About Mark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
Question QUESTION: I need a crown on my rear molar and was told that it was best to use a high noble without porcelian in that that tooth makes first contact. Does high metal alone cost more then prcelian over high noble metal?
ANSWER: Dear Adam,
In general, a ceramic fused to high noble metal crown will command a higher fee than a full cast high noble metal crown. However, this would depend on the amount of metal contained in the full cast crown, as well as the prevailing rates of the precious metals, as they fluctuate daily.
For practical purposes, the only difference between the two crown types is one of appearance; they are functionally equivalent.
Hope this helps...
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
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QUESTION: I have been told that the ceramic will crack in to 10 to 15 years is this true?
Answer Dear Adam,
Although there is a fragility factor to ceramic, it is not time-related. It depends entirely on the magnitude of forces it incurs during its service as a crown. To the extent that a greater interval of time will increase the probability that a ceramic crown will experience a traumatic force, there may be some time correlation to fracture. However, there is no 10-15 year life span for ceramic crowns; life span depends entirely on the environment in which the crown finds itself.
