This post is intended toward dental implant crown and bridge restorations that stay in the mouth and are not removable. Denture implants called overdentures are not “fixed”, they must be removed daily. All materials have advantages and disadvantages. The following is a summary of the materials that can be used.
Dental Implant Restorations: Crowns and Bridges
There are basically four options that I use:
Full Cast Gold (High Noble Metal) Made of a gold alloy, full cast gold is the longest lasting of any of the laboratory-processed materials. The alloy consists of gold, silver, palladium, and sometimes zinc, copper, and platinum. Although it is a very strong material, the yellow color makes it not as esthetically pleasing as other options.
Full Cast Noble Metal Similar in properties and qualities to full cast gold, this material contains mostly palladium plus silver, gold, and other trace metals. Full cast noble material is more silver in color than a full noble metal.
PFM -Porcelain Fused to Gold (High Noble or Noble Alloy Metal) This material is very esthetic and can last 5 to 20 years. The gold substructure is covered with porcelain, which can wear opposing teeth or fracture under forceful biting or grinding. The porcelain can be applied to just the surface of the crown facing on cheek. The result will not be as esthetic, but will last longer. A night-guard may be recommended for protection.
All Ceramic or All Porcelain (Zirconia) This is the newest technology in laboratory-processed restorations and is considered very esthetic. They look very real. No metal is used in the process, and therefore no metal will ever be visible. It is excellent for restoration of front and back teeth. The same cautions exist as with any porcelain or ceramic material: it can wear opposing natural enamel, and a night – guard may be recommended for protection from bruxing or grinding. Some processes in fabrication of the all ceramic or porcelain crown are actually controlled by a computer!
All the above take at least two appointments to finish.