Ceramic-metal teeth are very popular today. The fact is that they have an acceptable cost and beautiful appearance, so they can hardly be distinguished from their own. In addition, they have other advantages. Naturally, before deciding on this type of prosthetics, it is necessary to understand all the intricacies of the manufacture and use of the product.
Advantages and disadvantages of crowns
Among the advantages are the following:
- The ability to correct the most complex defects of the dentition.
- Crowns have a completely natural appearance.
- On these structures, plaque appears to a lesser extent and tartar is formed.
- Crowns do not cause discomfort or allergies (it all depends on the reaction of the body to the metal used).
- Ceramic-metal teeth are characterized by durability.
Naturally, such designs have certain disadvantages. Some of the materials with which the metal is coated may crack (porcelain). Own teeth tend to wear out a lot, because artificial crowns are too hard. And natural enamel has to be grinded down a lot to put on a crown.
In which cases you can not apply such designs?
I must say that ceramic-metal teeth can not always be set. Among the contraindications to the use of these crowns are the following:
- Weakness of own teeth, which may not withstand the additional load.
- Too young age (up to 16 years).
- Malocclusion.
- Some chronic or inflammatory diseases.
Should ceramic-metal teeth be installed, a specialist should advise after a thorough examination of the oral cavity.
The choice of material
Before you install the design, you should definitely pay attention to the metal from which the crown base will be made. You can choose a simple alloy, which is much cheaper in cost, or a combination of precious metals (platinum and gold, for example).
The price of the material is not the most important, although very important criterion for the choice of design. Some patients may be allergic to certain components of the alloy, so they should be used very carefully. For example, people with high sensitivity should not use nickel or chromium.
As for gold, it never causes allergies, practically does not lend itself to oxidation (therefore, you will not suffer from halitosis or taste). As for the ceramic coating, porcelain is most often used here, although it must be carefully looked after.
Varieties of designs
Ceramic-metal teeth are an alternative for those people who could not keep their own crowns. The following types of structures should be distinguished:
- With shoulder mass. This type of crown involves reducing the amount of metal and increasing the mass of ceramics. The presented design has a very high strength.
- Milled metal-ceramic crowns for teeth. They almost completely correspond to the natural form of the jaw and the patient’s bite.
- Stamped. This type of construction is the cheapest and least durable.
If you need dental prosthetics, cermet is the best fit, but you should choose the type of product that is appropriate in your case.
Design manufacturing features
The production technology of such crowns provides for a certain sequence of work. If you decide to have prosthetics, cermets are not made in one day. So, specialists must do all the work in stages.
- Impression of the dentition. To do this, it should be covered with a special mixture.
- Making a gypsum model. Metal-ceramic teeth, photos of which you can see in the article, cannot be made without preliminary fitting.
- Modeling a metal frame using wax.
- Making the crown of the selected alloy and the first fitting of the product.
- Application of several layers of porcelain on metal and firing of the crown at high temperature.
- Application of enamel on ceramics and the next fitting of the product.
- If the crown is well suited to the patient, then its surface is glazed, polished and finally baked.
Naturally, this process requires high technological skill, patience and specialist experience. Therefore, all measurements must be taken carefully and very carefully so as not to spoil the source materials. Try to order such prostheses in well-known clinics with a good reputation.
Design Care Features
Despite the fact that metal ceramics is considered the most popular prosthetics product, teeth (reviews indicate the durability and excellent use of the products) require some care. It is not complicated. For example, you, as before, will need to brush your teeth twice a day, use a rinse with antibacterial properties. You should be very careful about the place where the gum is in contact with the metal.
Every six months, do not forget to visit the dentist, who will monitor the condition of crowns and natural tissues. Periodically, plaque from tea and coffee, as well as tobacco (if you smoke) will need to be removed from the surface of the teeth.
If a chip appears on the crown or you feel that it is staggering, do not try to remove it yourself. It is better to consult a specialist. He will be able to do everything as accurately and painlessly as possible. Try not to crack nuts with such crowns, as porcelain tends to crack.
In any case, the most safe and practical material in prosthetics is considered to be cermet. Teeth, reviews of which are mostly positive, will last you a very long time, you just have to properly care for them. In addition, you will get a real aesthetic pleasure when you look at your smile in the mirror. Be healthy!