PFM Crown and Bridges

Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns is one of dentistry’s primary restorations of choice because, when properly constructed and seated, they are strong, reliable and esthetic and a good choice for either front or back teeth. These crowns are strong enough to withstand heavy biting force, and at the same time can have an excellent cosmetic appearance.

Advantages

  • Strength and stability provided by the underlying metal
  • Esthetic having a nearly natural appearance
  • Used in single units to roundhouse bridges
  • High rate of Long Term Success

Disadvantages

  • While cosmetic appearance is excellent, they are not as aesthetically pleasing as other types of all ceramic crowns.
  • Gingival inflammation causing gray line compared to porcelain crowns and Porcelain-Fused-to-Gold Crowns.
  • Requires more of the tooth structure to be removed because of its thickness.
  • The crown’s porcelain can chip or break off.
  • The porcelain surface of the crown can significantly wear those teeth that bite against it.

All-Ceramic Crowns and Veneers

Ceramic materials such as lithium disilicate and zirconium ceramics have recently been developed to provide greater strength and life-expectancy of all-ceramic restorations.

All-ceramic crowns are the best solution if:

  • You have a lot of great, defective fillings (especially front teeth)
  • You demand highly esthetic results, the most likely natural tooth
  • You want to do smile makeover, including improving the shape of the teeth and closing gaps between teeth
  • Veneers are not indicated

Disadvantages of all-ceramic crowns:

  • Removes more of the teeth during preparation compared to veneers and PFM crowns
  • There may be a fracture of ceramics
  • They are more expensive compared to metal-ceramic crowns
  • Not indicated for bruxist

Veneers

How are veneers different from fillings or crowns?
A composite resin filling is used when only a small amount of tooth structure needs replacing or repair. A full crown is indicated when a tooth has had root canal treatment or when a substantial amount of the entire tooth structure (enamel) has been lost. A porcelain veneer is indicated when a portion of the front surface of a tooth needs to be esthetically restored.

What can you expect from your veneers?
Veneers can last for years, depending on how well you take care of them. Veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are also more resistant to stains and chipping. However, it is important to maintain regular oral hygiene, to avoid bad habits such as biting nails or chewing ice, and to visit us regularly for routine cleaning and exams. These precautions will help ensure that your veneers will last a long time and keep looking as good as new.

Veneers are a thin porcelain shell that is permanently bonded to the teeth. Veneers are a cosmetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions of the front teeth, including:

  • Diastemas (spaces between the teeth.)

  • Broken or chipped teeth.

  • Stained or washed out fillings.

  • Permanently stained or discolored teeth.

  • Misshapen or crooked teeth.