Are there cases where a porcelain fused to metal crown is better for a front tooth than a porcelain crown? (photo)

Question

Several years ago I chipped #10 and had a root canal. The tooth "died" and turned greyish green. A few months ago, I got a porcelain crown. I noticed the tooth still looked green. I went back to my dentist and he replaced it with a PFM crown, explaining the PFM would block the color from my dead tooth so it would look better than the porcelain. Does his statement make sense? It has been a few months and am not totally happy with the appearance of this crown. Is there a better option for me?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello there,I do not recommend placing porcelain fused to metal crowns on front teeth because they are not your most cosmetic option. I prefer to use Emax on front teeth for aesthetic purposes.  Another option would be a Zirconia crown.  Zirconia is just as durable as PFM and looks very natural.   It's always important look at before and after photos when selecting a dentist. This will give you a pretty good indication of what you can expect. Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MO area (O'Fallon, IL)Real Self 100

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

Metal crowns will block out the darkness, but in my hands a prefer all porcelain restorations.  They can be matched to the adjacent teeth much better and are healthier for the gingival tissues.  If I have to use a crown with metal I always choose Zirconium as it is white in color and better aesthetically than a standard porcelain fused to metal crown.  Good luck.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

PFM crowns do a great job of blocking out dark colored teeth, but there are better options.  Zirconia crowns act JUST like a PFM, but is white instead of grey, but talented labs can even do eMax (lithium disilicate) with a great result.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Although porcelain fused to metal can block out the color of the tooth, it is not the best cosmetic option.  Even with porcelain crowns expert labs can apply opaquers to competely block out any darkness from the tooth underneath.  Best of luck!

Yocasta Caba, DDS · Answer

Zirconium is becoming one of the most chosen materials for dental crowns. Its many advantages include:-Extraordinarily tough-Can withstand wear and tear-Translucent enough to be similar to natural teeth-Less tooth removal-No Metal fuse-Modifiable size, shape and color -BiocompatibleThe capacity of zirconium to be modified according to the set of teeth it will be placed alongside with is very important. Zirconium crown will not only replace a tooth but it can shaped so that it will look better than the one it will be replacing with. This therefore is why you can sport that perfect natural looking smile anytime.

Are there cases where a porcelain fused to metal crown is better for a front tooth than a porcelain crown? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Porcelain fused to metal vs. all porcelain crown

Answer: Porcelain fused to metal vs. all porcelain crown

Answer: Zirconia crown

Answer: Zirconia crown

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Are there cases where a porcelain fused to metal crown is better for a front tooth than a porcelain crown? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Porcelain fused to metal vs. all porcelain crown

Answer: Porcelain fused to metal vs. all porcelain crown

Answer: Zirconia crown

Answer: Zirconia crown

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.