Please note we may not offer this service. Call (860) 470-3660 to learn more.
Achieve a Long-Lasting, Beautiful Smile with Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Are you seeking a dental restoration that combines strength and natural-looking aesthetics? Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns may be the ideal solution. These crowns are specially designed to offer durability, versatility, and a beautiful finish. At Pinnacle Dental, our Farmington, CT, dentist provides guidance on dental crown options, including porcelain-fused-to-gold crowns for an added level of quality and appearance.
To schedule your consultation and explore your options, contact our Farmington dental office at (860) 470-3660.
What Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, giving you the best of both worlds. These crowns feature a metal foundation, often made from alloys like gold, nickel, or chromium, overlaid with tooth-colored porcelain.
At Pinnacle Dental, we offer porcelain-fused-to-gold dental crowns as an option, bringing you the added benefits of gold’s durability and biocompatibility, enhancing comfort and longevity.
Benefits of Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
PFM crowns are popular due to their unique advantages, including:
- Natural Aesthetic Appeal: The porcelain overlay provides a seamless, natural look that blends well with your smile. The color can be customized to match your teeth for a more natural appearance.
- Enhanced Strength and Durability: The metal core, especially with a gold alloy, provides stability and strength, ensuring the crown withstands chewing forces.
- Versatile Applications: PFM crowns can address issues like tooth decay, cracks, fractures, and discoloration, making them a versatile option for dental restoration.
- Long Lifespan: With good oral hygiene, these crowns can last many years—often 10 to 15 years or longer.
- Secure Fit and Stability: The metal base offers a snug fit, helping prevent crown dislodgment over time.
Considerations for Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
It’s also helpful to be aware of a few potential drawbacks of PFM crowns:
- Metal Visibility at Gumline: A dark line may occasionally show at the gumline, especially if gums recede.
- Less Natural Translucency: While PFM crowns are highly aesthetic, they may lack the translucency of all ceramic crowns, particularly in bright light.
- More Tooth Preparation Required: PFM crowns require a portion of the natural tooth structure to be removed for placement.
- Wear Potential: Over time, the porcelain surface may wear, impacting bite alignment and appearance.
- Allergy Risk (Rare): Certain individuals may have mild reactions to metals like nickel, though gold-based PFM crowns reduce this risk.
The Process of Getting a Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown
Consultation and Evaluation
During a consultation with our dentist, he’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your needs, and determine if a PFM crown is the best solution for you. If you prefer, porcelain-fused-to-gold crowns offer extra durability and are available upon request.
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
With good care and regular dental check-ups, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, and gold-based options may offer even greater durability.
In certain cases, a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can be repaired. The extent of the damage and the location of the crown will determine if repair is possible. Your dentist will assess the condition and provide the appropriate recommendation.
The average cost of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can vary depending on factors such as the Wasilla, complexity of the case, and the materials used. It’s best to consult with your dentist for a personalized treatment plan and an accurate cost estimate.
No, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns do not contain mercury. The metal substructure is usually a blend of alloys like nickel, chromium, or gold, topped with a porcelain layer to achieve a natural tooth-like appearance. The porcelain does not contain mercury either.
Restore Your Smile with Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns in Farmington, CT
Choosing a durable, natural-looking dental restoration can make a big difference in your smile and confidence. With PFM crowns, especially our porcelain-fused-to-gold options, you’ll enjoy a durable and beautiful solution tailored to your dental needs.
To find out more, contact our Farmington office today at (860) 470-3660. We’re proud to serve patients in Farmington, Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, Newington, and surrounding Connecticut communities.