Metal-ceramic crown: aesthetic budget dental prosthetics

The use of metal-ceramic crowns in the prosthetic procedure makes it possible to restore the natural anatomical configuration of a damaged tooth, its functionality, and also its aesthetic appearance. The price of metal-ceramic crowns is quite affordable and therefore this prosthetic option is incredibly popular among most patients in dental clinics.

In the article we will talk in detail about the process of installing metal-ceramic crowns on a tooth: we will consider the types of structures, indications and contraindications for their use, and also find out how much a metal-ceramic crown costs at Vanstom Dentistry in Moscow.

Metal-ceramic crown: design features

An orthopedic prosthesis made of metal-ceramics is a special onlay that is worn during the prosthetic procedure on a tooth that has previously been subjected to the grinding process. The shape of the metal-ceramic crown is identical to the anatomical configuration of natural teeth and repeats it down to the grooves on the tooth surface.

If you look at the photo of the metal-ceramic crown that we posted below, you will see that the base for creating the structure is a solid metal frame and the thickness of its walls can reach 0.5 millimeters. The contours of the frame are similar to the contours of the “native” tooth. On top, the frame base is covered with a layer of ceramics, which matches the color of the natural enamel coating.

Fixation of metal-ceramic crowns is carried out by fixing them on the prepared tooth using a special cementing composition.

Manufacturing process

Patients who want to install truly high-quality metal-ceramic dentures should understand that this will not be possible quickly. It will take at least 10-14 days to produce them. The procedure for making crowns is as follows:

• The doctor applies a special mixture to the already ground teeth, which hardens almost instantly. After removing it, the dentist takes an impression;
• if the impression is made successfully, then it serves as the basis for creating a plaster model of the tooth being restored;
• Next, a model of a metal frame made of wax is developed. The finished model is transferred to a dental prosthetic workshop for the manufacture of a prosthesis from an alloy agreed with the patient;
• When the frame is completed, fitting is required. It is put on the patient’s teeth and if all is well, it is returned to the technicians;
• in the workshop, a ceramic composition is applied to the frame in two layers and sent to a specialized oven for heat treatment;
• then enamel is applied to the product, corresponding to the shade of the patient’s natural tooth covering;
• The orthopedist performs a control fitting. When the crown fits snugly and meets all the requirements, it is sent to the workshop again. There, a special glaze is applied to the prosthesis to add shine and the final firing is performed.

Only after all the above steps are the crowns considered ready for installation. If some specialists offer you shorter terms for making crowns, then this is a serious reason to doubt the quality of the products and the professionalism of the doctors themselves.

Materials for the manufacture of metal-ceramic crowns

Metal alloys

To produce the frame of a metal-ceramic crown in modern dentistry, three types of alloys from different metals are used:

1. Alloys of cobalt and chromium, nickel and chromium. The cost of a metal-ceramic crown made from these alloys will be as low as possible, but it is worth knowing that the listed metals often cause allergic reactions and irritation of gum tissue, and therefore the savings obtained when installing them are questionable.

2. Alloys of palladium, platinum and gold. This material for the production of prosthetics has a number of advantages: hypoallergenic, the ability to create the most natural tone of the prosthetic structure, which is especially important in the process of restoring teeth included in the smile line.

Another type of alloy that is used in the production of metal-ceramic crowns is a mixture with titanium as a base. Titanium alloys are not capable of causing allergic reactions; when used, the risks of rejection and incompatibility of the prosthesis with the tissues of the oral cavity are minimal.

Metal-ceramic crowns

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What is better: a zirconium crown for a tooth or a metal-ceramic crown?

Zirconium compares favorably

aesthetic properties - it is white. The absolute biocompatibility of the material is also attractive - zirconium does not cause allergic reactions.

But the cost

Such prosthetics are more expensive than metal-ceramics (
from 27,900 rubles per tooth
), especially if it is necessary to restore several molars. Such dentures are installed on chewing teeth for people with allergies. Preference is given to porcelain-coated material when restoring front row units.

