

Dentists use pressed ceramic crowns on front and back teeth. The layers of ceramic can chip away over time. Pressed ceramic crowns have the same drawbacks as PFM crowns. Like all-porcelain crowns, pressed ceramic crowns mimic the translucency of natural tooth enamel. Next, they add multiple layers of porcelain. To make this inner core, a technician melts and presses ceramic in an oven at a very high temperature. It’s similar to a PFM, but the core is ceramic instead of metal. Pressed ceramic crownsĪ pressed ceramic crown has a hard inner core. They can restore both front and back teeth. PFM crowns last almost as long as metal crowns. In addition, PFM crowns may gradually wear down the enamel on your opposing teeth (the teeth that touch your crown when you close your mouth). For example, the porcelain coating may chip off over time, exposing the metal underneath. Dentists can match these crowns to the shade of your own teeth.ĭespite their strength, PFM crowns have some drawbacks.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the durability of metal and the natural look of porcelain. Metal crowns are a good choice for out-of-sight molars. The metallic color is the main drawback of this type of crown. They can also withstand biting and chewing forces. Metal crowns rarely chip or break, last the longest in terms of wear and only require a small amount of enamel removal. Metal crownsĭental technicians use several metals to make dental crowns, including gold, palladium, nickel and chromium. The kind that’s right for you depends on your personal preferences and unique oral health needs.

What is a dental crown?Ī dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap. A dental crown can be made of many different materials and placed on top of your damaged tooth.
