Today, we have many choices of materials to fabricate a provisional crown and bridge. We can choose from the traditional self-cured acrylic polymers, or the more advanced light-cured or dual-cured resins, as well as pre-fabricated provisional crowns.
Provisional materials can be categorized as follows:
Bis-acrylic
Dimethacrylate- identified as:
bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA)
urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA)
Acrylics
Methal Methacrylate (MMA)
Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA)
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA)
Pre-Fabricated
Metal (Ion)
stainless steel
aluminum
anodized gold
tin
tin-silver
Polycarbonate
Light-cured methacrylate composite crown
There are many advantages and disadvantages to each of these common materials. You should thoroughly investigate the brands you are interested in before you discuss using a new material with your dentist. Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of using different materials and /or techniques.