Metal has been the standard in dentistry for many years and has proved to be an excellent way to protect damaged teeth and preserve a person’s ability to chew. However, technology is continuing to improve, and metal-free crowns and bridges have many benefits. Consider the following:
A Long-Term Solution – Composite crowns and bridges are stronger than their predecessors and provide long-term benefits.
Look and Feel – Because metal-free crowns and bridges are made from things like resin, quartz, and glass, they look more like your other teeth. That’s because teeth have almost a bit of translucence that can only be attained with these materials. Plus, metal-free crowns and bridges are about the same strength as your natural teeth, keeping your bite nice and even.
Cost – Metal-free crowns and bridges cost less.
Reduced Sensitivity – Less pain from hot or cold beverages is reported from individuals with metal-free crowns and bridges.
Do I Need a Metal-Free Crown?
If you are missing a tooth or have a damaged tooth, metal-free crowns are a great way to cover the damage and protect your oral health. If you have had a root canal or chipped a tooth, a dental crown can cover the remaining tooth. This restores a natural look to your smile, it protects the tooth from further damage, and it also allows you to chew naturally.
Metal-free crowns are also often used when a person gets a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. While the anchor and screw will be made of titanium, the crown can be metal-free. The crown is designed to match your teeth in shape and color thus being both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional.
When Are Metal-Free Bridges Used?
A bridge is used when several teeth next to each other are all damaged or missing. In this case, the crowns are all anchored together. For example, if you have four missing teeth all in a row, you can have them replaced with a metal-free bridge. Rather than having to get a separate titanium implant to attach each crown, a bridge made up of four crowns can usually be attached using just two implants. This is a cost-effective approach to replacing several teeth next to each other. Again, metal-free bridges are also aesthetically pleasing and fully functional.
Personal Preference
While metal crowns and bridges are FDA approved and pose no real health risks, some simply prefer not to have metal in their mouth. If this is the case for you, ask your dentist if they offer metal-free crowns and bridges today!
