Metal and metal fusion dental crowns are excellent tools for overcoming a wide variety of problems that may affect your teeth. They also can be used to fill the spaces where teeth once used to be. Dental crowns are most commonly used to keep a damaged or broken tooth safe from more decay. We recommend considering dental crowns, particularly if you have had dental bridges placed in your mouth already or if you have undergone root canal treatment. The metal crown can give the dental implant added protection that will ensure that these procedures work as intended.

A dental crown is shaped to resemble one of your teeth, and we place this tooth-shaped cover over a weakened tooth to shield it from further harm. The first step in this process is to have you come in for an appointment so that our dentists can fashion a mold of the damaged tooth. We send these details to a nearby dental lab so that the dental crown we create can fit into your mouth in a way that is both natural and painless. After we place the dental crown atop your tooth to give it that extra durability, we recommend that you continue brushing and flossing around that area. With healthy dental hygiene, you can expect the dental crown to last for ten years or more.

A metal dental crown is one where we use a variety of non-noble metals in its material to give it a heightened resistance to corrosion and to help make it last. Because metal crowns are so strong, we do not have to remove as much healthy tooth structure as other types of crowns to have them fit properly in your mouth. Though metal crowns are not as aesthetically pleasing as other options, they make for a great choice because of their efficacy in keeping the underlying tooth safe from harm. It fits in gently against opposing teeth and is highly resistant to wear and tear.

What we call metal fusion crowns usually refers to porcelain fused to a metal structure. While ceramic and porcelain crowns by themselves can be a risky choice because of their brittle nature, fusing porcelain to metal can serve as an effective hybrid option. They look aesthetically closer to your other teeth than a pure metal crown. Meanwhile, you get the strong decay prevention and strength of the underlying metal. Our dentists will have to remove more of the healthy tooth structure to fit the dental crown in, but it will be durable and long-lasting.

Are you interested in learning more about metal crowns? Give us a call at (503) 647-4565. We are happy to help you learn more about your smile!