In the past few years all ceramic or metal free crown and bridgework has become extremely popular due to the recent advancements in the materials used. You will almost certainly find that the cosmetic dentist Houston, Texas residents prefer, recommends the use of all ceramic restorations wherever possible.
This is because the newest materials are not only light and extremely strong but produce incredibly pleasing aesthetic results. These materials do not fracture due to their high strength and may be suggested by your cosmetic dentist if you suffer from metal allergies. The high strength of these restorations make them suitable for bridges as well as single crowns so that an entire mouth can be restored using this material.
Metal restorations must first be covered in opaque porcelain to block out the metal color. Unfortunately this also has the effect of blocking natural light, and in cases where the porcelain is very thin can cause a very opaque effect. Many porcelain bonded to metal restorations will also have a grey line around the gum which is created by the porcelain being extremely thin in this area, and it can become very obvious if the gum recedes at all.
All ceramic restorations allow the light to pass through so there is no opaque effect, just the kind of translucency that used only to be found in natural teeth, and of course there is no grey line around the gum margin. All ceramic restorations are also much more compatible with gum tissue, encouraging the gum to grow right up to the margin of the restoration.
Most metal free crowns and bridges are made from a material called zirconia, which is a very high-tech material that has several other applications. Many porcelain bonded to metal restorations will also have a grey line around the gum which is created by the porcelain being extremely thin in this area, and it can become very obvious if the gum recedes at all. It is used in the brake discs on sports cars, as well is on the heat shields of the space shuttle, and because it is 100% biocompatible is often found in medical appliances, for instance hip joints.
Zirconia restorations are produced using the very latest in CAD/ CAM technology which ensures they fit incredibly precisely, and this is because the restorations are actually milled into shape. The porcelain used on zirconia restorations will replicate the exact shade of your natural teeth, which when combined with the incredible translucency should ensure that no one will be able to tell that your teeth have been crowned. These materials do not fracture due to their high strength and may be suggested by your cosmetic dentist if you suffer from metal allergies. The high strength of these restorations make them suitable for bridges as well as single crowns so that an entire mouth can be restored using this material. When your Houston cosmetic dentist cements them into place the tooth beneath is completely sealed, ensuring absolutely no bacteria can get in, creating the perfect smile.
