Metal-ceramic crowns

Metal and ceramic crowns aren't just about low prices. Metal-ceramic has many additional advantages, which makes its use justified in many situations, including:

1. When restoring masticatory teeth. The reliability and strength of the material are optimal, so the crown can cope with all the stresses encountered during food chewing. For restoring the front teeth (the smile zone), alternative solutions should be chosen, including all-ceramic or zirconia crowns, which effectively mask any defects and look more aesthetically pleasing.
2. To protect the tooth after root canal treatment. After treatment of pulpitis and/or advanced dental caries, it is advisable to further protect the weakened tooth from premature destruction. A metal-ceramic crown may be the best solution in this case.
3. With a bridge construction. Metal-ceramic crowns are placed on pre-ground teeth when they support a dental bridge.
4. With an implant-supported prosthesis. If your own tooth is missing, an artificial root is implanted to restore the integrity of the dentition. A crown is then fixed to the implant.

The average lifespan of such restorations is 10 years. The DENTART orthodontists do everything possible to ensure maximum longevity of the crown, including:

• performing a comprehensive check-up to rule out underlying inflammations and other dental problems, and performing the treatment before crowns are placed;
• cooperating with proven dental laboratories that manufacture dental crowns;
• comply with modern fixation protocols;;
• give a guarantee for the work done.

But the lifespan of a crown is relative, because much depends on how the patient takes care of his or her teeth and mouth. For instance, the following individual factors directly impact the longevity of the crown:

• regularity and quality of hygiene procedures at home (brushing, flossing, etc.);
• adherence to recommendations about preventive visits and professional hygiene;
• careful handling of the crowns (carelessness can cause chipping or damage);
• the bite. Some bite pathologies may shorten the life of the crowns.

If there are no problems with these aspects, metal-ceramic crowns can last even over 10 years. But remember that all-ceramic constructions are the most durable. They have a service life of up to 15-20 years.

At DENTART Clinic in Kyiv, we follow modern orthopaedic protocols, so the prosthetics procedure includes the following mandatory steps:

1. Diagnostics before fitting the crown. Using a CT will allow you to get three-dimensional images and a more accurate picture of the condition of your teeth.
2. Preparation or grinding of the tooth under the crown. This is a highly demanding procedure that needs to be handled with care and precision. The main aim of our specialists is to remove the minimum amount of healthy tissue, including that affected by caries, but not to remove anything superfluous. During the preparation process, a circular ledge is formed, which serves as a bed for the crown. The crown and prepared tooth are thus connected like a "key in the lock" after preparation.
3. Taking an impression and then ordering a metal-ceramic denture from a dental laboratory. A temporary crown is placed on the tooth before the restoration is made. The patient stays with it for about two weeks.
4. Fitting. It is also a crucial step that must not be neglected. The orthopaedist checks the fit of the appliance to the tooth, the contact points and the chewing function. The height, colour and shape of the crown will be estimated by the specialist. If the doctor or you are unhappy with anything, the design is sent back for revision.
5. Direct fixation of the crown, providing a good and tight connection to the dental arch. This step must ensure that there is no risk of fracture of the tooth underneath the construction.
6. Consultation on care, home hygiene, recommended frequency of preventive check-ups, etc.

Ask our consultants for more details about the dental restoration procedure in Kyiv.