Please note we may not offer this service. Call (425) 284-0515 to learn more.
Discover the Unmatched Durability of Metal Crowns
Do you find yourself hesitating to chew on your favorite foods because a tooth feels weak or compromised? A dental crown might be the solution you’re looking for. In the realm of restorative dentistry, metal dental crowns stand out for their durability and strength. At Dentiste, Dr. Roberts, a top Kirkland dentist, is dedicated to helping you restore your smile and confidence with long-lasting dental solutions.
Serving the communities of Kirkland, Redmond, and Bellevue, we understand the importance of a healthy, functional smile. If you’re curious about the benefits of a metal dental crown or need to schedule a consultation, contact us at (425) 284-0515.
Why Choose Our Local Dental Office for Dental Crowns?
Choosing a local dental office for your dental crown procedure offers several advantages, from convenience to personalized care. When you trust a nearby practice, you are often choosing a team that understands the community and provides a more connected experience.
Here’s why choosing our local Kirkland dental practice for your dental crowns is a great choice:
- Personalized, Community-Focused Care: As a local practice, we are dedicated to serving our community with a personal touch. We get to know our patients on an individual basis, building relationships that extend beyond the dental chair.
- Accessibility and Convenience: A local office makes it easy to schedule appointments and follow-ups without the hassle of a long commute. This is especially helpful for multi-visit procedures like a dental crown placement or if you need a quick check-up after your procedure.
- Streamlined Communication: When you have a question or need to adjust your appointment, our local practice can provide more direct and accessible communication.
What Are Metal Dental Crowns?
Metal dental crowns are made from various metal alloys, including gold, nickel, chromium, or palladium. These crowns are known for their exceptional strength and durability, making them a popular restorative dentistry choice for restoring molars and other back teeth that withstand significant chewing forces. The most common types of dental crowns include metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, pressed ceramic crowns, same-day crowns, and all-resin crowns.
Benefits of Metal Tooth Caps
Metal crowns are a reliable and time-tested option in the world of restorative dentistry. While newer materials like all-ceramic crowns are popular for their natural look, Newer materials like zirconia crowns are popular; metal crowns continue to be a top choice for their distinct advantages. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a metal inner core and porcelain for a natural smile appearance, offering a balance between durability and aesthetics.
Here are some of the key benefits of metal crowns:
- Exceptional Durability and Strength: This is the most significant benefit of metal crowns. They are highly resistant to chipping, cracking, and breaking, making them an ideal choice for molars and other back teeth that endure the most pressure from chewing and grinding.
- Long-Lasting: With proper care, a metal crown can last for 15 years or more. Their resilience to wear and tear makes them one of the longest-lasting types of dental restorations available. In fact, with proper care, metal crowns can last 15 to 20 years or more.
- Less Tooth Reduction: The strength of metal allows for the crown to be made very thin, which means less of your natural tooth structure needs to be removed during the preparation process. This helps preserve more of your original tooth.
- Gentle on Opposing Teeth: Unlike some other crown materials, metal crowns wear down at a rate similar to natural tooth enamel. This means they are less likely to cause excessive wear on the teeth they come into contact with when you bite down.
Candidacy for Metal Crown Placement
Determining if you are a good candidate for a metal crown or a silver crown is a decision made in consultation with a dental professional like Dr. Roberts. The most common reasons for getting a metal dental crown include:
- Extensive Tooth Decay: When decay is so severe that a simple filling is not enough to restore the tooth’s integrity, a crown provides a strong, protective covering.
- Worn or Fractured Teeth: Teeth that are severely worn down from grinding or have significant cracks are excellent candidates for a durable metal crown.
- After a Root Canal: A tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure is often more brittle and requires a crown to prevent it from fracturing.
- Durability Over Aesthetics: For teeth in the back of the mouth, where aesthetics are less of a concern, the superior strength and longevity of a dental crown make it a practical choice.
If you’re curious if you qualify for silver dental crowns, contact us at (425) 284-0515.
The Metal Dental Crown Procedure
The Metal Dental Crown ProcedureThe dental crown procedure typically involves two visits to the dentist.
First Visit
Dr. Roberts will begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic, ensuring the natural tooth structure is preserved. He will then prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to create a stable foundation for the crown. An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom dental restoration will be created. A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth in the interim, and Dr. Roberts will discuss metal crown costs.
Second Visit
When your permanent metal crown is ready, you will return for your second appointment. Dr. Roberts will remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of the new crown, and then permanently bond it to your tooth. This step-by-step process helps Dr. Roberts ensure a precise fit and a comfortable bite.
Caring for Metal Dental Restorations
Maintaining your new metal crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. After the crown is placed, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your crown, ensuring its longevity and functionality.
- Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep the gum line around the crown healthy and to prevent future decay.
- Dietary Habits: While metal crowns are incredibly strong, avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods can help prolong their lifespan.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit Dr. Roberts at Dentiste for regular dental check-ups and cleanings. These appointments allow him to monitor the condition of your crown and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums, making sure your restorative dentistry solution continues to serve you well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, dentists still use metal crowns, particularly for teeth that are not visible when you smile, such as molars. Base metal alloy crowns or PFM crowns, often made from gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium alloys, are valued for their exceptional strength, durability, and longevity on top of damaged teeth or dental implants.
One of the primary disadvantages of a metal crown is its metallic color, which is not aesthetically pleasing for teeth in the front of the mouth. Some individuals may also prefer composite resin crowns due to having a metal allergy, although this is rare with the alloys used in modern dentistry. Metal crowns also require less of the tooth to be removed compared to some other crown types, but their lack of a natural tooth color makes them a less popular option for visible teeth.
Whether a metal crown is “better” than a ceramic crown depends on the specific situation. Metal crowns are superior in terms of durability and resistance to chipping and cracking, making them ideal for back teeth. They are also very thin, requiring minimal tooth preparation. Ceramic crowns, on the other hand, are preferred for their aesthetic qualities, as they can be matched to the natural color of your teeth. All-ceramic or porcelain crowns mimic the appearance of tooth enamel, making them a popular choice for visible teeth.
Metal crowns are known for their exceptional longevity and can last for many years, often 15 years or more, with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Their durability and resistance to wear and tear make them one of the longest-lasting types of dental crown materials available.
Discover if a Metal Cap is Ideal for Your Smile with Dr. Roberts
Your smile is an integral part of who you are, affecting your confidence and your daily life. When a tooth is compromised, it can create discomfort and anxiety. We invite you to experience the compassionate and professional care that Dr. Roberts and the team at Dentiste provide.
Call our Kirkland dental office at (425) 284-0515 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your smile. We welcome patients from Kirkland, Redmond, and Bellevue.