For some, tooth replacement is necessary because of an accident. For others, it is because of age.
When choosing a crown, you may find that metal-free crowns offer important benefits. Dr. Sylvia Zannis and Dr. Robert Bouffard of Well Rooted Dentistry in Providence, RI, are ready to answer your questions about metal-free crowns and explain why they may be a better choice.
What are metal-free crowns made of?
Traditional crowns may be 100% metal or may include other materials like porcelain. As the name implies, metal-free crowns are 100% metal free. They are made wholly of other materials such as ceramic or Zirconia.
What are the different types of metal-free crowns?
There are two main types of metal free crowns.
- All-Ceramic. Ceramic crowns use the same type of ceramic that is used in fillings. Of all metal-free crown materials, ceramic is the most natural looking because the color matches natural teeth color the best. They are also the best choice for patients with metal allergies and are the most affordable.
Ceramic crowns, however, can wear down neighboring teeth a little more than metal crowns.
- Zirconia. Zirconia is the top of the line when it comes to metal-free crown material. It is the most natural-looking and also the most durable. As with porcelain, however, Zirconia can damage adjacent teeth.
What are the benefits of metal- free crowns?
There are quite a few benefits to metal free crowns, including:
- Natural appearance. Metal-free crowns reflect light in a way that makes them look exactly like a natural tooth.
- Biocompatibility. Many patients have adverse reactions to metal of any kind being installed in their mouths. Metal-free crowns are more compatible than all or partial metal crowns.
- Less Harmful. With metal-free crowns, less enamel material needs to be removed from natural teeth to make a crown that fits in with the surrounding teeth. This means more of the natural tooth is preserved.
- No “border line.” Metal crowns leave a signature dark line between the tooth and the gum which many find unsightly. Metal-free crowns leave no such line and because of that can be used in every part of the mouth.
The Procedure
The process of getting a crown is the same regardless of material. If a crown is needed it will usually take two visits to the dentist. On the first visit, your dentist prepares the tooth. This may mean filing down a minimal amount of tooth material and preparing adjacent teeth.
Next, an impression is made of the tooth on which the crown is to be installed as well as neighboring teeth. This impression will be used as the mold from which the permanent crown is created. Patients are usually provided temporary crowns on this first visit.
When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and install the permanent one, bonding it with dental cement. After finalizing the fit and bite, the patient will be free to use the crown as if it were a natural tooth.
Dental Crowns in Providence, RI
Regardless of your crown needs, Dr. Sylvia Zannis, Dr. Robert Bouffard, and the team at Well Rooted Dentistry stand ready to provide you with the information you need to choose the crown best suited for you. Call (401) 443-4007 or make an appointment online today.