Metal-ceramic crowns before and after photos of our patients

Photo before

Photo after

Grinding teeth for crown installation

The professional name for the process of grinding teeth for installation of crowns is preparation, which is performed with a special device - a drill. Using diamond burs, the doctor gives the dental units the shape that will allow the crown to be firmly installed. Grinding can be a rather painful procedure for the patient if dental units that are not previously depulped are subjected to treatment. In this case, local anesthesia is required.

Natural tooth tissue is removed by a specialist to the thickness that the crown will have. On average, up to 2.5 millimeters of dentin can be removed from each side of the unit, depending on the type of crown prosthesis. Cast crowns require minimal grinding of teeth; maximum layers of tissue are removed before installing ceramic and metal-ceramic products. After grinding, a stump base remains from the tooth, on which the prosthetist will subsequently install a crown.

Ceramic coating

The metal frame of the orthopedic structure is covered with a layer of dental ceramics, which in composition is almost similar to household ceramics, however, the compositions for lining metal-ceramic crowns contain an increased content of components such as albite and orthoclase, which increase the strength of the created layer.

The ceramics are applied to the frame in layers and specialists use a special tool for this work. After applying the next layer, the structure is fired in a vacuum oven. This is necessary to ensure the strongest possible adhesion of the ceramic layer to the frame.

Reviews of metal-ceramic crowns from patients indicate that this type of dental orthopedic structures is not only strong and durable, but also highly aesthetic, which makes it possible to regain an attractive and natural smile!

Alternative options

In terms of strength and durability, metal-ceramics are superior to zirconium oxide. At the same time, zirconium structures look more aesthetically pleasing, do not cause allergies, and are suitable for the restoration of any group of teeth - front incisors, molars, premolars. Another option is metal composite systems. Their advantage is that if the composite veneer is damaged, the prosthesis can be restored directly in the patient’s mouth. A relative disadvantage of the designs is the change in color of the composite due to frequent consumption of drinks and foods with dyes (tea, coffee, wine, etc.).

All-ceramic bridge Metal-free aesthetic prostheses, well suited for the anterior group of teeth

Zirconium bridge Aesthetic, durable zirconia bridge for anterior and posterior teeth

Clasp dentures A plastic frame on a durable metal arch, simulating gum, with tooth crowns inserted into it

Indications and contraindications for the installation of metal-ceramic crowns

Installation of a metal-ceramic crown is indicated in the following circumstances:

1. If there is a need to reconstruct damaged teeth to restore full chewing function and aesthetic appearance.

2. Metal-ceramic crowns are indicated for installation in case of abnormal position of teeth in a row, to eliminate a number of aesthetic defects: discoloration of natural enamel, severe chips.

Like any other medical procedure, prosthetics with metal-ceramic structures also has a number of limitations:

1. Metal-ceramic crowns cannot be installed if you are allergic to metal alloys.

2. You should refrain from the procedure if you have weak and painful gums, periodontal diseases, or malocclusion.

Metal-ceramic crowns are not placed on young patients under 16 years of age.

How to install a crown

Installation of crowns on metal-ceramic teeth begins with a general examination: the doctor prescribes preparatory treatment procedures, if any are needed.

Preparing your teeth

– this is a careful gentle grinding, in difficult cases – removal of the nerve. If the condition of the molars does not require pulp preparation, then they are left “alive”.

Impressions are taken, from which crowns will be made that completely replicate the shape of the natural tooth. An enamel color close to natural is selected.

The installation process takes from a week to two, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the need for additional preparatory procedures for sanitation, professional cleaning and other nuances.

The process of installing metal-ceramic crowns

The main task of a specialist in prosthetics using metal-ceramic crowns is the accurate reconstruction of the root part of the tooth and its crown part. This is essential for completely restoring the functionality of the tooth.

In the restoration of the root part of the tooth, the following can be used:

• Stump inlays. Their use is advisable when the tooth root is healthy and does not have significant damage;
• Dental implant in cases of lost root part.

The prosthetics process takes place in two main stages, which are worth talking about in more detail.

Differences between metal-ceramics and other materials

This orthopedic design has gone through a long path of development and change before becoming what we see it today. Among dentists, this type of product is considered one of the most functional and aesthetic.

The issue of biocompatibility also fades into the background - many installation technologies do not require implantation into the bone tissue of the base gum.

