Metal-ceramic crowns on teeth - service life, reviews, photos before and after installation of micro-crowns

What is a metal-ceramic crown?

Today, the choice of materials for making dental crowns is very wide: ceramics, zirconium dioxide, and plastic, but metal-ceramics continues to be the most popular and affordable. At the moment, metal ceramics are a kind of gold standard in dentistry, since similar designs have been used by doctors for many years and have proven themselves to be good.

Metal-ceramic crowns are a “cap” with machined fissures, which is placed on a ground tooth and completely imitates its shape, including all anatomical formations. The basis for the structure is a metal frame, which is covered on top with a layer of ceramics, indistinguishable in color from natural enamel. The prosthesis is secured to the ground dental tissues using special composite or glass ionomer cement. In case of severe destruction, a metal tab is first installed, which serves as a reliable basis for the crown. Metal-ceramics are also used for the manufacture of bridges and clasp dentures supported both on the patient’s own teeth and on dental implants. In the latter case, the use of implants with metal abutments is recommended.

Methods for making a crown

Orthodontic products can be manufactured using several methods. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Cast products

Strong and durable crowns are made using casting. For this, a single piece of metal is used. The method is not suitable for all materials.

Stamped

More affordable, but less durable prostheses are made by stamping:

a mold is placed into the dental anvil;
using rubber rings a stamp is obtained;
the crown is made using special hammers that differ in shape and size;
The product is given its final shape using small tongs.

Such crowns last less than cast ones, but are much cheaper to produce.

Pros and cons of a metal-ceramic crown

Among the advantages of metal-ceramic crowns is, first of all, their strength. Therefore, in most cases they are installed on chewing teeth. Undoubtedly, they look much better than purely metal crowns. In general, metal-ceramic crowns imitate real teeth well, but with the advent of new materials in prosthetics, preference in restoring anterior teeth began to be given to all-ceramic structures. When a combination of reliability and aesthetics is needed in the chewing area, then the best choice would be ceramic prostheses based on zirconium dioxide.

Make an appointment

right now!

Akhmedkhanov Said Rashidovich

Surgeon, Therapist, Orthopedist, Hygienist, Implantologist

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any type of orthopedic structures, metal-ceramic dental crowns have certain positive and negative qualities.

Pros of crowns

The advantages of crowns with a metal frame and ceramic outer coating are as follows:

To install a prosthesis, there is no need to remove a natural tooth. It remains completely, with the exception of the layer ground to the thickness of the structure;
metal ceramics can withstand high loads and maintain structural stability when eating solid foods;
increased strength ensures the quality and durability of structures, which allows them to be installed on chewing teeth;
with proper execution of products, there is no free space between the gums and the crown. The prosthesis turns out to be one-piece and fully corresponds to the structure of the natural tooth;
the material is not dyed, so even with long-term use, the color of the coating does not change and does not distort the beauty of the smile;
metal ceramics do not cause harm to the human body and are suitable for almost every patient;
with proper care, structures made of metal alloys with a ceramic finish can last up to 15 years or more;
caries does not form on the prosthesis, it is not a source of spread of harmful bacteria;
external attractiveness. Metal-ceramic dentures imitate natural enamel as much as possible and are in no way different from natural teeth.

Speaking about the advantages, one cannot fail to mention the cost of the products, which is much lower in comparison with other types. When it comes to permanent prosthetics, metal-ceramics as a material is considered one of the best options.

Cons of crowns

Along with numerous advantages, the designs also have some disadvantages. These include:

the need for depulpation of soft tissues and grinding of the hard enamel coating;
under excessive loads, chips may appear on the ceramic layer;
if the frame is made from inexpensive materials, then they can be translucent and such products will look unsightly on the front teeth;
the possibility of allergic reactions in some patients due to individual intolerance to the constituent components.

In most cases, these disadvantages are invisible, and the prosthetics themselves allow you to achieve an excellent final result.

What are the differences between metal-ceramic crowns?

Indeed, many patients wonder: what is better - zirconium crowns or metal-ceramics? Roughly speaking, both structures are metal-ceramic, but zirconium is a “white” material that does not shine through the ceramic, as sometimes happens with ordinary metal. Therefore, today ceramic crowns on a zirconium frame are close in aesthetic qualities to all-ceramic crowns, but at the same time they have the same strength as metal-ceramics. However, prices for such prostheses are higher than for metal-ceramic structures without the use of zirconium.

The question of which is better - metal-ceramic or ceramic crowns cannot be answered unequivocally. The choice is made depending on the indications and budget. So, if prosthetics of the frontal group of teeth is necessary, it is recommended to choose solid ceramics. It is aesthetic metal ceramics. Typically, such crowns are placed on teeth where the chewing load is less, since the metal-ceramic frame is stronger. Regarding the issue of price, a metal-ceramic crown is, of course, cheaper.

