Porcelain Fused Metal Teeth

1. Introduction: What are metal ceramic teeth and why are they still widely used?

Metal ceramic teeth are a popular type of dental restoration, combining an inner metal frame and an outer ceramic layer. Although there are many types of ceramic teeth with higher aesthetics, metal ceramic teeth are still widely used due to their high durability, good load-bearing capacity and reasonable cost.

Summary: Definition of metal ceramic teeth and main advantages

Metal ceramic teeth are dentures made of a metal layer inside and a ceramic layer on the outside. The main advantages of this type of ceramic teeth are high durability, good resistance, and affordable cost.

2. Structure of metal ceramic teeth

Inner Metal Frame: Function and Common Materials

The inner metal frame acts as a skeleton, supporting chewing force and protecting the real teeth underneath. Commonly used metal materials include:

Nickel-Chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy: Most common, low cost.
Titanium Alloys: Titanium has a lower allergy rate than Ni-Cr alloys, but there are still some cases of sensitivity to Titanium.
Precious metals (gold, palladium): Good biocompatibility, less likely to cause blackening of the gum line.

Ceramic Coating: Function and Features

The outer porcelain layer has the function of creating the natural shape and color of the tooth. This porcelain layer is fired at high temperature to achieve the necessary hardness and gloss.

3. Popular types of metal porcelain teeth today

Normal metal porcelain teeth (Ni-Cr alloy)

Advantages: Cheapest price.
Disadvantages: Easily causes black gum line after a period of use, can cause allergies.

Titanium metal porcelain teeth

Advantages: Light, less allergic than regular metal porcelain teeth, higher durability.
Disadvantages: Higher cost than regular metal porcelain teeth.

Precious metal porcelain teeth (gold, palladium)

Advantages: Best biocompatibility, less blackening of gum line, high durability.
Disadvantages: Highest price.

4. In which cases should metal porcelain crowns be used?

Tooth decay, large breakage, cannot be filled

When teeth are severely decayed or broken, fillings are no longer an effective solution. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns help protect teeth from further damage and restore function.

Severely discolored teeth that cannot be whitened

Some cases of Tetracycline or Fluoride stained teeth cannot be improved by bleaching. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns help to cover up the color defect.

Weak teeth, need protection

Teeth weakened by tooth decay, enamel wear or after root canal treatment need to be protected with metal-ceramic crowns.

Missing teeth (ceramic bridge)

When one or more teeth are lost, a metal-ceramic bridge can be made to replace the missing teeth. The bridge is fixed to the abutment teeth on either side of the gap.

5. Advantages and disadvantages of metal ceramic teeth

Advantages: High durability, reasonable cost, good chewing function

High durability: Good chewing resistance, less likely to chip or break.
Reasonable cost: Usually the most economical choice compared to other types of porcelain teeth.
Good chewing function: Restores chewing ability almost like real teeth.

Disadvantages: Limited aesthetics, can cause black gum line, risk of metal allergy

Limited aesthetics: Color is not as natural as all-ceramic teeth, can be exposed when smiling loudly.
Can cause black gum line: Due to metal oxidation after a period of use.
Risk of metal allergy: Some people may be allergic to the metal components in porcelain teeth.

6. Compare metal ceramic teeth with other types of ceramic teeth (all ceramic, Zirconia, Emax)

Features	Porcelain fused to metal teeth	All ceramic teeth	Zirconia	Emax
Durability	High	Medium	High	Medium-High
Aesthetics	Least	High	High	Very high
Price	Short	High	High	High
Lifespan	5-10 years	10-15 years	15-20 years	10-15 years
Black gum line	Have	Are not	Are not	Are not
Assign	Cheektooth	front teeth	Molars, incisors	front teeth

7. Standard medical porcelain-fused-to-metal crown procedure

Examination and consultation

The doctor will examine your oral health, assess the extent of tooth damage, and advise on the appropriate porcelain crown method.

X-ray and dental impression

X-rays help the doctor evaluate the structure of the jawbone and tooth roots. Take dental impressions to create jaw models and design porcelain teeth.

Tooth grinding

The dentist will grind away part of the tooth enamel to create space for the porcelain crown. The grinding process is done under anesthesia to reduce pain.

Temporary porcelain crown (if needed)

While waiting for the official porcelain tooth to be made, the doctor can install a temporary porcelain tooth to protect the tooth stump and maintain aesthetics.

Official metal porcelain crown installation

Once the crown is made, your dentist will try it on your tooth to check the fit and color. If everything is okay, the crown will be fixed with specialized dental cement.

Check and adjust bite

The dentist will recheck your bite and make adjustments if necessary to ensure you are comfortable and do not have any difficulty chewing.

8. How to care for metal ceramic teeth to prolong their lifespan?

Proper oral hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Use dental floss to clean between teeth.
Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Proper diet

Limit hard, chewy, sticky foods.
Avoid carbonated drinks and colored foods (coffee, tea, tobacco).

Regular check-ups

Visit your dentist every 6 months to have your porcelain teeth checked and any problems detected early (if any).

Avoid bad habits

Do not grind your teeth, bite your nails, or use your teeth to open bottle caps.

9. How much does it cost to have porcelain crowns? Factors affecting the price

Reference price list

(Note: This is just a reference price list, actual costs may vary depending on each dental clinic)

Normal metal porcelain teeth (Ni-Cr): 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 VND/tooth
Titanium metal porcelain teeth: 3,000,000 - 6,000,000 VND/tooth
Precious metal porcelain teeth (gold, palladium): 8,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND/tooth

Influencing factors: Metal type, number of teeth, dentistry

Metal type: Precious metal porcelain teeth have the highest price, followed by Titanium and base metal.
Number of teeth: The cost will increase if you need to cover more teeth.
Reputation and quality of dentistry: Reputable dental clinics with good doctors and modern equipment often have higher costs.

10. Does metal porcelain crown cause any complications? How to prevent them?

Gingivitis

Cause: Due to poor oral hygiene, plaque accumulates around the gum line.
Prevention: Brush teeth thoroughly, floss, and rinse with salt water.

Black gum line

Cause: Due to the oxidation of metal after a period of use.
Prevention: Choose precious metal or titanium porcelain teeth, good oral hygiene.

Toothache

Cause: Due to too much tooth grinding or tooth sensitivity.
Prevention: Choose an experienced dentist, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Metal allergy

Cause: Due to the body's reaction to the metal components in porcelain teeth.
Prevention: Choose titanium or precious metal porcelain teeth, test for allergies before porcelain crowns.

11. Choose a reputable dental clinic for metal porcelain crowns

Criteria for evaluating reputable dentistry

Has a business license issued by the Department of Health
Team of doctors with expertise and experience
Using modern materials and equipment
Strict sterilization process
Attentive customer care
Transparent and clear pricing

Questions to ask your doctor

Does the doctor have experience with metal porcelain crowns?
What type of metal will the doctor use?
What is the warranty process?

12. Metal porcelain teeth and frequently asked questions (FAQ)

(List and answer frequently asked questions related to metal ceramic teeth)

13. Conclusion: Metal ceramic teeth - Effective and economical tooth restoration solution, suitable for many people

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are an effective dental restoration option, especially for those who prioritize durability and reasonable cost. Read the information carefully and consult your doctor to make the decision that best suits your dental condition and needs.