Traditional alternatives are zirconium and all-ceramic crowns.

But they are more expensive, and many have contraindications for installation and are less durable.

The system also has its own peculiarities.

Among them:

• Possibility of installation on a severely damaged tooth. You can get a crown even if you are missing more than half a tooth.
• The design includes a special frame. It allows both parts of your new tooth to bond well.
• Externally, a crown can hardly be distinguished from a regular tooth. It is characterized by the same high strength.

When describing such an orthopedic product, it is also necessary to take into account the materials used in the manufacture of the frame. The three most common types of alloy used are:

• Noble metals. Many types of materials are actively used in production - from gold and platinum to palladium. The main advantage of using such an alloy is that there is no oxidation. It is very easy to use and allows you to create a tooth that exactly replicates the natural one in shape.
• Chrome-nickel. More affordable than noble metals, but susceptible to oxidation. This does not affect the strength of the crown itself, but the client may begin to feel a metallic taste in the mouth. There is also a risk of developing allergies.
• Cobalt-chrome. A good intermediate option both in price and in other characteristics. Rarely causes allergies or irritation, very durable. But, as in the case of chromium-nickel alloys, it is better to check in advance for any unwanted reactions.

The question of which crown option is best to install is quite complex. It requires consultation with a dentist, tolerance tests, and diagnostics. Based on the results, you will be offered the optimal solution.

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Preparatory stage:

1. The patient comes for examination to a specialist. After assessing the condition of the tooth and a series of studies, the dentist makes a decision on the prosthetic technique.

2. If the root part of the tooth is alive, then it is possible to carry out a series of therapeutic manipulations, during which the specialist eliminates all inflammatory and destructive processes, if necessary, the dental canals are re-filled and a pin is applied.

If the tooth root is significantly weakened, then the pin cannot be used, and in this case, before installing a metal-ceramic crown, the specialist uses a stump spacer, designed to replace bone tissue that has undergone the process of destruction.

3. If the root of a tooth is missing or severely damaged, a dental implant must be installed. A metal-ceramic crown on an implant will cost more than other options, but this type of prosthesis has maximum durability and strength and is visually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

After all clinical training activities are completed, the second stage of prosthetics begins - laboratory.

Laboratory stage of installation of metal-ceramic crowns:

During the laboratory stage of prosthetics with metal-ceramic crowns, the structure itself is manufactured. The process consists of the following stages:

• Taking impressions of the patient’s teeth;
• Modeling of the structure frame;
• Trying on the finished prosthesis;
• Correction of possible defects.

The process ends with the installation and fixation of a metal-ceramic crown.

Caring for metal-ceramic crowns

Along with the fact that caring for artificial metal-ceramic teeth is quite simple, there are some rules that, if followed, can extend the service life of the products:

• You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Movements should be vertical, directed towards the tooth edge from the gum;
• The brush should have soft bristles. Any paste can be used according to the patient’s individual preferences;
• You should not limit yourself to just brushing, since food remains remain in the interdental spaces. To remove them, you need to use dental floss;
• After brushing, you should rinse your mouth with clean water and only then use an antiseptic mouthwash;
• Lovers of coffee or other coloring foods and drinks, as well as smokers, are recommended to have their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Whitening pastes will not provide a positive effect in caring for metal ceramics, so home whitening is not advisable.

In addition to hygiene procedures, you also need to know that strong mechanical loads can lead to cracks and chips in the ceramic coating. Also, sudden temperature changes worsen the condition of the dentures, so it is not recommended to eat excessively hot or very cold food.

Prices for prosthetics with metal-ceramic crowns in Moscow

Moscow dentists offer different prices for metal-ceramic crowns. Prices for the service depend both on the clinic’s pricing policy and on a number of completely objective factors, including:

• Material for the manufacture of metal-ceramic crowns;
• The complexity of the clinical stage of preparation for prosthetics. Metal-ceramic crowns on an implant will be the most expensive option, since the process of installing them is a specific and complex task.

Do you want to restore lost teeth by installing metal-ceramic crowns? Contact our Vanstom dental clinic in Moscow: we guarantee high quality work in which we use modern materials and technologies, and will also pleasantly surprise you with affordable prices for metal-ceramic prosthetics.

