Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are somewhat of a hybrid between metal crowns and porcelain crowns. First, the dental technician makes a shell of metal that fits over the tooth. Second, porcelain is fused over this metal at high temperatures. The porcelain hides the metal substructure, giving the crown a white tooth-like appearance. These crowns can have porcelain placed on the entire surface or selectively used only on the outside visible area, thereby leaving metal to withstand heavy biting forces on back teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns can be a good choice for either front or back teeth. These crowns are strong enough to withstand heavy biting pressures and can have an excellent cosmetic appearance. Many patients may complain of an older PFM crown that can show the metal that lies underneath a crown's porcelain layer, years after it is placed. This can be visualized as a dark line found right at the crown's edge. This mainly happens after a few years if the gums recede. Our highly trained technician specializes in hiding these metal collars during fabrication by blending porcelain over these margins. This helps to decrease any chances of metal exposure in the future. For more specific information about PFM crowns visit the following dental treatment cases:
For info on PFM Cosmetic Crowns:
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Cosmetic Porcelain Crowns
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New Smile with Dicor Crowns & Gum Lift |
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Dicor Porcelain Crowns
Genetics and Mother Nature combined to effect a longer than average smile for this lovely young lady. The “long tooth” appearance was not attractive to her and she desired a change.
After attending to multiple dental needs (gum disease, cavities, infections, etc.) we decided to proceed with a Gum Lift procedure in order to raise the level of her smile by reshaping her gum line.
After healing, we designed 6 carefully crafted Dicor crowns in order to reshape her smile, lips, and face. As you can see, a more youthful and energetic appearance was accomplished with her smile makeover procedure.
Ultra white procelain crowns are one of many solutions we
offer patients who are seeking their perfect smile.
For info on PFM Cosmetic Crowns:
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Multiple Crowns and Bridges
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| Erase Years of Dental Wear and Neglect |
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Unsurpassed Dental Cosmetics
This patient came to my office complaining of loose
teeth, pain, headaches, and a smile that often had her
covering her mouth at social events. This patient had
multiple crowns placed on her front teeth about 10 years
before coming to my office.
The metal underneath the porcelain was starting to show
through the porcelain and the roots were becoming exposed.
Patient had gum disease problems, missing teeth, and jaw
joint dislocation (the main cause of headaches).
It is so important to pay attention to the health of the
gums and jaw joint when performing cosmetic dentistry. Too
many dentists are in a rush to place porcelain teeth in
patient's mouths without paying any attention to underlying
problems associated with gum disease and improper jaw
function.
This patient demonstrates what happened ten years after her
dentist rushed to place crowns on her teeth, without
treating her gum problems and maintaining her mouth
properly. After careful gum treatment we started restoring
her mouth with two bridges on her lower
jaw in order to
stabilize her bite and produce proper jaw function.
These bridges included fabrication of 12 new teeth on her
lower jaw. Without good function cosmetic dental work can
fail after a few
years, so it is critical to make sure that
the jaws work effectively and the jaw joints conform to the
function. If this is not taken into consideration, the
patient can end up with headaches and jaw joint problems. We
specialize in these forms of reconstruction, paying
careful
attention to muscle function, jaw to jaw relationship, and
health of the jaw joint (dental occlusion).
Finally, we end our treatment with unsurpassed cosmetics! We
ended her treatment by placing 14 porcelain crowns on her
upper teeth, including 2 bridges to replace her missing
teeth. We used Jeneric Pentron Porcelain fused to
precious metal. Our own, on-site lab, produced these
results. Due to her weakened teeth we decided to connect all
of the teeth together. This is a very difficult procedure to
accomplish because of the precision involved to "splint" all
of the teeth in one unit for strength, stability, and long
term health. The
patient stated to us that she feels 20
years younger and has never been able to chew so well.
For a combination of PFM and Veneers:
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Vibrant Youthful Smile Restored
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| Beautiful Teeth with Instant Orthodontics |
| Vibrant Youthful Smile Restored! |
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After Porcelain Veneers |
Empress Porcelain Veneers
This 50+ male patient had seen several dentists over the years. His main complaint was the appearance of his front teeth which had received several poor “patch-up” jobs. After careful analysis and appropriate gum therapy, work began on his 5 front teeth.
