Metal-ceramic crowns: A reliable and aesthetic solution for your smile in Prague

A metal-ceramic crown, sometimes also referred to as a metal-ceramic, is a type of fixed dental prosthesis that serves to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth, or as part of a dental bridge replacing a missing tooth. As the name suggests, it consists of two basic layers:

• Internal metal structure (cap): It forms the solid foundation of the crown. It is usually made of dental metal alloys that are biocompatible (well tolerated by the body) and durable enough to withstand chewing pressure. It can be base metal alloys (e.g. chromium-cobalt, nickel-chromium – although some patients may be allergic to nickel, so we prefer other variants) or precious metal alloys (gold, platinum, palladium), which offer even better biocompatibility and precision. The metal cap provides the crown with exceptional strength and durability, which is especially crucial for the back teeth, which bear the main chewing load.
• Outer ceramic layer: This layer is applied to the metal base and is responsible for the aesthetic appearance of the crown. The ceramic (porcelain) is carefully selected and layered so that it imitates the color, shape and translucency of a natural tooth as closely as possible and blends harmoniously into your smile. Modern dental ceramics allow you to achieve very good aesthetic results, although they do not achieve such natural translucency as all-ceramic materials. Ceramics are also resistant to wear and color changes caused by food or drinks.

The combination of these two materials creates a crown that combines the high mechanical resistance of metal with the good aesthetics of ceramics. It is a proven technology that has been successfully used in dentistry for decades and has undergone many improvements.

Metal-ceramic crowns are a universal solution for many situations. Your dentist at Dobrý Dent may recommend a metal-ceramic crown in the following cases:

• Extensive tooth damage due to decay: If a tooth is so weakened by decay that it cannot be reliably and long-term repaired with a standard filling. A crown strengthens the tooth and protects it from further damage or fracture.
• Broken or cracked tooth: A crown can restore the shape, function, and strength of a tooth that has suffered an injury or has cracked. It protects the remaining tooth structure.
• Tooth after root canal treatment (endodontics): Teeth after endodontic treatment are often more fragile and prone to breakage. The crown provides the necessary protection and reinforcement so that the tooth can continue to function fully.
• Significant tooth wear (attrition, abrasion): Excessive tooth wear (e.g., teeth grinding – bruxism) can lead to loss of enamel and dentin. Crowns can restore the original bite height and protect teeth from further wear.
• Aesthetic corrections: Although we often choose all-ceramic restorations for the highest aesthetic demands in the anterior region of the dentition, metal-ceramic crowns can also successfully solve some aesthetic problems, such as large, unsuitable fillings, congenital anomalies of tooth shape or color that cannot be solved by whitening or veneers.
• Abutment teeth for a dental bridge: Metal-ceramic crowns are, due to their strength, an excellent choice for teeth that will serve as supports (pillars) for a dental bridge replacing one or more missing teeth.
• Crowns on dental implants: In some cases, especially in the posterior region of the dentition, metal-ceramic crowns can also be used as a final restoration supported by a dental bridge. implant.

At the Dobrý Dent clinic, we always perform a thorough examination, including the possible use of modern diagnostics such as 3D CBCT X-ray, so that we can accurately assess the condition of your teeth and propose the most suitable solution tailored to your individual needs and expectations.

Metal-ceramic crowns maintain their popularity thanks to a number of undeniable advantages:

• High strength and durability: Thanks to the metal core, these crowns are extremely resistant to chewing forces. They are therefore an ideal choice for back teeth (cuspids and molars), where mechanical resistance is key. They also withstand pressure from teeth grinding well.
• Proven durability: With proper fabrication and good oral hygiene, metal-ceramic crowns can serve reliably for many years, often even decades. This is a long-proven technology.
• Good aesthetics: The ceramic layer allows you to achieve a very natural appearance that blends well with the surrounding teeth. The color can be precisely matched to your teeth. Although they do not reach the translucency of all-ceramics, they provide a more than satisfactory aesthetic result for most situations.
• Versatile use: They can be used on both anterior and posterior teeth, and are suitable for single crowns and extensive bridges.
• More affordable: Compared to some highly aesthetic all-ceramic or zirconia crowns, metal-ceramic crowns are often a more affordable option, while still offering excellent functionality and good aesthetics.
• Biocompatibility: Modern dental alloys used at Dobrý Dent are biocompatible and well tolerated by tissues in the oral cavity. When using precious metal alloys, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal.

