As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
4 Reasons to Pick an All-Ceramic Dental Crown Over Porcelain Fused to Metal
Mabel Hicks
If you need to have dental crowns fitted, you may be given the option to choose between all-ceramic or porcelain fused metal (PFM) crown. As the name suggests, an all-ceramic crown is made from several types of ceramic. A PFM crown consists of a metal tooth crown that is covered with a thin layer of porcelain.
While both have their benefits and drawbacks, you're probably better off choosing an all-ceramic crown, and here are just four reasons why.
1. Zero Metal
As mentioned above, PFM crowns contain metal. This isn't always a problem, but some people have metal allergies. If you have one, you probably won't know about it until after the crown has been fitted. In some cases, the discomfort and oral health issues created by an allergic reaction can mean having to replace the crown. You might also have trouble if you wear dentures since the metal in your crown could react with the metal in your dentures to create an unpleasant taste. All-ceramic crowns don't use any metal, so you won't risk these problems.
2. Less Susceptible to Cracks
When placed under intense and prolonged pressure, the bond between the metal and porcelain of a PFM crown can start to come apart. This crack could mean having the crown replaced or repaired – even if it doesn't, the tooth won't look as natural. All-ceramic crowns have no bond to crack. This is a particularly important benefit if you suffer from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) or bruxism (chronic tooth grinding).
3. Better Aesthetics
Porcelain and composite can both take on the appearance of a natural tooth, but you're more likely to experience problems with a PFM crown. If you suffer from receding gums in the future, the metal around the edge of a PFM could become visible, creating an unattractive appearance. Additionally, light cannot pass through PFM crowns, so teeth can sometimes look dull and unnatural. All-ceramic crowns allow for light transmission just like a normal tooth, so they tend to look brighter and more natural.
4. Less Expensive
PFM used to be the more cost-effective option, but that's changed as the cost of metals used in the process has risen. Nowadays, all-ceramic crowns are by far the most cost-effective option. If you choose all-ceramic over PFM, you can expect your dentist bill to be quite a bit less. That's especially attractive if you need to have several crowns fitted.
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