Metal-ceramic crowns

A metal-ceramic crown is a type of non-removable orthopedic construction.

It is made using the technology of applying dental porcelain onto a metal framework.

In cosmetic dentistry, such artificial teeth are mainly used for restoring molar (posterior) units.

Full list of services for metal-ceramic crowns

Consultation with a dentist
Restoration of a tooth with a permanent full-metal or standard aesthetic metal-ceramic crown
Metal-ceramic crown with shoulder porcelain
Metal-ceramic crown on special alloy (excluding material cost)
Metal-ceramic crown with shoulder porcelain and individual aesthetic reproduction

Traditional

Metal-ceramic crowns with standard aesthetic restoration. The base of the prosthesis is made from metal alloys (chromium, nickel, etc.), and the surface is covered with layers of ceramic.

Pros:

• affordable price;
• suitable for restoring molars.

Cons:

• not suitable for restoring teeth in the smile zone;
• over time, bluish discoloration of the gum at the installation site may occur;
• in 5% of cases, patients develop allergies to the alloy.

Improved, with "shoulder porcelain"

This type of metal-ceramic prosthesis differs from the traditional in the way the metal framework is covered in the area of contact with the gum. The base is completely covered with layers of ceramic and fits tightly to the gum.

At Kiadent Clinic, you can order metal-ceramic crowns with "shoulder porcelain" for standard and individual restoration of the dental arch. In the individual procedure, the dental technician creates a prosthesis that is externally as close as possible to the appearance of adjacent units. Such restoration looks harmonious even in the smile zone.

Pros:

• absence of gum bluish discoloration;
• suitable for prosthetics of molars;
• premium-class ceramics;
• allergic reactions minimized.

Cons:

• high cost.

Metal-Ceramic with Framework from Precious Metals

The framework of this type of metal-ceramic products is based on a special alloy (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) for structural strength. The ceramic layers completely cover the base, and the gold under the ceramic creates a natural color corresponding to the shade of natural teeth.

Pros:

• suitable for restoring units in the smile zone;
• do not cause allergies;
• surface identical to natural tooth enamel;

Cons:

• when using a silver framework, gum bluish discoloration is possible.

CAD/CAM

The metal-ceramic framework is modeled using computer software and then quickly and accurately manufactured on a milling machine. The crown is made individually for the patient, perfectly fitting the dental arch.

Pros:

• long service life;
• tight fixation;
• low probability of developing allergies.

Cons:

• high cost (2-2.5 times higher)

We recommend using prosthetics when it is impossible to restore the appearance using veneers . In the absence of one or several teeth, it is possible to install a crown or a dental bridge that is attached to neighboring supporting units.

Indications

• violation or reduction of the enamel layer (pathological wear);
• destruction of 50% of the tooth due to caries;
• non-carious lesion or absence of a tooth unit;
• loss of necessary properties in existing prostheses.

Contraindications

• severe malocclusion;
• bruxism;
• allergy to base materials (individual intolerance);
• untreated periodontitis or periodontal disease;
• weak or destroyed molars, tooth root fracture;
• infectious processes in the tooth root (periodontitis, cyst, periostitis, etc).

Metal-ceramic is an optimal solution for tooth prosthetics considering biocompatibility, reliability, durability of the framework, and affordable price. At the same time, in some parameters, prosthetic constructions made of zirconium dioxide and metal-free E-max ceramics have advantages.

Metal-Ceramic

Application

Primarily for molars

Aesthetics

Metal may show through, gum bluish discoloration occurs

Service Life

Up to 10 years

Biocompatibility

High, individual allergic reactions to framework material possible

Porcelain (All-Ceramic)

Application

For any teeth

Aesthetics

Maximum transparency, closest to natural teeth

Service Life

Up to 15 years

Biocompatibility

Hypoallergenic

Zirconia

Application

For any teeth

Aesthetics

Premium

Service Life

Up to 20 years

Biocompatibility

Hypoallergenic

The installation of a metal-ceramic crown is usually carried out in three dental visits. However, the prosthetics timeline depends on the condition of the teeth and the need for additional treatment. Depending on the clinical situation, the prosthetic construction can be placed in two ways: the classic method with nerve removal and an alternative without depulpation.

Installation of a Metal-Ceramic Crown with Depulpation

• examination, diagnostics (X-ray)
• treatment of caries in adjacent teeth (if necessary)
• depulpation, root canal filling
• tooth preparation, taking an impression
• fitting, adjusting the construction
• crown fixation (cement)

Installation of a Metal-Ceramic Crown without Depulpation

• examination, diagnostics (X-ray)
• anesthesia, tooth preparation
• covering the tooth stump with a protective agent
• installation of a temporary, and then permanent filling
• fixation of the orthopedic construction.

Advantages

• reliability of the construction;
• biocompatibility;
• affordable price;
• high strength, resistance to loads;
• natural appearance.

Disadvantages

• allergies in case of individual intolerance to framework materials;
• not all types of metal-ceramic crowns are suitable for restoring the smile zone;
• do not provide natural transparency unlike zirconia and all-ceramic.

A metal-ceramic crown can last up to 15 years if you follow the dentist's recommendations and basic rules:

• oral hygiene;
• visit the dentist at least once every six months;
• refrain from smoking;
• adhere to a proper diet.

The crown needs to be removed if:

• caries develops under the base;
• chips or cracks appear in the construction;
• inflammation begins, gum recession;
• the fixing composition is destroyed.

Removing the prosthetic construction independently is not allowed. You need to contact the clinic for this. If the framework is not exposed, it is possible to repair the product (grinding, as well as restoring the surface layer with composite materials) and reinstall it. In case of serious damage, the framework is sawed, a new crown is manufactured and installed.

• How does the manufacturing process proceed?

  Based on the tooth impression, a permanent crown with a metal-ceramic framework is produced in the laboratory. Manufacturing a metal-ceramic construction takes ten days. During this time, the framework is made in a wax form, which is then covered with ceramic layers for naturalness. Then the product undergoes thermal processing for structural strength.

• Can a metal-ceramic crown be placed on an implant?

  Yes. However, if implantation is carried out according to the one-stage protocol, the doctor will first place an adaptation construction made of plastic. After osseointegration of the artificial roots, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent one.

• Do metal-ceramic crowns have to cover part of the palate?

  No. The crown is placed on the tooth stump and does not cover soft tissues. However, often on the cervical part of the crown, from the side of the tongue/palate, there is a metal rim. This detail is needed to prevent chipping of the ceramic part.

• Can the metal framework of the crown rust?

  No. The alloy used for creating orthopedic constructions has high corrosion resistance. Moreover, the ceramic coating additionally protects the metal framework from the effects of a destructive environment.

• Is it possible to install a metal-ceramic crown if the tooth reacts to cold/hot?

  First, the dentist needs to figure out what exactly is causing the painful reaction. Sometimes, unpleasant sensations arise after tooth preparation (grinding). Then, after fixing the metal-ceramic prosthesis, discomfort will pass within 1-2 days.

  However, if the pain is caused by an inflammatory process in the nerve, then a crown on the tooth can be installed only after depulpation. Therefore, if the reaction to cold/hot persists longer than 3-5 days, you should consult a dental clinic.

• What contraindications and complications can occur after installation?

  Not installed in cases of:

  • oral diseases (periodontitis and inflammations);
  • pregnancy;
  • body exhaustion;
  • allergy to metal.

  After installation, complications may arise:

  • allergic reaction to metal;
  • discomfort in the tooth;
  • crown loosening.

  If discomfort occurs, do not postpone consulting a dentist.