Installation feature

During the process of prosthetics, the dentist follows a predetermined sequence of actions. The installation consists of several stages:

• Therapeutic stage. Initially, a diagnosis of the condition of the oral cavity is carried out. The doctor takes a picture and checks the condition of the canal. If necessary, treatment is carried out. If the crown is severely damaged, it may be necessary to install a special stump inlay.
• Tooth preparation. The dentist fills the root canals and grinds down the enamel. This process is carefully controlled so as not to remove excess. Next, a silicone mass is taken and an impression is made with its help. Based on this impression, it will be possible to create a finished crown on a metal frame and try it on so that your new tooth does not differ in appearance from the others in the row.
• Installation. Initially, the dentist uses the composition for temporary fixation. This is important so that a person can understand whether everything is fine with the crown, whether it is comfortable to chew and clench the jaw. If no complaints appear, then instead of a temporary composition, a permanent one is applied.

Metal-ceramic crowns: price

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How long will metal ceramics last?

One of the advantages of metal-ceramic crowns is their long service life. The product will retain all its positive characteristics for more than 12 years. However, there are several factors that can affect the duration of use of metal ceramics.

Among them:

• The quality of the original prosthetics. It is important that the dentist grinds the required amount of ceramics and performs the treatment. There should be no inflammation, swelling or other signs of disease at the installation site.
• An orthopedist must be a professional. It is important that the enamel is ground correctly and that there are no external defects left on the tooth, including small irregularities and bumps. If there are any unevenness, food will get into these grooves, which will create problems with the microflora and the crown.

Also, the patient himself must follow the rules for using metal ceramics so that your new tooth does not break or become damaged.

Patient reviews

“Thank you very much to the doctors of the clinic for the high-quality and painless treatment! Very pleased with the service. Due to the extensive destruction of the second molar, a crown had to be placed on it. We settled on metal ceramics. I was worried that it would still be noticeable, but in fact it is quite difficult to distinguish it from natural teeth. The shade chosen was just perfect. Thanks again!" Valentina, 39 years old

“Your bridge with a metal-ceramic crown continues to please me for several months now. I generally forget from time to time that not all of my teeth are real. I eat whatever I want without fear of damage. I hope it lasts for a long time. I will definitely contact you in the future.” Sofia, 52 years old

“When they said that a crown should be placed on a decayed tooth, I wanted to take pure ceramics. I read a lot of rave reviews on the Internet. But the doctors convinced me that it was better to install metal-ceramics. Over the course of a year, I have never regretted it. It looks indistinguishable from a real tooth, but can withstand loads like ordinary metal. Great option. By the way, they delivered it quickly. The grinding was small, I didn’t feel any pain. Very good service.” Roman, 40 years old

Conclusion: Metal-ceramic crowns are one of the most optimal single prosthetic options for almost all clients. Our dentists place crowns on top of the destroyed tooth, use pins, stump inlays for reliable fixation, make bridges and even use support for implants. Make an appointment to quickly and safely restore the beauty and health of your smile with a guarantee of a positive result.

Contraindications

Not every patient can have metal-ceramic crowns. Main contraindications:

• Teeth with preserved pulp in children and adolescents
• Low, small, insufficiently thick crowns of supporting teeth
• Large dental defects (missing several teeth in a row)
• Severe malocclusion (risk of damage to ceramics, inability to adequately fix the structure)
• Severe periodontitis with severe loosening of teeth

Doctors at the Smile clinic conduct a comprehensive examination of each client, consultations are accompanied by a detailed survey to exclude possible contraindications to the installation of metal-ceramic crowns. We care about the safety of each client and guarantee a positive result of our work.

Life time

The service life of metal-ceramic crowns ranges from 10 to 12 years. If the ceramic layer is chipped as a result of mechanical stress, it can always be restored with the help of a dentist. When the service life of the crowns comes to an end, they are replaced with new ones.

It is important to see a doctor immediately if you experience pain in your teeth under a bridge or crown. Dentures do not protect against the development of secondary caries, especially if the timing of crown replacement is missed.