used in the substructure of PFM crowns.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crown Procedure
Consultation
The first step on your journey to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns 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
Once you and our dentist in Wylie decide to proceed with PFM crowns, the tooth receiving the crown is prepared. This involves removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown.
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, our dentist will place a temporary dental crown over the prepared tooth to protect it.
Laboratory Fabrication
Skilled technicians at the dental lab use your dental impression to create a metal substructure for your crown. They then layer porcelain over the metal to achieve a natural tooth-like appearance. This process ensures both strength and aesthetics.
Dental Crown Placement
Once your permanent PFM dental crown is ready, you return to our dentist for the final fitting. The temporary crown is removed, and the new PFM crown is carefully placed and adjusted for a precise fit. Our dentist will check the color, shape, and bite alignment to ensure optimal comfort and aesthetics.
Follow Up Appointment
To maximize the lifespan of your porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and maintain a healthy smile, it’s crucial to follow essential care instructions. This includes practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as scheduling routine visits for checkups.
Who Can Benefit from PFM Crowns?
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are suitable for a variety of dental issues, including:
- Severely decayed or damaged teeth
- Teeth with large fillings that need extra support
- Restoring a tooth after root canal therapy
- Improving the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth
- Supporting dental bridges
To get started at Trusted Dental Care, contact our Wylie dentist today at (214) 702-0446.
Frequently Asked Questions
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can last many years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Their lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, although some may last longer.
In certain cases, a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can be repaired. The extent of the damage and the location of the crown will determine if repair is possible. Your dentist will assess the condition and provide the appropriate recommendation.
The average cost of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can vary depending on factors such as the Wasilla, complexity of the case, and the materials used. It’s best to consult with your dentist for a personalized treatment plan and an accurate cost estimate.
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. The porcelain does not contain mercury either.
Transform Your Smile with Our Dentist in Wylie, TX
To learn more about your dental crown treatment options, contact our dentist in Wylie today by calling our office at (214) 702-0446. We’re excited to help you achieve pristine oral health.