What Are the Benefits of Metal-Free Crowns and Bridges?

June 29, 2023

When you need dental restorations for missing, broken, or damaged teeth, you want restorations that look and feel as natural as possible. Dental crowns and bridges are two types of restorations used to help patients restore teeth and maintain the beauty and functionality of their smiles.

However, you have options when getting dental restorations, including metal-free crowns and bridges. What is the difference between metal vs. non-metal restorations, and why does it matter? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of metal-free crowns and bridges.

Enjoy a Durable and Functional Smile

Both metal and metal-free crowns and bridges have the same goal—to restore teeth and protect your smile. However, whereas in the past, crowns and bridges typically used metals such as gold, nickel, and chromium, modern restorations typically consist of all-ceramic materials.

Metal crowns and bridges have historically been used for their strength and durability.

However, research shows that the strength of all-ceramic crowns rivals that of metal ones, so even if you choose metal-free crowns and bridges, you can still enjoy a durable and functional smile [1].

Have a More Natural-Looking Smile With Metal-Free Restorations

Metal crowns and bridges are durable but can create dark areas near the gumline where the metal of the restoration is visible. While not every patient will experience this, the potential for visible metal in the mouth can lead some patients to choose all-ceramic crowns and bridges.

Metal-free restorations are made with tooth-colored materials, such as porcelain ceramic, to accurately match your natural teeth. The color can be made for your specific smile, so unlike metal, these restorations don’t look obvious in the mouth. In fact, they should be indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.

As an added benefit, all-ceramic crowns mimic the natural translucency of teeth quite well, and this more natural-looking appearance is what many patients seek in a dental restoration [2].

Invest in a Safer Smile

Research shows that the metals used in some crowns, including nickel, can be absorbed by the tooth’s root, which can cause nickel sensitivity in some patients [3]. Choosing metal-free crowns and bridges can help you invest in a safer smile and potentially reduce the risk of complications such as metal sensitivity and even tooth sensitivity.

Metal-free crowns made with materials such as porcelain ceramic have superior biocompatibility, meaning they pose little risk for reaction with tissues of the body and are well-tolerated by most patients [4].

Are Metal-Free Crowns and Bridges Right for You?

If you need to restore a tooth with a dental crown or multiple missing teeth with a bridge, talk with your dentist about the benefits of going metal-free and if all-ceramic restorations could be the right choice for your smile. With the strength, aesthetics, and reduced potential for complications with ceramics, there are many reasons to go metal-free!