Metal-free prosthesis

Crowns and bridges made with a technology other than the chargeable metal framework for better aesthetic results form a special group within the fixed prostheses. There are ceramics, that have this chargeability in case of a single crown, and their appearance is flawless, because the light rays can pervade the whole tooth, the metal framework does not absorb it.

It makes their appearance more realistic, more natural. By the substitution of more than one tooth, we can apply zirconia bridges, a great advantage of which - besides the aesthetic value - is the computer operated preparation, (CAD/CAM) which guarantees great precision at sealing the edges.

Today’s aesthetic dentistry is hard to imagine without metal-free prostheses. Metal-free prostheses always mean fixed, cemented pieces, which provide the patient with the sense of the natural denture. These pieces (crowns, bridges, inlays) were formerly made of metal, probably with a plastic case. Without this they provided a poor aesthetic value, and cases aged rapidly, they flaked off from these prostheses. A few decades ago a ceramic veneered crown with metal framework was a specialty, while it provided a better aesthetic appearance. Despite of its all advantages and popularity it does not always stand its ground in places of high aesthetic expectations.

Each structural part of the natural teeth is penetrable for the light rays in some extend, which the metal-free prostheses provide as an extra. Light travels in and out of the mouth, it penetrates the teeth, refracts, and reflects inside them, causing the well known picture of the colour of the natural dentition, its shades, and transparency to appear. The metal that provides the framework for the ceramometallic prosthesis is an obstacle for the light, the teeth loses their natural appearance and transparency. Maybe for lay people it is only noticeable by given light conditions, but even this can be avoided by metal-free teeth.

There are many materials to choose from, depending on the location, the size of defect and the extension of the necessary restorations. In case of the zirconia pieces, after the computer detected the surface, the computer-operated ‘carving’ (CAD/CAM) is prepared, which is a very hard framework with a colour similar to the teeth, supplementing metal, that fits to the surface with 0.1 mm accuracy. This is our most modern technology, with the help of which more absences long bridges can be created. In case of shorter bridges, the glass-fiber-reinforced-bridge is enough, but its chargeability is limited. This method is usually used by non-grinded bridges, where we anchor the bridge with ceramic inlays, but their usage is decreasing.

From the same material independent teeth can be created. We are often asked to aesthetic treatments because of some disorder of the upper front teeth (caries, or damages caused by medication, intervention causing orthodontic treatment). To these treatments on accentuated places belong metal-free porcelain crowns, and zirconia crowns. These are modifications of the traditional ceramometallic crowns, the framework of which is made of a special, very hard porcelain or zirconia, while keeping the transparency of the tooth behind. This is of utmost importance in the final appearance, but its beauty lies in another porcelain layer burnt on the surface, the shades, sparkles and form of which will make it similar to the natural teeth.

If it is possible, during the dental examination, your dentist may recommend more than one. In the course of consultation you can familiarize with the advantages and disadvantages of each method, you can ask your questions and you and your dentist decide together about the best possible solution for you.