Let’s pay attention to one of the traditional types of prostheses. Consider what a metal-ceramic crown is – with a photo and a description of the technology for its manufacture and installation. Along the way, we will analyze what it is good for, and touch on the problems that may arise when wearing it. A maximum of important details so that you understand whether this is the option for restoring and correcting a smile that you need, or whether it is worth looking for another solution.
We note right away: it has been known for a long time and today it is already considered a classic. It replaced the so-called “iron”, that is, dental structures made of steel, gold, an alloy of silver, and palladium, which by the time of its appearance were already outdated, not practical enough, or unreasonably expensive.
What is a metal-ceramic crown?
In fact, this is a kind of “cap” that exactly repeats the shape of the tooth: the doctor puts it on the turned jaw unit, closing its destruction (usually significant, which can no longer be corrected in any other way). To improve fixation, the specialist uses special cement, glass ionomer, or composite.
It conditionally consists of two parts:
- The basis is a frame made of strong and durable material; the standard option is a combination of chromium with nickel or cobalt, but a dentist can also offer a titanium alloy and even palladium (if the budget allows). The main thing is reliability, that is, the ability to withstand the weight of the entire orthopedic structure under a stable chewing load without displacement and deformation.
- Ceramics – porcelain coating, applied in several layers and imitating natural enamel. The hue is selected in such a way that the restored jaw unit does not differ in color from neighboring, natural ones, and the smile looks as natural as possible.
Such a design has managed to become classic – so much so that even bridges or arcs are placed with its help, and without much difficulty. And both the patient’s own molars and implants that have already taken root can act as a support (the latter only if they have a suitable abutment, that is, compatible with both the gum and the materials of orthopedic “caps”).
How ceramic-metal prostheses show themselves: the pros and cons of crowns
Their merits are:
- The ability to stably, without displacement, cracks, deformations, or even more serious damage, withstand significant loads.
- Resistance to abrasion when chewing, even relatively hard food (but it is still not recommended to crack the same nuts).
- A fairly long service life – up to 10 years (subject to proper care, which is simple).
- Preservation of the original color during the entire period of operation, high resistance to staining with product pigments.
- Good aesthetics – exactly repeat the shape of natural jaw units, the degree of whiteness does not differ from real enamel.
- Affordable cost – and today they are one of the most budgetary, but quite high-quality solutions.
The disadvantages of metal-ceramic crowns are:
- Frequent need for nerve removal, canal cleaning, and other dental operations.
- The likelihood of allergic reactions – to nickel, chromium, or other base material.
- Visual darkening at the root of the restored jaw unit is due to the fact that the frame does not transmit light.
- The need for turning – removing up to 2 mm of hard tissue. Even if this is not accompanied by a burn and the death of the pulp (which happens in many cases), you no longer look like orthopedic structures – they are non-removable, and if they are still dismantled, the smile will look unaesthetic.
If we compare the advantages and disadvantages of metal-ceramic crowns, there are more advantages. It cannot be otherwise, otherwise, they would not have become classics, or at least they would have quickly lost the competition to newer aesthetic solutions in terms of chronology.
Kinds
According to the frame material, dentists divide them into 3 types:
- Based on chromium, with additives of cobalt or nickel – standard;
- Made of titanium alloy – increased strength, but heavy;
- From gold and platinum (palladium) – a variant of the “premium” category.
According to the nature of porcelain processing, orthopedists classify designs into:
- Conventional – fired according to the standard scheme, which gives good sintering performance;
- Low-temperature – the final spraying looks as aesthetically pleasing as possible, but it is not as dense as in the previous case.
How are porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns different from other dentures?
They are the most durable in terms of mechanical stress, which is why they are so actively placed in the side zone – for chewing. And even if there is a puncture on their surface, a skilled dentist will be able to restore the integrity of the coating right in the oral cavity, without dismantling the orthopedic structure.
If properly fixed, the turned jaw units under them do not hurt, they are not threatened with caries or further destruction. The nuance is that as a result of depopulation, the nerves will be removed, and the channels will be sealed. They do not emit toxic substances during long-term wear.
