Metal only

• High noble, noble, or base metal.
• Average longevity 20 years to life
• Color is gold or silver
• Moderate to high initial cost
• May be used in an area where metal display is not objectionable

Porcelain fused to metal

• Average longevity is 10 to 20 years
• Tooth colored
• Moderate to high initial cost
• May be used in any area where extreme biting stress or grinding habits are not present

Ceramic nonmetal

• Constructed from ceramic only
• Average longevity is 10 plus years
• Moderate to high initial cost
• May be used in any area where extreme stress or grinding habits are not present
• All ceramic bridges may be used in only a few clinical situations.

Metals used in Crowns, Caps, and Bridges. (fixed protheses)

Alloys are used either as the sole constituent of a crown or as a thimble on which porcelain is baked. Most people have no biologic response to any of the categories of metals, but some few people have adverse tissue responses to the base metals. If you know of any allergies you have to metals, please tell us.

We usually use noble or high noble metals. The cost of these is somewhat higher than for base metals. All metal bridges or bridges with porcelain are strongest, but in certain limited situations, all ceramic bridges may be used.

Gold alloys have been used for many years for the construction of crowns or bridges. They provide excellent, strong, long lasting service.

Three major types of alloys are now available:

• High noble metal which is mostly gold, but also palladium, silver, and occasionally platinum, zinc, and copper.
• Noble metal, mostly palladium but also silver, gold, and other trace minerals
• Base metall, consisting mostly of nickel, but also chrome or cobalt and other trace minerals.

We will advise you about the best type of restoration for your teeth, and we will discuss any questions you may have.

Thanks for helping us to make this important decision.