Bob Conte As CEREC Doctors, we love to replace old porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns. Today’s all-ceramic materials are vastly superior in so many ways. The esthetics, strength and bio-compatibility are simply better. Most patients when presented the choice will opt for non-metallic restorations every time. Personally, I don’t like to see those grey lines at the gum line either.
Replacing many metallic crowns leaves us with a significant pile of old restorations.
The value of these old crowns depends on the market as the price of gold will fluctuate. Dentists are left to the mercy of various refining companies to determine the actual value of the scrap metals. Over the years I have used several of these companies and while it is nice to receive a few hundred dollars, I’ve often been skeptical that I have been taken in some way.
Last year I discovered Scientific Metals (www.scientificmetals.com) after they were featured on the cover of Dentaltown magazine. The company has eliminated sales reps, brokers and subcontractors to keep their costs down which has allowed them to pass on greater returns to the dentist. Service is conveniently done on line and the returns are excellent. So, gather up those old crowns and reap the rewards just in time for the holidays!
