Metal-Free Restorations in Valencia and Santa Clarita, CA

Metal-free restorations are crowns and other repairs made from ceramic or porcelain instead of metal, and Cleveland Clinic notes that all-ceramic or porcelain crowns mimic the appearance of tooth enamel more than any other crown type. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores a decayed, broken, weak or worn-down tooth.

Crowns are also used to cover dental implants and root canal-treated teeth, to attach bridges, to protect a weak tooth from breaking and to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. Crowns come in metal, resin and porcelain, and in porcelain fused to metal. The kind that is right for you depends on your personal preferences and oral health needs.

The main types of metal-free crowns are pressed ceramic crowns and all-ceramic crowns, as Cleveland Clinic describes them. A pressed ceramic crown has a hard ceramic inner core with layers of porcelain added on top, and like all-porcelain crowns it mimics the translucency of natural tooth enamel.

All-ceramic crowns are made from many different materials, and one of the most popular is zirconium dioxide, or zirconia. Zirconia crowns are extremely durable and can withstand heavier forces than other types of ceramic crowns. Pressed ceramic crowns are used on both front and back teeth.

Metal-free crowns are not as chip-resistant as metal crowns: Cleveland Clinic says metal crowns rarely chip or break and last the longest in terms of wear, while the layers on a pressed ceramic crown can chip away over time. The metallic color is the main drawback of metal, which is why metal crowns suit out-of-sight molars.

Among ceramics, strength differs by material. Zirconia crowns can withstand heavier forces than other types of ceramic crowns. Any crown can break or fracture over time, and the type that is best for you depends on your budget, personal preferences and oral health goals.

Metal-free restorations are a good choice if you have metal allergies, according to Cleveland Clinic, and for teeth where appearance matters, since all-ceramic crowns look most like natural enamel. Zirconia crowns are also gentle on your opposing teeth, resulting in less enamel wear.

The comparison with porcelain fused to metal is the useful one. That type combines the durability of metal with the look of porcelain, but its porcelain coating may chip off over time and expose the metal underneath, and it may gradually wear down the enamel on the teeth it bites against.

A ceramic crown is usually placed over two appointments, Cleveland Clinic explains. At the first, your dentist removes some natural enamel to make space for the crown, takes physical or digital impressions, and places a temporary crown while a dental lab makes the final one, which usually takes two to three weeks.

At the second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown, checks the shape, color and fit of the new one, and bonds it to your tooth with a strong dental cement. Some sensitivity, especially to heat and cold, is normal for a couple of weeks afterward.

A dental crown lasts five to 15 years on average, and Cleveland Clinic says crowns can last upwards of 30 years with proper care and maintenance. You might need to replace one sooner if it gets cracked or damaged, so watch for wear, chips or a loose crown.

To protect it, brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss once a day, and get regular cleanings and exams. Avoid ice cubes, extremely hard nuts, popcorn kernels and sticky foods like taffy and caramels. If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist about a custom mouth guard.

We emphasize conservative treatment and metal-free restorations when appropriate. The ceramic options at our practice include IPS e.max, a lithium disilicate glass ceramic, IPS Empress Esthetic, a glass ceramic with a leucite core, and zirconia-based ceramics. Depending on the nature of your case and the result you want, our dentist will recommend a suitable option.

Our team includes Dr. Robert P. Hedvat, a general dentist practicing since 2011. We use intraoral scanning to make a three-dimensional model of the mouth without bulky impression trays, which is used for crowns and implant restorations. Read more about dental crowns, e.max restorations and restorative dentistry.

We accept most PPO dental plans. Benefits and network participation vary by plan, so our team will gladly verify your coverage before treatment. We also accept CareCredit and offer financial arrangements. Call (661) 255-1211 or request an appointment online.