Is a Porcelain/Metal Fused Crown Truly Better?

Question

My denist has prescribed a buid up and crown on a back moler that has deteriorated. The way the wrote it up, it is a Porcelein/Metal crown.

However, my insurance will only cover what they said was 'basic' remedy, which was a solely metal crown.

Other than appeareance, is there a benefit to the porcelein crown? This is a tooth in the back, second the the last. Nobody will ever see it unless they are digging in my mouth, so I am wondering if 'appearance' is really a factor here, considering the huge cost savings I might have my going with a metal-only crown.

Answer 1

ANY DENTIST would choose an all-gold (high nobel) crown on his or her own molar teeth. I am just agreeing with the others who have already stated this, so I don't need to add reasons.

Answer 2

Porcelain fused to metal crowns are the most durable crowns available. But they do not have the natural translucence that non-metal porcelain crowns have. The biggest drawback to an all porcelain crown is it's prone to fracture. No all-porcelain crown can ever be as strong or stronger than a porcelain fused to metal crown although many dentist fall for the hype from manufacturers. PFMs have a very long history of success that all porcelain crowns do not have.

Answer 3

A PFM crn. (porcelain fused to metal crown) may or may not be your best choice.

Yes, asthetically speaking, this is the best option. Function wise, it may not be. A gold crown is stronger when it comes to biting and chewing. A PFM crn. may not hold up as long if the tooth that is being crowned is in function ( you have an opposing tooth that helps you chew.)

There is not a big difference in cost. Actually, I think gold crowns are cheaper in most areas. We charge the same price for gold and PFM's in my office in Jersey.

Hopefully, you haven't had the crown prep done yet. If you have, call the office and tell them that you would like to discuss why the dentist is suggesting a PFM crn. for a molar before the crown is fabricated. He may have a ligitimate reason.

If you haven't had the crown prep yet....when you go for your appointment, ask the dentist why he is suggesting a PFM crn. Explain that your insurance will only cover gold. Don't forget to mention that you have done your homework and you know that gold is better for function on molars.

If the dentist you are seeing is an asthetic dentist, they will probably not give you the option of a gold crown. They are purely trained to give you a beautiful smile. I'm sure if you make it known that you know your stuff...they will gladly grant your wishes.

In the end, the decision is yours. The dentist can not make that decision for you. The only thing he can do is suggest.

Answer 4

The porcelain is purely for appearances. If the porcelain is made properly over a high-gold ("noble" or "precious") metal, then the porcelain won't fracture, ever. I have only seen fractures on low-gold metal bases.
Most patients prefer the porcelain of course. From a dentist aspect, plain gold crowns would be my choice. It requires less removal of tooth structure than a PFM crown, it is easier to adjust, easier to polish, and will cause no wear on the opposing tooth. I always advise my patients to have gold crowns on the 2nd molars, where there is often little room and the teeth are short.
Unfortunately, it is likely your insurer means a low- or no-gold crown. These are usually grey-coloured, the alloy is harder (making it more difficult to work with), and may irritate your gums. Discuss it with your dentist and insurer, but always request a high-gold metal for the metal in either type of crown, even if you have to pay extra.

Answer 5

No it really doesn't matter, IF the metal is high nobel. But I will just about bet you that your insurances definition of a "metal" crown is a non-precious crown. Those type are made of a cheap metal, that is known to not last as long as a high nobel crown, and to allow bacteria to leak under the crown margins resulting in new decay forming under the crown. So going the cheaper route may come back to bite you in the rear in only a few years.

Insurance companies are so cheap! They want you to get the cheapest possible piece of crap that you can. Even if it isn't what is best for your tooth.

Answer 6

The porcelain/metal fused crown really is for appearance. The thought is that when you smile, people would see the porcelain instead of metal. The truth is, metal is stronger. Porcelain can sometimes chip, which can be costly. If the look of metal doesn't really matter to you, I would definitely go with a metal-only crown.

Answer 7

You need to tlak to you dentist. An all gold crown is better to have on a back tooth becuase gold is kinder to the tooth. Gold wears more like the natural tooth. Procelain is very harsh on the tooth. I would recomend you calling your dr and telling him that yo want a gold crown

Answer 8

If the crown is going on a molar and won't be seen, metal is fine. Porcelain is more for decoration and more important for your front and side teeth.

Answer 9

HELLO SKYCORGAN,
PORCELAIN OVER METAL IS THE STANDARD FOR COMMON CROWN, WHETHER IN THE BACK OF FRONT.
YOU MAY REQUEST A FULL GOLD CROWN- WHICH IN MY OPINION IS PROBABLY THE BEST CHOICE. I'VE HAD PATIENTS WITH GOLD CROWNS ON BACK TEETH THAT WERE 40 OR 50 YEARS OLD. FOR THE INVESTMENT IN YOUR DENTAL HEALTH, YOU CAN'T BEAT GOLD FOR THE PRICE OF THE CROWN.
PORCELAIN OVER METAL IS ALWAYS TOOTH-COLORED PORCELAIN OVER METAL THAT IS NON-PRECIOUS,SEMI OR PRECIOUS METAL.

Answer 10

They look better. More sensitive to cold/hot stuff or at least for me. Then one day I bite down on a Vick's throat drop and it stuck to it and came off. When I bite down I crack it and they wanted me to pay for a new crown. To expensive for a crown that came off within 6-months.