Our lab technician crafted 5 Empress Veneers to give him the vibrant and youthful smile that he desired. The veneers improved
his health, looks, and confidence, and chewing ability. Before the veneers the patient had a difficult time chewing apples. Upon completion, he was able to enjoy biting into crisp apples again as the veneers provided the esthetics and function that are critical for the front teeth.
For splinted PFM Crowns and Bridges:
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Complete Mouth Reconstruction
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Metro Detroit Dentist Makeover Dentistry - Case #20
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Dramatic Cosmetic Result
As can be seen in the before photo, this young patient had severe dental issues.
Dentists in her home town were not willing to take on her challenging problems
due to the complexities involved. She drove 3 hours so she could have
access to our services.
Her examination revealed that she had
severe multiple infections. She also had and
bite (occlusion) deficits that were causing significant TMJ related pain.
Periodontal disease was prevalent and cysts were beginning to appear inside the
jaw bones.
The patient decided that our initial focus would be made on her upper jaw. The
treatment plan she selected incorporated the use of precision custom made
bridgework composed of porcelain reinforced with precious metals.
Multiple root canals were performed and these teeth were built up with titanium posts. With
our on-site lab, we were able to select a particular combination of
individual crowns and bridgework that produced the most dramatic cosmetic result
she was looking for. Although the custom lab work was extensive, there were no
prolonged waiting periods since our lab work is performed at our in-office
laboratory.
For combination of PFM and Orthodontic Work:
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The Near Hollywood Smile
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Metro Detroit Makeover Dentistry - Case #21
| The Near Hollywood Smile |
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Adult Orthodontics
This patient came to my office with a skeptical desire to see if
anything could be done to correct years of neglect and a mouth that had
always prevented her from smiling.
The dramatic effects in appearance and overall impact on the patient's
perception of herself after the makeover treatment is quite evident in
the above pictures. Even her hair has a substantially healthier looking
appearance.
Worn Teeth - Jaw Alignment Issues
After a comprehensive examination, we determined that she required
multiple specialties of dental work to give her the healthiest and best
possible result.
Due to bite and occlusion problems arising from the years of neglect,
the patient needed to gain some jaw growth in order to prevent headaches
and eventual TMJ problems that would occur later, if untreated. Her
teeth were severely worn which further caused
her jaws to lose proper
orthodontic alignment.
Orthodontic Braces treatment TMJ Jaw Alignment
Certain orthodontic dentistry procedures were implemented to address the
TMJ concerns.
We custom designed a system of braces, appliances, and elastics to start
straightening her teeth and jaws.
In less than 9 months we were able to achieve the alignment needs of the
upper jaw.
Crossbite Fix - Porcelain Crowns
Now that the upper teeth were properly aligned, we finished positioning
her lower teeth in order to allow 10 precision porcelain crowns to be
properly
fitted in the upper jaw.
The patient had certain crossbite problems that required
attention for achieving optimal dental health and correct orthodontic
alignment that is necessary for preventing TMJ issues in the future.
The above right photos show the dramatic results we achieved for her
upper jaw. Periodontal surgery and gum shaping were performed on
her
front teeth to achieve an even gum line. No more "gummy smile".
Which
was one of the patient's desired cosmetic outcomes.
For Cosmetic Makeover with PFM Crowns:
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The Difference Veneers Can Make
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Discover the Difference they Make - Case #22
| Cosmetic Veneers at Comfort Dental |
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Get Your Best Smile
Ultra white procelain crowns are one of many solutions we
offer patients who are seeking their perfect smile.
Meet Karen. She had a desire to have the straightest, whitest and prettiest
smile possible for herself. In just a few visits, Karen accomplished her goal,
with no pain and no strain. Precision placement of ultra white porcelain crowns
provided the magic she
was
looking for.
Immediate and dramatic results like Karen's are waiting for you at Comfort Dental Care.
Let us show you the many ways we can give you a vibrant, youthful, attractive smile that everyone will notice.
With our computer imaging you can actually see the possible end-results without touching your teeth.
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