I had one assistant go home with a bad cold or flu and another leave today because her daughter has the H1N1 virus. I had to close today. Has the flu affected your business or family? Are you planning on getting vaccinated for the regular flu or for H1N1 (swine flu)? Please comment.
First Discussion Topic- Types of Crowns: Which types are better?
I decided to begin with this topic because I have found much confusion both among dentists and the general public. I am going to limit my comments to permanent crowns. However, you can also ask me any questions about temporary crowns.
There are 3 general types of crowns: all metal, porcelain fused to metal, & all ceramic or porcelain. (All other types I consider temporary or long-term temporary.) These crowns can be full crowns, covering the whole tooth, or partial crowns. Let us discuss each of these types separately.
All Metal Crowns
which are made of gold or other alloys have the following advantages
- Less tooth needs to be removed.
- Withstand biting and chewing forces best with the least force transmitted to those opposing teeth biting against them.
- Minimal tooth wear to opposing teeth.
The color is the main drawback and why these are usually suggested only for out of sight teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
can be made to more closely match the color of your existing teeth. However:
- The crown’s porcelain may chip or break off.
- The porcelain is harder against the opposing acting more like a hammer and also causes more wear.
- More tooth has to be removed to allow for both the metal and the porcelain.
- Because of the metal lining, they quite often appear more opaque than the natural tooth.
- At the edge, especially if your gums recede, the metal can show through the porcelain appearing as a dark line.
These crowns are used for front and back teeth.
All Ceramic or all porcelain crowns
are the most aesthetic and provide the best color match. They are also the best choice for people with metal allergies. But:
- They are typically not as strong as porcelain to metal crowns (However, improvements are being made all the time)
- They wear the teeth more than metal crowns but about the same as porcelain to metal.
- There are many types and the all have different properties in terms of strength, opacity, wear, and type of preparation. Your dentist needs to know which will be best in your situation.
These are a great choice for front teeth but certain materials can be used for back teeth and even short span bridges (another discussion).
Please comment on this discussion of crown types. Ask me any questions. Do you know the type of crown that you have in your mouth?
Depending upon your responses, I may follow this up with a more detailed discussion of all ceramic crowns.
Invisalign Day
We had an excellent Invisalign Day yesterday.
We started 4 new cases and got commitments for more. We have decided to extend all discounts for two weeks so that anyone who was unable to attend will still be able to receive these tremendous rates. Call us for more details:
248-669-4141 or email Gordon@dentabyte.com
I have delayed the first discussion session till after the Invisalign Day tomorrow.
I may have a discussion session related to Invisalign soon. However, I think the first session will be Types of Crowns-PFM, Gold, All Ceramic, etc. I believe I will follow that up with a discussion of types of veneers. So stay tuned.
In the meantime in light of the upcoming Invisalign day, enjoy the following video:
Hello world!
Welcome to our blog. Since I am new to blogging, I will begin by asking for suggestions. Please respond now with a comment with topics of interest to you. I will start discussions based upon the topics suggested.
Thanks,
Gordon P Smith, DDS
