Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns | Kirkland Dentist Near You

Please note we may not offer this service. Call (425) 284-0515 to learn more.

Choosing Your Best Tooth Restoration Option Near You

In the world of restorative dentistry, finding a solution that offers the best of both strength and aesthetics can feel like a search for the perfect balance. Fortunately, a time-tested option from the top dentist in Kirkland has been providing just that for many years: the porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crown. PFM crowns have been used by dentists for more than 35 years, making them a reliable choice for patients.

At Dentiste, Dr. Roberts provides the knowledge needed to guide you through your choices, helping you find the ideal dental crown for your needs. Call our Kirkland dental office at (425) 284-0515 to schedule your consultation.

Why Choose Our Kirkland Dental Office for Dental Crowns?

At Dentiste, we understand that choosing a dentist for a dental crown is a significant decision. A crown is a long-term investment in your smile’s health, especially when it preserves more natural tooth structure, and you deserve to feel confident in your choice of provider. Here in Kirkland, our practice stands out for its commitment to patient-centered care, advanced technology, and a welcoming dental office that places your comfort and well-being at the forefront of everything we do.

Dr. Roberts always aims to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. When a crown is the right solution, she uses a meticulous approach to ensure a precise fit and a restoration that is both durable and beautiful.

What Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns?

A porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crown is a type of restoration that brings together the best qualities of two different materials: metal and porcelain. The crown consists of a strong, metal base that fits precisely over a prepared tooth. The metal framework in PFM crowns is thin, strong, and perfectly fits the prepared tooth, ensuring a secure and durable restoration.

A layer of tooth-colored porcelain is then fused over the metal core. The metal provides a robust foundation for the crown, allowing it to withstand the strong forces of chewing, while the porcelain exterior provides a natural, aesthetic appearance.

Benefits of Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns

Some benefits of this unique type of dental crown include:

A Balance of Strength and Aesthetics: A PFM crown combines the best of two materials. The metal core provides a strong, durable base that can withstand significant chewing forces, while the porcelain exterior offers a natural, tooth-colored appearance.
Time-Tested Durability: The durability of PFM crowns is a key benefit. The metal foundation makes them highly resistant to fractures and chips, a quality that is particularly valuable for back molars. Their long history of successful use in dentistry gives them a proven track record. PFM crowns have a high rate of success over the long run, making them a dependable choice for many patients.
Versatile for Many Situations: PFM crowns are a popular choice for a variety of dental needs. They’re a great solution for restorative dentistry after a root canal, for a cracked tooth, or for a dental bridge where a strong, supportive anchor is needed.

How Do Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns Work?

Preparation

The PFM dental crown procedure in Kirkland begins with Dr. Roberts preparing the tooth. This involves reshaping it to make room for the crown placement of its two layers—the metal base and the porcelain exterior.

Impression and Creation

An impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab. A skilled technician then creates a thin, custom-fit metal core that will serve as the foundation of the crown.

Porcelain Application

Next, layers of dental porcelain are carefully applied and fused to the metal core at a high temperature. This process creates a strong, permanent bond between the two materials. The technician will meticulously match the shade of the porcelain to your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless result.

Final Placement

Dr. Roberts will remove the temporary crown and permanently bond the new porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns to your tooth. She will check the fit and make any necessary final adjustments to your bite.

Candidacy for PFM Crown Procedures

You may be a good candidate for a PFM crown if you are looking for a restoration that offers a balance of durability and aesthetics, especially if you have decayed teeth. They are a common choice for:

Teeth with severe damage: A PFM crown can restore teeth that are extensively decayed, fractured, or worn down.
Teeth after a root canal procedure: A tooth that has had a root canal treatment is often brittle, and a PFM crown can provide the necessary protection.
As part of a dental bridge: PFM crowns are frequently used to anchor dental bridges, providing strong support for the prosthetic teeth.
Patients with heavy chewing forces: The strong metal base makes PFM crowns a good option for people who clench or grind their teeth.
Restoration of both front and back teeth: PFM crowns are versatile and can be used to restore teeth in both the front and back of the mouth, offering a balance of strength and aesthetics.

To discover if you’re an ideal candidate for PFM crowns, call (425) 284-0515 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Roberts.

Caring for PFM Dental Crowns

Caring for PFM dental crowns is similar to caring for your natural teeth. The crown itself is resistant to decay, but the tooth underneath it and the gum tissue surrounding it are still vulnerable.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss daily. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the gumline to prevent plaque buildup.
Be Mindful of Diet: Avoid hard or sticky foods that could chip the porcelain or dislodge the crown.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist near Kirkland regularly. During your appointment at the Kirkland dental clinic, Dr. Roberts will check the crown’s fit and the health of the surrounding gums. This dental crown check-up is essential for the durability of PFM crowns and their long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper care and maintenance, a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown can last between 10 to 15 years, and in many cases, even longer. Their durability comes from the strong metal base, while the porcelain exterior provides a natural appearance. The longevity of a PFM crown depends on factors like your oral hygiene habits, diet, and whether you clench or grind your teeth. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential to ensure these crowns last for many years.

Neither a PFM crown nor a zirconia crown is inherently “better” than the other; the right choice depends on the specific dental situation. Dr. Roberts can evaluate your unique needs and help you determine which material is the best fit for your smile.

Yes, PFM crowns are generally considered safe and have been a standard in dentistry for many years. However, like any dental material, there are some considerations. The metal base in PFM crowns can contain various alloys, and in rare cases, some patients may have an allergic reaction to a specific metal, such as nickel. If you have known metal sensitivities, it’s crucial to discuss this with Dr. Roberts.

Generally, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns are less costly than all-porcelain crowns. The PFM crown offers a good balance of durability, aesthetics, and affordability, but for those concerned, all-ceramic crowns for metal allergies are also an option. All-porcelain layer crowns are often made of high-end ceramic materials that are more expensive to fabricate but provide superior aesthetics and light-reflecting properties, making them a popular choice for highly visible front teeth.

Boost Your Confidence with Durable PFM Crown Restorations

Living with damaged teeth can be a burden on your comfort and your self-esteem. You deserve a smile that is both healthy and beautiful. A porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crown can be a transformative solution, bringing back your ability to chew comfortably and smile with confidence.

We welcome our neighbors in Redmond, Bellevue, and Woodinville to discover the difference that compassionate and high-quality dental care can make. Please contact our Kirkland dental office at (425) 284-0515 to schedule your consultation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns in Kirkland, WA