Metal dentures are the very first crowns that were used in dentistry back in Soviet times. To a certain extent, such crowns are still in demand.
For their manufacture, alloys of gold, platinum, titanium, palladium, nickel, chromium, steel, gold-plated steel, chromium with cobalt, silver with palladium are used. Precious metal alloys are more durable and reliable than, for example, ordinary gold, but also somewhat more expensive. As for crowns made of steel, they are the most affordable. Today we will tell you about metal crowns for teeth, as well as their main advantages and disadvantages.
Types of metal crowns
Depending on the manufacturing method, metal crowns are divided into stamped and cast. The first type - the simplest and most affordable, is made from a standard blank. The second type of crowns is more accurate, made to individual sizes and shapes, and is more durable than the first.
Benefits of metal crowns
The advantage of metal prostheses is durability, the absence of cracks and chips during operation. The service life of simple metal prostheses is very high and can reach several tens of years.
If we talk about gold crowns, they are perfectly processed and adjusted with maximum accuracy when installed on the tooth. Precious metal crowns do not shorten the life of the opposing tooth when chewing and biting.
Titanium crowns are similar in quality to gold alloy prostheses, they are also non-toxic and have no side effects, they are used not only in adult but also in pediatric dentistry.
The reliability of metal crowns and their low cost (except for gold ones) gives reason to consider them as an option for installation on chewing teeth, which have active functions compared to the anterior ones. The installation of a metal crown does not require long pre-treatment of the tooth, and the ability to give a natural shape creates comfort in the oral cavity.
Disadvantages of metal crowns
As for the disadvantages of metal prosthetics, the main one is the appearance: unnaturalness and unaesthetic. Therefore, when choosing this type of crowns, it is better to install them on the side teeth. The result is an effect of strength and relative invisibility in the mouth.
Stamped crowns, in addition to external unattractiveness, will create a lot of problems due to some gap between the tooth and the gum: the development of caries, inflammation of the gums, unhealthy breath. Unlike cast crowns, such prostheses can quickly wear out and wear out due to thinner walls, which also leads to a deterioration in the condition of the tooth.
If the crown is made of a conventional alloy, then allergic reactions to certain types of metals are possible in the body. For example, chromium alloys may be contraindicated in some patients.
Dental prosthetics with metal crowns is an old proven method. However, choosing it, you should carefully read the shortcomings and consult a doctor.
