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A Stunning and Durable Smile Restoration Near You
Are you looking for a durable yet natural-looking dental crown option in Chicago, IL? Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns might be the perfect solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth while maintaining an attractive, lifelike appearance.
At our Chicago dental practice, we proudly use advanced digital design technology and partner with top dental labs to craft restorations that blend strength and beauty. Whether you live in Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Cicero, Berwyn, or a nearby community, our team can help you discover whether a PFM crown is right for your smile. Call us at (312) 212-3304 to schedule your appointment or learn more about dental crowns near you.
What Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns?
A porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown consists of a metal substructure—often made from gold alloys, base metal alloys (such as nickel, chromium, or cobalt), or high noble metals—that provides strength and durability. This metal base is then covered with a porcelain exterior that mimics the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel.
This unique design makes PFM crowns ideal for patients who want the resilience of metal crowns combined with the cosmetic appeal of porcelain. They’re commonly used to restore damaged teeth, support dental bridges, or protect teeth treated with root canals.
Benefits of Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
PFM crowns have remained one of the most popular dental restoration options for decades. Here’s why many dentists and patients still consider them a good choice:
- Natural Appearance: The porcelain coating blends beautifully with your surrounding teeth, creating a lifelike and attractive smile.
- Strength and Durability: The metal framework provides stability against chewing forces, making these crowns suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Versatile Applications: PFM crowns can restore decayed, fractured, or discolored teeth and can be used alongside dental implants or bridges.
- Long-Lasting Results: With proper maintenance and excellent oral hygiene, these crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
- Excellent Fit: The metal base ensures a secure and stable bond to the remaining tooth structure for dependable wear and comfort.
Drawbacks of Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns
While PFM crowns are a durable and reliable choice, it’s important to understand their potential limitations:
- Metal Line Visibility: As gums recede over time, the metal margin may become visible near the gumline, especially for front teeth.
- Slightly Less Translucent: PFM crowns may not be as light-reflective as all-ceramic crowns or metal-free crowns, which can affect the appearance in certain lighting.
- Tooth Preparation: To ensure a snug fit, your dentist must remove a small portion of the natural tooth structure.
- Potential Wear: The porcelain surface can wear down opposing teeth or experience minor chipping after years of use.
- Rare Metal Sensitivity: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to certain base metals like nickel. Those with metal allergies may consider ceramic crowns or zirconia restorations as alternatives.
If you prefer a more translucent, fully aesthetic crown, our dentist can discuss all-ceramic or zirconia crown alternatives that preserve more natural tooth structure.
The Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns Dental Process
You can expect multiple dental visits during this dental crown procedure.
Consultation and Evaluation
The first step on your journey to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns is a consultation with your dentist. Our Chicago cosmetic dentist will start with a thorough exam; we’ll assess your oral health, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if a PFM crown is the best fit for your needs.
Tooth Preparation
Once you and your dentist decide to proceed with PFM crowns, the tooth receiving the crown is prepared. The affected tooth is carefully reshaped, removing a small layer of enamel to create space for the permanent crown.
Impression and Temporary Crown
Your dentist will take a digital or physical impression of the prepared tooth. This model is sent to a dental lab, where skilled technicians design your custom PFM restoration. In the meantime, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth until your final crown is ready.
Laboratory Fabrication
Skilled technicians at the dental lab use your dental impression to create a metal substructure, often made from gold, palladium, platinum, or titanium alloys, for your crown. They then layer porcelain over the metal to achieve a natural tooth-like appearance. This process ensures both strength and aesthetics.
Crown Placement
Once your permanent PFM dental crown is ready, you return to your dentist for the final fitting. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and bond the new PFM crown securely in place and adjust it for a precise fit. Your dentist will check the color, shape, and bite alignment to ensure optimal comfort and aesthetics.
Follow Up
To preserve your PFM dental crown restoration and promote optimal oral health, it’s crucial to follow essential dental crown care instructions. This includes brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing carefully around your crown, and visiting your Chicago dentist near you every six months for regular checkups and professional cleanings.
Cost of Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns in Chicago, IL
The cost of porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns in Chicago typically ranges between $900 and $1,600 per tooth, depending on several factors:
- The type of metal alloy used (precious metals like gold and platinum vs. base metals)
- The complexity of your case and whether additional treatments are required
- The location of the tooth (front vs. molar)
- The experience of your dentist and the technology used
During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized estimate and discuss your insurance coverage and financing options to make your care affordable.