For many of us, dental crowns become a part of life as we get older. For others, crowns become a necessity due to an accident or trauma to the mouth. Whatever reason you need them, metal free crowns replace damaged teeth and offer other important benefits. Metal free crowns are a great alternative to all-metal or metal-lined crowns in their durability, natural-looking appearance, and biocompatibility.

What do we mean by metal free crowns?

Metal free crowns are exactly what they sound like – crowns made of materials other than metal. A traditional metal crown might be made completely of metal, or they might be lined with metal and faced with another material, like porcelain. Metal free crowns eschew metal completely in favor of other materials.

Durability is a big part of choosing metal free crowns. Zirconia crowns in particular use zirconium dioxide, a neutral substance that is incredibly strong. Zirconia crowns are some of the most durable and natural-looking metal free crowns available.

The natural appearance of metal free crowns makes them an attractive option. The material of metal free crowns is capable of reflecting light in such a way that the crown looks exactly like natural teeth. For this reason, many patients will opt for metal free crowns on front teeth.

Another reason patients consider these crowns are their compatibility with the human body. For some patients, the delicate tissues of the mouth are irritated by metal of any kind. Metal free crowns are more biocompatible than all-metal or metal-lined crowns.

What are the differences between metal free crowns and traditional crowns?

There are three main materials used in metal free crowns: porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia. Here are a few important things to note for each of these materials.

Porcelain

Porcelain metal free crowns manage to be both strong and weak at the same time.

Also, porcelain is stronger than natural tooth material, which means it has the potential to damage the teeth opposite the crown. At the same time, porcelain is brittle and can be subject to cracks and small fissures over time.

Ceramic

This type of metal free crown uses engineered ceramic of the same type used in fillings. Of the metal free crown materials, composite ceramic is the least durable and the least natural-looking crown.

However, these crowns are affordable and great for patients who cannot tolerate any metal at all. They also work well for long-term temporary dental restorations. With a highly-trained ceramicist, they can more closely mimic the look of your natural teeth.

Zirconia

Zirconia is the Cadillac of metal free crowns and is fast becoming the gold standard for natural-looking, highly durable metal free crowns. As with porcelain crowns, zirconia’s strength can be its downfall, causing damage to the opposite teeth.

What are the benefits of metal free crowns?

Regardless of the metal free crown material, all of them preserve more of the natural tooth when they are applied. When metal free crowns are applied, less natural tooth material needs to be removed to make a natural-looking crown that fits in with the surrounding teeth. This means that more of the natural tooth is preserved.

Metal free crowns are also missing that telltale dark line between tooth and gum. This dark line can be present in metal-lined crowns. Most patients do not want to see an outline of their crown when they look in the mirror.

For this reason, too, metal free crowns can be used in every area of the mouth.

Some patients may not want a shiny face full of metal smiling back at them every day. While full-metal crowns are rare, metal-lined crowns are still used for molar restorations. Most people are not looking to replace their damaged teeth with a grill of metal of any kind.

What should I expect with metal free crowns?

The procedure for crowns of any material is usually the same. Your dentist will first offer a thorough examination and diagnosis of the underlying issues, if any. If there is tooth decay present or another dental condition, the first step is to always treat the root problem.

If you need a crown, the procedure takes two visits. On the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth getting the crown. This may mean filing down a minimal amount of tooth material and preparing the adjacent teeth. In some cases, a root canal may be necessary to remove excessive tooth decay. Your dentist will fully outline the procedure before they begin.

Next, your dentist takes an impression of the tooth getting the crown (and the surrounding teeth). They will use this impression as a template for both your temporary and permanent crown. You will be provided a temporary crown on this first visit.

Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and affix the permanent one with dental cement. They will check for fit and proper bite before you are free to use your crowned tooth as if it were any other tooth. It may take a few days to get used to. This is completely normal and to be expected.

Metal free crowns cost 

Metal free crowns cost can vary tremendously. The experience of the dentist, the location of the dental office, and the amenities they offer can all influence the cost of metal free crowns. Composite ceramic metal free crowns are at the low end of that scale, and zirconia crowns cost the most per tooth.

That said, you get what you pay for. Ceramic and porcelain crowns last between five and 15 years, but zirconia metal free crowns can last nearly a lifetime with proper care. Proper brushing and flossing will extend the life of the crown and protect your overall dental health.

The choice of which metal free material to use is personal and takes into consideration not only the cost but also durability and appearance. If you want to know more about metal free dental crowns in the Phoenix area, get in touch today. We would love to answer all of your questions!

Schedule Your Appointment