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.
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.
Advantages: Cheapest price.
Disadvantages: Easily causes black gum line after a period of use, can cause allergies.
Advantages: Light, less allergic than regular metal porcelain teeth, higher durability.
Disadvantages: Higher cost than regular metal porcelain teeth.
Advantages: Best biocompatibility, less blackening of gum line, high durability.
Disadvantages: Highest price.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
(List and answer frequently asked questions related to metal ceramic teeth)