Indications and contraindications
When talking about metal ceramics and crowns for teeth (what kind of prostheses are, what are they good for, and so on), it is important to understand that they are not always suitable.
They are recommended if:
- The destruction index reached 0.6;
- Hypoplasia, fluorosis, and other non-carious lesions are observed;
- There is a pronounced wedge-shaped defect or pathological abrasion;
- The bite has developed incorrectly, with anomalies, and cannot be corrected in any other way;
mild or moderate periodontitis is diagnosed and it is assumed that the orthopedic structure will act as a splint; - It is necessary to replace old linings that no longer meet the current functional and/or aesthetic requirements.
But this is the general case – any specialist will definitely make a decision based on a specific clinical picture.
Contraindications are:
- Allergic to cobalt or other metal frame materials;
- Severe malocclusion;
- Severe gum and soft tissue diseases;
- Bruxism (the habit of grinding);
- Low landing of jaw units or their excessive mobility.
Can they be front mounted?
Yes, they are suitable for the front group and will be quite practical. The only obstacle is the high requirements for aesthetics: we remind you that they do not let light through and therefore some darkening will be observed at the roots, near the gum. If you are not ready to put up with this, you should stop at more expensive orthopedic structures.
Photo of cermet: before and after
See how a smile looks like during prosthetics and see for yourself how aesthetic the result is.
Manufacturing procedure
- As prescribed by the dentist-therapist, the client undergoes the necessary laboratory tests, on the basis of which it will be possible to perform accurate modeling.
- The doctor makes sure that the patient’s oral cavity is healthy and, if necessary, treats caries, fills the canals, and performs professional cleaning.
- The doctor prepares the supporting part of the jaw unit in order to correctly determine the center of closure and obtain the highest quality two-layer imprint. He closes the place of turning with non-permanent fixes.
- In the laboratory, a suitable orthopedic design is machined.
- The frame is tried on, and without a porcelain layer – to fit and eliminate possible shortcomings – after which, together with the client, they select the final shade of the coating so that it does not differ from the color of the enamel.
Installation procedure
We have already figured out how a ceramic-metal crown is made for a tooth – the technology for fixing it largely intersects with the process of its manufacture. In general, the procedure is as follows:
- The doctor performs treatment and turns off the jaw unit for the future prosthesis, and then takes a two-layer cast. Next, he puts fixes on dental glue that covers the prepared tissues – the patient will have to wear them until the technicians have machined the orthopedic structure.
- As soon as the frame is completed, the doctor puts it on for fitting and is interested in the client’s feelings. It is important to speak at this step if there is the slightest feeling of discomfort. Further, the
- the base is again sent to the laboratory – for fitting and spraying.
The specialist fixes the completely finished overlay-“cap” on a permanent basis.
Thus, the problem is solved literally in 3 visits to the dental office and in 1.5-2 weeks.
An important question: what to put the prosthesis on? There are several options – consider each in order.
To the saved root
The classic installation of a metal-ceramic crown on a tooth – but what is it, what does it all come down to in practice? To the fact that the doctor first seals the canals and restores what is still treatable, and after:
- Or performs a stump – an inlay made of durable, environmentally friendly, and hypoallergenic material – and fixes the orthopedic structure in its visible area;
- Or screw the pin into the remains of the jaw unit, grind it, and securely fasten the “cap” on it.
Per implant
This is a solution that is relevant in cases of complete destruction: when there is no longer a natural root, an artificial one, which is not inferior in strength, can be implanted instead. Based on how a ceramic-metal crown is made, you probably already understood that in any case, it needs to be attached to something. And now the titanium pin will do just fine with the important role of a reliable foundation.
The option is good because it is suitable for both the side and frontal groups. With its help, you can both restore the aesthetics of the incisors, “twos” or “units”, and restore the chewing functions of the molars. It is not necessary to dissect hard tissues and depopulate – an excellent alternative to a bridge.
Why do some children have two rows of teeth?
