What is a Porcelain Fused To Metal Crown?

Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns is one of dentistry's primary restorations of choice because, when properly constructed and seated, they are strong, reliable and esthetic and a good choice for either front or back teeth. These crowns are strong enough to withstand heavy biting force, and at the same time can have an excellent cosmetic appearance.

Advantages? 

• Strength and stability provided by the underlying metal
• Esthetic having a nearly natural appearance
• Used in single units to roundhouse bridges
• High rate of Long Term Success

Disadvantages?

• While cosmetic appearance is excellent, they are not as aesthetically pleasing as other types of crowns.
• Gingival inflammation causing gray line compared to porcelain crowns and Porcelain-Fused-to-Gold Crowns.
  Requires more of the tooth structure to be removed because of its thickness.
• The crown’s porcelain can chip or break off. 
• The porcelain surface of the crown can significantly wear those teeth that bite against it.

In cases where this type of crown has broken, it is generally the layer of porcelain that has fractured off.  This usually reveals the metal tooth substructure underneath, which is often gray in appearance. Since the seriousness of a dental crown fracture can vary greatly, it is critical to have that crown evaluated by your dentist.