There have never been more options to preserve your healthy, attractive smile with dental crowns
For more than 40 years, the office of Arnold Cutler, DDS, has proudly served our friends’ and neighbors’ oral health needs across the Lakeside, California, area. Our long history in the community validates the quality of our dentistry services. You can trust that all preventative, general, cosmetic, or restorative services hold the highest quality and safety standards. The dental crown represents one of the most common restorative dentistry solutions available today. Below, we explain why this is the case and the many options you have for treatment – from a “hybrid” PFM to all-metal or all-ceramic crowns.
What is a crown and why would you recommend it to me?
Crowns are natural parts of the teeth. They are the white part of each tooth visible when you smile. Enamel, which is stronger than skeletal bone, makes up the crown. This fact makes enamel the perfect “armor” to protect the more delicate layers and components that make up the rest of the tooth. However, no structure is indestructible. Chronic decay, dental injuries, gum disease, and other trauma can damage or weaken the tooth. Without appropriate treatment, the affected or weakened tooth may be lost. Dr. Cutler can fortunately strengthen the tooth with a lab-made dental crown or “cap.” You can create the crown using metals, ceramics, or both. It is then placed and secured on the remaining healthy tooth structure. So, it effectively fits on top of the tooth like a crown or cap fits on top of the head. Voilà! The vulnerable tooth is strengthened and preserved.
Are some materials better than others?
Some materials may be better for your specific characteristics and circumstances than others. During a visit with Dr. Cutler, he will discuss different considerations associated with ceramics, metals, and hybrid/blended options like PFM. The damaged tooth’s location and function determine your ideal dental crown material choice.
What does PFM mean?
PFM stands for “Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal.” We refer to it as a hybrid or blended option because, as its full name suggests, PFM crowns comprise both metals and non-metal ceramic or porcelain.
How are PFM crowns made?
Most PFM crowns consist of a metal core, which is then covered with porcelain. In turn, PFM crowns combine the strength of metal and the natural color and appearance associated with ceramics like porcelain. Porcelain is considered a go-to material for many restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures because it mimics the opacity and translucency of natural tooth enamel. These characteristics make PFM crowns attractive for individuals with damaged back teeth exposed to considerable forces from grinding and mashing food and those front teeth in the highly visible “smile zone.”
Are there any drawbacks to PFM crowns?
All dental materials have their unique advantages and disadvantages. It is important to be aware that, as your gums may pull away from the teeth or thin with time, the metal may peek through at the gum line. This process produces a characteristic gray or dark discoloration at the top of the crown where the teeth and gums meet. It may be necessary to replace the crown. You may also explore the likes of crowns made entirely of ceramics such as porcelain or zirconia. Today’s dental ceramics are high-performance, combining both beauty and brawn.
If you are due for a checkup or are concerned about how a tooth looks or feels, call your friends at the office of Arnold Cutler DDS in Lakeside, CA, today at (619) 815-3592.