Structure and types

Metal-ceramic dental prosthetics got its name due to the structure of the structures: inside it has a cast metal frame with a thickness of 0.3-0.5 mm. The material of manufacture is cobalt or nickel-chromium alloys. In some cases, alloys of precious metals - platinum or gold, palladium and others in different proportions - can be used. Crowns are divided into corresponding types according to this parameter.

The use of gold has an undeniable advantage - due to the natural yellowness of the precious metal, it is possible to achieve a natural shade of the structure, which is especially in demand when it is necessary to replace the front teeth.

The metal frame is covered with ceramics. The base is veneered using manual layer-by-layer application of ceramic mass. The structure is fired in a kiln after each layer is applied - this allows for the best connection between metal and ceramics.

As for the structure of the structure, the following types of metal-ceramics in dental prosthetics are distinguished:

Actually single crowns. They are widely used to restore teeth in the lateral zone when they are more than ⅔ destroyed.
Bridges. They are designed to restore several missing teeth in a row. The most reliable design is considered to be two crowns for supporting teeth and 2 artificial teeth between them.

Types of metal-ceramic crowns

Metal-ceramic crowns have several classifications: according to the frame material and according to the ceramic material. Thus, according to the frame material, crowns are distinguished based on a chromium-nickel alloy, based on a cobalt-chromium alloy, and based on a gold-platinum (palladium) alloy (based on the so-called “noble alloys”). There is also another material that is used quite rarely - titanium alloy. Each of these types of metal-ceramic crowns has its own pros and cons. Traditionally, the most popular material is cobalt-chromium alloy. Based on the ceramic material, a distinction is made between conventional (high-temperature) and low-temperature ceramics. Low-temperature ceramics based on “noble” alloys look more aesthetically pleasing.

Indications and contraindications for metal-ceramic crowns

The indications for installing a metal-ceramic crown are the same as for crowns made of other materials. The main one is the index of destruction of the coronal surface of the tooth, equal to 0.6. Also, indications for installing a metal-ceramic crown are:

any non-carious lesions, for example, fluorosis or enamel hypoplasia;
abnormal development and position of the front teeth in adults, which for any reason cannot be eliminated by orthodontic methods;
pathological abrasion or wedge-shaped defect;
aesthetic defect in the crowns of natural teeth (changes in color and shape, loss of shine, etc.);
inconsistency of existing artificial crowns with aesthetic and functional requirements;
metal-ceramic crowns can also be used as a splinting structure for mild to moderate periodontitis;

Each of the above indications should be considered in the context of a specific clinical case. Contraindications include, for example, bruxism, as well as periodontitis, accompanied by severe tooth mobility. In addition, fixed prosthetics on implants also involves the use of metal-ceramic crowns.

Is it possible to put metal-ceramic crowns on the front teeth?

It is possible if the patient’s budget does not allow for all-ceramic crowns. There are no medical contraindications to the manufacture of metal-ceramic crowns on the frontal teeth. However, aesthetics in this case recedes into the background. Such crowns will not look very natural. Therefore, it is still better not to place metal-ceramic crowns on the front teeth.

Installing a metal-ceramic crown on a tooth

The first stage of installing a metal-ceramic crown can be called clinical. The doctor treats the tooth and its canals, prepares dental tissue for the future crown and takes an impression.
After this, the laboratory stage begins: in the laboratory, a crown frame is made, which we then try on, check its reliability and fit to the tooth, correct defects, if any, and also choose the color of the future structure. The frame is then taken back to the laboratory, where a technician applies ceramic paste to it.
When the crown is ready, the doctor invites the patient to an appointment and installs it.

While the prosthesis is being manufactured, which can last from one to two weeks, a temporary crown is installed on the tooth.

Metal-ceramic crown with shoulder

There are no metal-ceramic crowns with a shoulder. The tooth is ground with a shoulder, and the metal-ceramic crown is made with a ceramic shoulder. That is, the edges of the metal frame of the crown are lined with a special “shoulder” ceramic mass. This is done to improve the aesthetics of prosthetics with metal-ceramic crowns, as well as to prevent “cyanosis” (translucency of the metal frame) in the crown-tooth transition zone.

How are crowns replaced?

A separate article will be devoted to this. Let us briefly describe the main stages:

Stage 1 : examination by a doctor and diagnosis (X-rays). We evaluate the accuracy of the crown fit, the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues. We understand that the crown needs to be replaced.

2nd stage : silicone key (necessary for the doctor to make you a temporary crown so that you do not go without a tooth after removing the old one)

Stage 3 : we evaluate the tooth under the crown, give it the correct shape, clean it, and remove possible caries. We fix the temporary crown. You can't go a day without a tooth!

Stage 4 : we take impressions for the new crown and send them to the dental laboratory.

Stage 5 : we get a new crown, fix it on the tooth and happily say goodbye to the doctor until the next professional examination.