Like any solution, metal-ceramic crowns have their own specifics and potential disadvantages that need to be considered:

• Aesthetic limitations compared to all-ceramic: The metal core does not transmit light as naturally as the tooth’s own tissue or all-ceramic materials. The crown may therefore appear slightly less transparent (more opaque). In some lighting conditions, this difference may be noticeable, especially in the front teeth.
• Possibility of the metal edge showing through: Over time, the gums may recede slightly (gingival recession). If this happens, a thin dark or grayish strip may appear at the neck of the tooth, representing the edge of the metal structure. Although this phenomenon is harmless to health, it can be perceived as an aesthetic defect, again especially in the front part of the smile. Modern preparation techniques and the use of special ceramics can minimize this risk.
• Potential metal allergies: Although rare, some patients may be allergic to certain metals contained in dental alloys (most often nickel, which we try not to use in our clinic). In such cases, all-ceramic or zirconia crowns are a more suitable alternative. We always ask patients about any allergies.
• Need for more tooth preparation: In order to have enough space for the metal structure and the ceramic layer, it is sometimes necessary to grind off a little more tooth tissue than with some types of all-ceramic crowns. However, at Dobrý Dent, thanks to the use of an operating microscope, we perform the preparation with maximum precision and care in order to preserve as much healthy tooth tissue as possible.

Our specialists at Dobrý Dent will always discuss all options with you in detail, including the advantages and disadvantages of individual types of crowns, so that you can make an informed decision on the solution that best suits your specific situation and aesthetic requirements.

The process of making a metal-ceramic crown at our Prague clinic is carefully planned and usually requires two to three visits. We emphasize precision, your comfort, and the use of modern technologies at every step:

1. Introductory consultation and planning:
   • First, we will conduct a thorough examination of the tooth and surrounding tissues. This includes a visual inspection, X-rays (if necessary, 3D CBCT for detailed anatomy) and an assessment of the overall condition of your teeth.
   • We will discuss your expectations with you, explain the treatment options (metal-ceramic crown vs. alternatives) and answer all your questions.
   • If you decide on a metal-ceramic crown, we will draw up a detailed treatment plan and price calculation.
2. Tooth preparation (grinding):
   • This step is performed under local anesthesia. At Dobrý Dent, we use the STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) system, which allows for computer-controlled anesthetic application. This system is extremely gentle, precise and minimizes the discomfort associated with the injection – it is often completely painless.
   • The tooth on which the crown will be placed needs to be ground down on all sides to create enough space for the metal structure and ceramic layer.
   • For maximum precision and gentleness to dental tissues and gums, we use an operating microscope during grinding. The magnification allows us to work with details that are invisible to the naked eye, thus ensuring the perfect shape of the preparation for the future crown.
3. Impression:
   • After the preparation is complete, it is necessary to obtain an accurate impression of the prepared tooth and the opposing jaw. This impression serves as a model for the dental laboratory.
   • In addition to classic impression materials, at Dobrý Dent we also use a modern 3D intraoral scanner. Digital impression taking is significantly more comfortable for the patient (without uncomfortable impression trays and materials in the mouth), faster and extremely accurate. We can immediately send the digital data to the laboratory.
   • At the same time as the impression, we carefully select the appropriate ceramic color using a sampler so that the new crown matches your other teeth as best as possible.
4. Preparatory crown making:
   • Before the dental laboratory makes your final metal-ceramic crown (which usually takes several days to weeks), we will protect your ground tooth with a temporary crown. This protects the tooth from sensitivity, maintains the correct position of the teeth and allows you to eat and speak normally.
5. Crown production in a dental laboratory:
   • Precise impressions (or digital data) are sent to a specialized dental laboratory with which we have long-term cooperation and whose quality of work is verified.
   • Experienced dental technicians first make a precise metal structure (cap) and then gradually apply and burn layers of dental ceramics on it to achieve the desired shape, color and aesthetics.
6. Installation of the final crown:
   • During your next visit, we will first remove the temporary crown and thoroughly clean the prepared tooth.
   • We will try on the final metal-ceramic crown. We will carefully check its accuracy of fit (so-called marginal closure), shape, color, bite (occlusion) and contacts with neighboring teeth. The use of a microscope at this stage also ensures maximum precision of control.
   • If everything fits perfectly and you are satisfied with the result, we will definitely attach (cement) the crown to the tooth using a special dental cement.
   • After cementing, we will remove the excess cement and check the bite. We will provide you with instructions on how to care for the new crown.

The entire process at Dobrý Dent is designed to be as pleasant and effective as possible for you and to lead to a long-term functional and aesthetically satisfying result.

Our clinic Dobrý Dent in Prague 5 invests in cutting-edge technologies because we believe they are the key to providing the highest quality and comfortable care. When making metal-ceramic crowns, we use:

• Operating microscope: It allows us to work with multiple magnification and perfect lighting. This allows us to be as precise and gentle as possible when preparing the tooth, removing only the necessary amount of tissue and ensuring perfect marginal closure of the crown, which is essential for its longevity and the health of the surrounding gums. We also use the microscope to check the placement of the crown.
• STA painless anesthesia system: For your maximum comfort during tooth grinding. The computer-controlled application of anesthetic is slow, controlled and targeted only to the treated tooth, which minimizes discomfort and numbness of the surrounding tissues (lips, tongue).
• 3D intraoral scanner: Replaces traditional unpleasant impressions. Fast, comfortable and highly accurate digital scanning of your teeth ensures perfect data for the production of a crown with a perfect fit.
• Digital X-ray and 3D CBCT: For precise diagnostics before treatment. CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) provides us with a three-dimensional image of your teeth and jaws, which is invaluable especially when planning more complex cases, assessing bone condition or before root canal treatment.

