METAL FREE CROWNS
Metal free crowns or all ceramic crowns utilize the most modern materials and technology to provide the strongest and most cosmetic result. Watch this video* from the ADA to learn more about what a crown is and why it might be needed:
*Video Copyright American Dental Assocation
Old Style Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
A crown or cap is used to restore a broken or cracked tooth or multiple teeth. For decades the standard in dentistry for crown and bridge restoration materials has been porcelain-fused-to-metal. The framework for the dental crown was produced in metal and then covered with a porcelain layer but now metal free crowns, also referred to as ceramic crowns, eliminate the ugly black line you may have seen next to the gum line on older crowns. Ceramic crowns also eliminate the concern over continuous metal exposure that many people have in regards to their overall health.
Metal Free Crowns or Ceramic Crowns
With the evolution of all ceramic materials and their higher cosmetic qualities you have options! Metal free framework beneath the porcelain gives excellent aesthetic qualities to make the final restoration extremely natural looking. Additionally, the newer crowns are also made of stronger materials than their old porcelain counterparts. At Patriot Dental we use zirconia crowns which are made of the strongest material available.We believe in the strength of these crowns so much that we offer a five year warranty if one breaks.
What about 'Same Day' Crowns?
Larger, high production, offices sometimes offer “same day” crowns. These are ceramic crowns that are produced from a milling machine in the dental office. At Patriot Dental we choose not to offer same day crowns and prefer using a high quality laboratory to create our crowns. The highly trained staff at our professional dental lab manufactures to Dr. Nawiesniak’s specifications and the crowns go through a multi level quality control process before being delivered to our office. Each crown is then fine-tuned in office by Dr. Nawiesniak to fit perfectly. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, we will send it back at no cost to you. A well fitting crown will be easier to keep clean around its edges and help decrease any future decay which could lead to the failure of a crown before its time. Once again, our crowns are guaranteed for five years not to fracture or crack.
Implant Crowns
Crowns are also used to cover and complete an implant. An implant is placed in the jaw to replace the old root structure and once the implant heals and bonds to the jawbone the ceramic crown is seated over it. This is by far the best available replacement for a missing tooth (or several teeth in the form of a bridge).
If Dr. Nawiesniak recommends an implant crown or a bridge it is because there is no other way to restore the tooth. It is not an inexpensive option and we know that most insurance plans only a portion of the costs, but the cost of losing the tooth is far greater. Not only does it decrease your chewing surface and leave an embarrassing hole in your smile, it also creates a space for other teeth to move into over time causing teeth to shift and cause even more problems.
Please ask our front office about finance options if needed.
Call Us (615-444-2034) for more information about metal-free all ceramic crowns.