A Stunning and Durable Smile Restoration

Are you seeking a dental restoration option that combines durability and aesthetics? Look no further than porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. Our Havre de Grace, MD dentist is here to provide you with comprehensive information about dental crowns. 

To schedule your appointment and learn more about porcelain fused to metal crowns, or your other dental crown options, contact our Havre de Grace, MD dentist today at (410) 939-5800. 

What Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns?

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Dental crowns are a popular restoration option that combines the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. These crowns consist of a metal substructure, typically made of alloys like gold, nickel, or chromium covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain.

Benefits of Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

These unique dental crowns offer numerous 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. 

Drawbacks of Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns

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: 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. 

The Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns Dental Process

You can expect multiple dental visits during this dental crown procedure.

Consultation and Evaluation

The first step on your journey to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns is a consultation with your dentist. They’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if PFM crowns are the right option.

Tooth Preparation

Once you and your dentist 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, your 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.

Crown Placement

Once your permanent PFM dental crown is ready, you return to your dentist for the final fitting. The temporary crown is removed, and the new PFM crown is carefully placed and adjusted for a precise fit. Your dentist will check the color, shape, and bite alignment to ensure optimal comfort and aesthetics.

Follow Up

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions