Lafayette, LA Metal-Free Dentist
In the past, when a crown or bridge was needed, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) was the material of choice. Made by baking a layer of porcelain onto a metal framework, PFM crowns were meant to function as natural-looking, durable replacements for badly damaged or decayed teeth.
Unfortunately, PFM crowns cannot be made to look perfectly natural, as they lack the translucency of a natural tooth. As another downside, they have been known to reveal a dark, unsightly border at the gumline over time.
Besides their aesthetic imperfections, there is also the concern many people have with putting metals inside the mouth. And some patients have metal allergies, making them extra cautious when considering their restoration options.
Metal-Free Crowns and Bridges, Fast
Camellia Dental is proud to be a metal-free practice. Our dentists utilize the latest technology to create beautiful dental restorations—without the use of metals and other potentially harmful materials.
Whether you need a crown, veneer, or bridge, we can design a natural-looking, metal-free replacement in a little as one or two appointments. To learn more about our same-day CEREC technology, please see our One Visit Crowns page, or read more below.
Your Metal-Free Restoration Options
- Zirconia – For crowns and bridges in the back of the mouth, zirconia is an excellent material. It is strong and long-lasting, and the monolithic sort is basically indestructible—the strongest ceramic available. There is a good reason why we do not use zirconia for front teeth, and that is because zirconia is limited in color manipulation. But if you need a strong restoration in the back of the mouth, where dental work is less visible, zirconia is the obvious choice.
- e.max – If it’s a front tooth that needs a metal-free restoration, we highly recommend the e.max crown, which is known for both its strength and beauty. Constructed with a core of either lithium disilicate or zirconia overlaid with porcelain, the e.max crown is exceptionally durable, and unlike other materials, it can be tinted to match your tooth’s natural color. Additionally, since there is no metal in the e.max core, these crowns have a natural translucency that closely resembles enamel, making them look very real.
- CEREC – While e.max and zirconia crowns typically require two appointments—one for taking impressions and a second for fitting—CEREC crowns can be prepared and placed in a single visit to our office, thanks to CAD/CAM technology. CEREC crowns are milled from a porcelain or resin composite block, and are ideal for repairing damaged, misshapen, or discolored teeth. CEREC crowns are a great choice if you’re needing a durable, natural-looking replacement, and you don’t want to wait long to get it. Watch the video on our One Visit Crowns page for a demonstration.
Metal-Free, Mercury-Free Fillings
Even though the American Dental Association maintains the position that metal fillings (silver-mercury amalgam) are safe, many people are hesitant to have metals bonded to their teeth. At Camellia Dental, we offer the newer composite fillings, which are metal-free and have other advantages that we discuss on our mercury-free dentistry page.
To take the next step towards metal-free dentistry, just give us a call, or fill out this request an appointment form and we will call you. Our team at Camellia Dental would love to further discuss with you the benefits of having metal-free dental restorations.
