We will inform you of the apparent best type of restoration for your posterior teeth, and we will discuss your situation relative to the nature of the restorations.
This information is provided to assist you in making choices about restorations for your posterior teeth (bicuspids and molars).
- Gold Alloys have been used for many decades for the highly successful restoration of posterior teeth. They are nontoxic, wear very similarly to tooth enamel when opposed by natural teeth, and are
soft enough that years of use allow them to “wear in” much like natural teeth. Well-placed cast gold restorations usually have longevity of several decades in patients without peculiar tooth grinding habits (bruxism or clenching). In mouths with severe wear patterns, gold is the material of choice because gold is strong yet soft. However, gold is not tooth colored, and in many situations, it cannot be used because it creates unsightly display of metal. You will be advised if gold could be used in your mouth without significant display. WHEN ESTHETICALLY POSSIBLE, CAST GOLD IS THE LONGEST LASTING, STRONGEST TYPE OF POSTERIOR TOOTH RESTORATION. - Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Restorations have been in service for over 30 years. They are a metal coping (thimble), with tooth-colored porcelain baked onto it. Such restorations can be as beautiful as natural teeth when placed in the mouth. These restorations are strong and very lifelike, but they have some negative characteristics.These usually are not acceptable for patients with tooth grinding habits because they may crack or break under enormous stress. Second, they wear down opposing natural teeth in patients with grinding habits. Third, extreme stress (e.g., ice chewing, bones, or cherry pits) can break the porcelain from the metal.However, in most patients, PORCELAIN-FUSED-TO-METAL RESTORATIONS PROVIDE EXCELLENT, BEAUTIFUL, AND LONG LASTING POSTERIOR TOOTH RESTORATIONS.
- CERAMIC RESTORATIONS are now available. They do not have any cast metal in them. These are fired cast porcelain or other ceramics. They are suggested only for single crowns and not for multiple units connected together. Their strength is not as high as porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. THESE RESTORATIONS ARE HIGHLY ESTHETIC AND ARE MOST INDICATED FOR PEOPLE WITH METAL ALLERGIES.
