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Benefits Of Choosing A Porcelain Infused With Metal Crown

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Dental crowns are utilized to rebuild the teeth once they have succumbed to damage. Typically, crowns are used to bulk up a tooth that has been cracked or destroyed by extensive tooth decay. And while ceramic crowns are ideal to retain the aesthetics of the teeth, sometimes porcelain infused with metal crowns are required instead. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of these crowns.

Additional Strength

If your teeth are brittle and crack easily or if a tooth has been damaged to the extent that the biting edge is nonexistent, then you will likely need porcelain infused with a metal crown. These crowns add a great deal of strength to a tooth by creating a metal base along the underside of the crown. This base is able to sustain pressure from biting forces and from any other pressure placed on the tooth. Typically, steel is used when creating the crown devices to give the tooth as much strength as possible and oftentimes the back molars are fitted with them. 

Metal crowns also add some bulk to the tooth when a good deal of enamel and dentin has been lost. Porcelain cannot be built up to the extent that metal can without becoming brittle. And, you should know that the porcelain infused metal device cannot be replaced at a later date with a solid porcelain one for this reason. Additionally, since the bulk is added, more of the healthy tooth material may be released to make room for the crown. So, it is not a good idea to remove and replace the device unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise more of the natural tooth may need to be removed during preparation, and there simply may not be enough of your natural tooth left behind.

Sealed Crown

Crowned teeth are at risk of developing certain types of cavities. These cavities are ones that form right around the edge or lip of the crown and underneath the device. And, both of these types of cavities can be avoided with the application of porcelain infused with a metal crown. Specifically, the metal is slightly pliable and creates a distinct and tight seal against the tooth sitting underneath it. This prevents bacteria and food from slipping underneath the crown and creating a cavity. 

Also, the lip that sits around the edge of the crown is reduced substantially. Food is unlikely to gather at this region and thus cavity risks are minimized.

If you want to know more about crowns and how metal devices may be a good option for you, speak with a dental professional. 


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