Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM) - Dental Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look like natural teeth and are stronger than ceramic crowns. PFM crowns can be matched to your natural teeth so they provide an attractive appearance. However, the porcelain portion can be chipped off and the underlying metal can peer through as a dark line. Stronger than all-porcelain crowns, PFM crowns also wear down, and can show more of the dark line as the gum recedes.

PFM crowns are a good choice for front or back teeth. 

Gold Crowns

Made of gold alloy, these crowns are ideal for the back teeth. Less tooth structure needs to be removed with gold crowns as they wear less easily than ceramic ones. Gold crowns rarely chip and can endure heavy pressure biting and chewing.

The colour remains its main disadvantage making gold crowns the desirable choice for back teeth.

Three variations of gold crowns:

1. Full gold crowns encase the entire tooth down to the gum line
2. Gold onlays possess the same strength as the full crown but require less tooth reduction
3. Gold inlays are gold castings that substitute those areas typically requiring a filling

Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns

Like anything else, you can expect both advantages and disadvantages to getting dental crowns.

Gold Crowns

Advantages:

- Simple method because of minimal tooth structure removal
- More durable in times of heavy pressure such as biting and chewing
- Easier to fit areas where the tooth and crown meet
- Healthier environment for gum tissue
 
Disadvantage:

- Cosmetic factor-most people prefer a natural look

Porcelain Crowns

Advantage:

- Aesthetically pleasing

Disadvantage:

Requires more of the tooth structure to be removed because of its thickness
Gingival inflammation more prone to those with porcelain crowns than those with gold
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

Advantage:

- Natural look

Disadvantage

Metal substructure makes the translucency of natural teeth difficult to mimic so a dark line may appear at the edge of the crown, near the gum as it recedes

Other Disadvantages

- Discomfort-your crowned tooth may be sensitive after the procedure. If the crowned tooth still contains some nerve, that nerve will be sensitive to heat and cold.
- Chipped crown-this most often occurs with all-porcelain crowns.
- Allergic reaction-although rare, you may experience an allergic reaction to the metals used.
- Loss of crown-when your crown falls off, it usually occurs because of an improper fit or insufficient cement. When this occurs, replace the crown temporarily with a dental adhesive found in stores. Consult your dentist immediately.