Thanks to these technologies, we can offer you treatment at the highest level at Dobrý Dent – more precise, gentler, faster and with more predictable and lasting results.

Proper care of a metal-ceramic crown is essential for its longevity and the health of the surrounding tissues. Fortunately, it is not complicated and does not differ significantly from caring for your own teeth:

• Thorough oral hygiene: Regular brushing of teeth twice a day with a quality toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is essential. Pay special attention to the gum line area around the crown, where plaque can accumulate.
• Using interdental appliances: Don’t forget to clean between your teeth daily with interdental brushes or dental floss. This is key to preventing gingivitis and cavities on neighboring teeth and under the crown edge.
• Regular preventive checkups: Visit your dentist at Dobrý Dent and dental hygienist for regular checkups and professional teeth cleaning (usually twice a year). During the checkup, we will check the condition of the crown, its marginal seal, and the health of the surrounding gums.
• Caution when biting into very hard objects: Although a metal-ceramic crown is very durable, the ceramic layer can be damaged or chipped under extreme stress (e.g. biting ice, opening packages with your teeth, cracking nuts). Avoid these bad habits.
• Using a night guard for bruxism: If you suffer from grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), your doctor may recommend that you wear a protective night guard to protect your crowns and your own teeth from excessive wear and damage.

If you follow these principles and have regular check-ups, a metal-ceramic crown made at Dobrý Dent can serve you without any problems for 10, 15 or more years. Its lifespan depends on the quality of the workmanship, your oral hygiene, eating habits and individual factors.

Modern dentistry also offers other types of crowns, which may be a more suitable alternative in certain situations. At Dobrý Dent, we are happy to present you with all the options:

• All-ceramic crowns: They are made exclusively from dental ceramics (e.g. lithium disilicate – e.max, or feldspar ceramics). Their main advantage is excellent aesthetics, as they perfectly imitate the natural translucency and appearance of tooth enamel. They are an ideal choice for front teeth, where aesthetic demands are highest. They do not contain metal, so there is no risk of a dark edge showing through at the gum or allergic reactions to metals. Their strength is now very good, although for large bridges in the posterior region, metal-ceramic or zirconium may still be preferred.
• Zirconium crowns (all-zirconium or zirconium-ceramic): Zirconium oxide is an extremely strong and durable white ceramic material. Crowns can either be milled entirely from zirconium (monolithic – very strong, suitable for posterior teeth) or have a zirconium core covered with a more aesthetic ceramic (similar to metal-ceramic, but with a white core). Zirconium crowns combine high strength (comparable to or even higher than metal-ceramic) with very good aesthetics (better than metal-ceramic, although monolithic zirconium may be less translucent than all-ceramic) and excellent biocompatibility. They are a great choice for both front and back teeth and bridges.

Choosing the most suitable type of crown depends on many factors: the location of the tooth in the mouth, the patient’s aesthetic requirements, the required strength, the condition of the surrounding tissues, financial possibilities and any allergies. Our doctors at Dobrý Dent will help you find the optimal solution for you.

Dobrý Dent Dental Clinic in Prague 5 has been your reliable partner for quality and modern dental care since 2010. We are the right choice for the manufacture of your metal-ceramic crowns (and any other dental restorations) for several reasons:

• Experience and expertise: Our team of experienced dentists has extensive knowledge and practice in the field of prosthetics and aesthetic dentistry. We regularly educate ourselves and follow the latest trends and procedures.
• Leading technologies: We invest in modern equipment (microscope, STA, 3D scanner, CBCT), which allows us to work more precisely, more gently and achieve better and more durable results.
• Individual approach: Each patient is unique to us. We listen to your needs and wishes and design a tailor-made treatment plan. We emphasize clear communication and your information.
• Quality materials and cooperation with the laboratory: We use only certified, biocompatible materials and cooperate with renowned dental laboratories that guarantee high quality and accuracy of prosthetic work.
• Comfort and painlessness: Your comfort is a priority for us. Modern anesthesia methods (STA) and a sensitive approach of the staff ensure that the treatment is as pleasant as possible.
• Comprehensive care under one roof: We offer a wide range of dental services from dental hygiene, through conservative dentistry, endodontics, prosthetics to implantology and surgery. You can solve everything you need in one place.
• Pleasant environment and accessibility: Our modern clinic is located in a well-accessible location in Prague 5 – Smíchov (Anděl) with parking and easy public transport connections. A pleasant and calming environment awaits you.

We believe that the combination of expertise, technology, quality materials and personal approach is a guarantee of your satisfaction with your new metal-ceramic crowns and overall care in our clinic.