Service life of metal-ceramic crowns

How long does a metal-ceramic crown last? Modern products last on average about 10 – 12 years. If a chip occurs on the metal-ceramic crown of the ceramic layer, then in some cases repair is possible. If it did not occur due to the development of secondary caries under the prosthesis, but as a result of mechanical damage, the dentist assesses the volume of the chip and, if the metal frame is not exposed, restoration of the metal-ceramic crown can be carried out using grinding or composite materials. If a serious chip occurs on the metal-ceramic crown, the prosthesis must be replaced.

Once the service life of the prosthesis has expired, the structure must be replaced. This is due to the fact that the special cement on which the structure is attached begins to deteriorate over time under the influence of saliva and other factors. If the crown is not removed in time, a problem may arise such as secondary caries, developing under the cap and at its junction with the tooth tissue.

What will result from untimely replacement?

People are reluctant to visit dental offices, but if you experience discomfort from a crown, you should immediately contact a specialist. Untimely replacement of the prosthesis threatens the following negative consequences:

Root destruction - a cap not only allows you to restore the function of a damaged tooth, but also protects its root from further deformation. Over time, the supporting part is negatively affected. The bond is gradually destroyed by the action of saliva, which ultimately contributes to the accumulation of food debris and microbes. It is impossible to remove them with a toothbrush, so the process takes a long time and is asymptomatic. As a result, the root is destroyed, which may subsequently lead to the need to remove it.
Development of inflammatory processes - inflammatory processes can develop in the gums, which not only cause discomfort, but also lead to more serious consequences. If the prosthesis (especially a low-quality one) is not replaced in a timely manner, you can lose all adjacent teeth.

A dentist, whose visits should be regular, will help you make sure that you need to replace the crown. It is important to understand that it is almost impossible to determine this on your own and, as a rule, patients turn to a specialist already too late.

Caring for metal-ceramic crowns

The rules for caring for metal-ceramic crowns are practically no different from the rules for caring for natural teeth. However, less interdental plaque and tartar are formed on the metal-ceramic surface than on natural enamel. For care, it is necessary to use dental floss, brushes and, preferably, an irrigator to avoid the accumulation of plaque at the transition boundary from the crown to the tooth. During the professional hygiene procedure, the structure must be polished. Otherwise, timely attendance at preventive examinations and thorough daily cleaning will help the metal-ceramic crown serve its full service life.

Signs that replacement is needed

There are a number of signs that allow you to determine that it is time to change the crown. These factors include:

color change;
development of pathological processes;
breakage of the prosthesis;
formation of plaque accumulation areas;
bleeding gums, which is a sign of the development of inflammatory processes;
tight interdental contact.

In addition, complaints about symptoms such as increased pain, bad breath, discomfort and food getting stuck near the crown may be the reason for replacing the denture.

How much do metal-ceramic crowns cost in Moscow?

The price of metal-ceramic crowns per tooth depends on the price category of the clinic in Moscow, the metal used to make the frame, the qualifications of the prosthetist and dental technician, the complexity of the clinical case and a number of other factors. The price of a metal-ceramic crown for one tooth starts from 7,000 rubles. However, it does not include additional costs. The total cost of a dental crown made of metal ceramics, including taking impressions, installing a temporary crown and fixing a permanent one, is about 10,000 rubles, which, in general, is very inexpensive in Moscow.

Publisher: Expert magazine about dentistry Startsmile.ru

Stages of metal-ceramic prosthetics

Any types of dental crowns are installed in stages and metal-ceramic products are no exception. It is important not only to install prostheses in a high-quality manner, but also to properly prepare for prosthetics.

Therapeutic stage

The quality characteristics of prosthetics directly depend on the correctness of therapeutic procedures. The essence of preparatory therapy is as follows:

diagnostic measures. An x-ray is taken, from which the dentist determines the actual condition of the root canal, the presence or absence of inflammatory processes in it;
If any violations are found, then endodontic treatment followed by canal filling is mandatory. In some cases, complete pulp removal is not required and the teeth remain “alive” under the crown;
if more than half of the coronal part is destroyed, then the doctor installs a stump tab. It is necessary for a more durable fixation of the future crown.

During the period of implementation of the metal-ceramic structure, a plastic temporary crown is installed in place of the defect, if necessary.

Preparing a tooth for prosthetics

This stage consists of the following procedures:

When the root canals have been treated and filled, the doctor begins to grind the enamel to a thickness corresponding to the prosthesis. On average, it is necessary to remove 1.5-2.0 mm of native enamel;
impressions are made using silicone mass and transferred to dental technicians;
In the workshop, the frame is first made and after fitting, the structure is brought to aesthetic perfection.

The color for painting the ceramic coating is chosen so that it fully matches the shade of the patient’s teeth.

Crown installation

The prosthesis, made in a dental prosthetic laboratory, is installed in the patient’s oral cavity and fixed with a temporary cement composition. This is necessary so that the patient understands whether wearing a crown will be truly comfortable for him. If the patient does not experience any discomfort for several months, the prosthesis is fixed with a permanent mixture. When there are complaints of discomfort or pain, the crown is sent for correction.