PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL CROWNS
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a nearly natural appearance, subject to two limitations: Because they have a metal framework underneath, they require the use of an opaque to cover the metal, which makes it impossible to re-create the translucency of natural teeth. They also eventually will show a dark line at the edge, next to the gum.
Dentists try to hide this line under the gum, but sometimes they are unable to do this; and sometimes the line doesn't show when the crown is first placed but shows later, as the gum recedes.
There is a choice in the metal. Semi-precious metals are stiffer and less expensive. They tend not to fit quite as well. Precious alloys with high gold and platinum content are more malleable and fit your tooth more accurately.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have the advantages of having a nearly natural appearance from the porcelain, and the strength and stability provided by the underlying metal.