The only impractical point is that you have to wait until the implant takes root, and for quite a long time – about 5 months. But if we really objectively evaluate metal-ceramic crowns, the pros, and cons of such prostheses, then this is almost the only drawback of artificial roots. Because the gum contour is subsequently formed quickly – in 10-14 days, and a high-quality abutment usually does not cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Orthopedic design with ledge
We note right away that this is a very conditional name. Because in fact, it is with a shoulder, that is, with an additional mass on the side of the frame. Thanks to this solution, it seems to hang over the remains of the jaw unit and covers the “cyanosis”, that is, the visual darkening in the transition zone, which occurs due to the blockage of light by cobalt, nickel, and chromium of the base.
The cost of dental prosthetics with metal-ceramic – a photo of the results
The price depends on a number of factors: the materials used, the manufacturer of the blank for the frame, policy, status, even the location of the medical institution, the type of spraying, and so on.
Approximate numbers are in the table below:
Type
- Porcelain lined, cobalt, nickel, chrome backing
- Titanium implant and ceramic abutment
- Gold-platinum frame
- Temporary (plastic) fixes
Installation costs, in rubles
- 13 500
- From 61 370 – depending on the technology
- Negotiated separately
- Included
If you contact the Dentika clinic, the total amount also includes a number of related procedures: high-quality anesthesia, taking impressions, turning, fitting, using the most reliable dental cement for fastening, and so on. You won’t have to pay anything.
See how porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look on your teeth – the photo gives an excellent idea of the beauty of a smile.
Terms of addiction
Usually, this is a period of 1-3 weeks. During the first few days, there may be a feeling that the gum is bursting a little – this is normal. At the same time, care should be taken when chewing – so as not to accidentally bite your tongue or lips.
Other common sensations include:
- Tightness – manifested due to the fact that the orthopedic structure is in close contact with the incisors and premolars.
- Violations of diction – it is especially characteristic when restoring the frontal group; The more you talk, the sooner it will pass.
- Discomfort when closing – the new surface of the chewing zone is to blame, but addiction will not take long.
- A slight increase in the sensitivity of the gums – they will also recover quite quickly.
If there is a feeling of severe pain, you should not endure, it but consult a dentist. It signals that the thickness of the metal-ceramic crown was chosen incorrectly, that the prosthesis was installed incorrectly in principle, or some other mistake was made.
Rules for the care of a new smile
Fixed orthopedic structures do not require special attention. It is only necessary to generally take care of the condition of the oral cavity and carry out standard hygiene procedures:
- Brush your teeth in the morning and evening, and use rinses.
- Use a soft brush that does not hurt the gums and floss (thread) to effectively remove plaque and food particles.
- Visit the clinic once every six months for stone removal, grinding, and polishing; you see what a ceramic-metal crown looks like, the photos clearly show its whiteness, so do everything to maintain such an aesthetic shade.
A visit to the dentist is also necessary from the point of view of prevention: this approach will prevent inflammation, loosening, caries, and any other problems, and the service life of orthopedic structures will help to extend up to 15 years.
Eating habits can not be changed, the only thing that should be abandoned is cracking nuts, seeds, seeds, roasted sweets, and other hard foods, otherwise, there is a risk of chipping or cracking the porcelain coating. But staining – with tea, coffee, berries, and juices – practically does not threaten.
Repair procedures
We told how and what metal-ceramic dental crowns are made of, and we also covered the stages of their installation, but we almost forgot that they can also be repaired if the damage is not too serious. We fix it – we tell you how to eliminate defects:
- The dentist simply grinds small notches during the polishing process;
- After medium and even large punctures, to restore the decorative coating, the doctor applies a gel composite of a suitable color – the main thing is that the cobalt-chromium base is not exposed;
- The doctor restores the framework to the desired shape, using a material such as opaque, or completely replaces it if it is seriously wrinkled.
Again, if you don’t chew on hard foods, most of these problems can be easily avoided.
Summing up
We examined in detail the features of metal-ceramic teeth: pros and cons, and photos of metal-ceramic teeth. And we can draw a logical conclusion: this is a very practical solution – with minimal contraindications, relatively budgetary, and quite aesthetic. The smile will shine with beauty again, especially if you entrust prosthetics to a skilled dentist – and you will find just such specialists at the Dentika clinic.