Ask for Feldspathic Crowns to Replace Porcelain Fused to Metal?

What kind of porcelain should I ask for to replace the porcelain fused to metal crowns on my front teeth? One tooth is dark from a root canal nine years ago. I read that feldspathic layered porcelain looks natural. Is it strong enough? Is that the right choice for front teeth? My right incisor is a dental implant, so I know that can complicate things, too, with trying to match crowns. Thanks! – Vince

 

Vince,

The cosmetic dentist and lab making your crowns are more important than the material used to make the crowns. Choosing the material first may pressure a dentist to use it, even if they lack advanced cosmetic dentistry training, experience with the material, or artistic talent. A skilled cosmetic dentist knows which ceramics produce natural-looking results while concealing your dark tooth.

What Type of Ceramic Is Right for Front Teeth?

Any all-ceramic option is durable enough for front teeth. Find a cosmetic dentist with artistic talent who understands the variations of ceramics and how to produce beautiful results. They can also match your new crowns with your dental implant crown. The dentist will consider your dental implant crown’s age, quality, and condition before explaining your options.

Ceramics that can conceal a dark tooth and look natural include:

• Feldspathic porcelain
• Lithium disilicate layered with feldspathic porcelain, such as e.max crowns
• Zirconia layered with feldspathic porcelain
• e.max crowns

Masking Dark Teeth with Dental Crowns

A skilled cosmetic dentist can mask the darkness of the root canal tooth with an opaquer. One approach includes the following steps:

• Blocking out the tooth’s darkness with dental composite buildup material
• Placing a crown over the buildup

Or

• Giving instructions for a dental ceramist to add an opaque layer to the crown

We recommend the following:

• Schedule consultations with at least two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss your options for replacing your porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with natural-looking ceramics.
• Check the cosmetic dentists’ websites to verify they have post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry.
• Ask to see patients’ before-and-after photos like yours for ceramic crowns on front teeth.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.