I consulted two dentists for ten dental implants on my upper teeth. I have questions about the best materials for dental implants and crowns. Can you tell me about these brands and materials?
Dental implants – Astra brand from the UK. Zirconia implant abutments for better aesthetics
Crowns – Cercon smart ceramic zirconium crowns – isn’t zirconium clear? Is it as strong as PFM crowns? White-colored metal fused to porcelain or gold fused to porcelain. My dentist told me those two metals won’t show a black line at my gumline.
Thank you for your answers. – Clive from IL
Clive,
We understand your concerns. Getting natural-looking results with dental implants and crowns for your upper teeth requires much experience and skill from your periodontist and cosmetic dentist.
What Are the Best Dental Implant and Crown Brands and Materials?
The best dental implant and crown brands and materials are those selected by a periodontist and skilled cosmetic dentist based on your needs. Focusing on the dental crown and dental implant brands and materials rather than the dental artist is a mistake. If you want a beautiful smile but plan to micromanage your cosmetic dentist, you may be disappointed in the results.
Here is an example: You hire an artist for paintings in the hallways of a corporation’s office. You dictate to the artist details like these: which paints and brushes to use, lighting while painting and a specific brand of chair to sit in while doing the work. You would be stifling and distracting the artist. The preference is to choose a skilled artist and allow them to use the tools and materials required to get beautiful artwork.
After researching skilled cosmetic dentists, allow him or her to evaluate the condition of your teeth and understand your smile goals. Trust the dental artist to choose brands and crown materials for a healthy, personalized smile. A periodontist is a dental implant specialist qualified to choose quality implants based on your needs.
Additionally, you cannot learn enough about dentistry, the materials, and the mechanics and demands of your case to determine which brand and materials to request. You must evaluate the manufacturer’s claims, know how the materials work, and consult independent research.
Although you may choose dental materials or brands, would your dentist know the techniques required to use them to your advantage?
It isn’t true that porcelain fused to gold or a white metal won’t show a black line at the gumline. All metals used in crowns are white in color or gold. The line at the gumline may be black instead of gray, but it will still show through because it is the cement line. The bonding technique used with pure ceramic can eliminate the black line. Also, some techniques minimize the dark line, such as cutting the metal back at the margin, but they won’t eliminate it.
Zirconium oxide is high-strength and opaque white (not clear) but can produce highly esthetic results if a dental ceramist covers it with translucent ceramic.
Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.
