Do you have severely decayed or damaged enamel or have you recently undergone a root canal procedure? A dental crown is the tried-and-true solution for restoring an injured tooth’s appearance and functionality.
In the past, these tooth-shaped caps were made from amalgam mixtures of metal, which could cause sensitivity or leave teeth looking darker than natural. Thanks to contemporary dental materials and techniques, most dentists today provide tooth-colored dental crowns instead. If you still have a metal repair, continue reading to learn 3 excellent reasons to consider replacing it with a more lifelike solution!
Reason #1: Enhance Your Appearance
Although metallic dental crowns are incredibly durable, they might leave you feeling self-conscious about the way your smile looks. For instance, the dark metal might make your teeth look dirty and draw unwanted attention. Not only that, but it tends to glint in the sunlight, making it nearly impossible to miss.
If you’re worried about being judged for your dental condition, your dentist can help boost your confidence by replacing your restoration with a tooth-colored crown. These are usually made from durable ceramic that can be customized to match your natural enamel for beautiful results you can feel proud of.
Reason #2: Prevent Potential Sensitivity
Metal dental crowns utilize various materials, such as gold, silver, nickel, chromium, cobalt, and others, which are strong enough to withstand the pressure of daily biting and chewing. Although they are indeed resilient, these metal-based alloys can trigger allergies in some patients. Not only that, but metal conducts heat, meaning that changes in temperature can be carried more easily to the tender roots of your teeth, which can sometimes cause sensitivity.
If the tooth under your crown frequently feels tender, this might be the cause. Fortunately, tooth-colored restorations are made from biocompatible materials, like porcelain and zirconia, which are less likely to trigger adverse sensations.
Reason #3: Enjoy Long-Lasting Results
Many patients worry that investing in an upgraded dental crown means they’re sacrificing longevity for appearance, but that’s thankfully not the case! Tooth-colored dental crowns are made from resilient materials that are less porous than enamel, so they’re more resistant to chips and cracks than your natural teeth.
Furthermore, they can last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years if they’re cared for correctly, which is often just as long as their metallic counterparts.
If you’re still unsure whether it’s worth replacing your metallic dental crown with a ceramic restoration, scheduling a consultation with your dentist can provide the answers you need to feel comfortable proceeding!
Meet the Author
Dr. Thomas Gromling has about 40 years of experience helping enhance his patients’ lives by improving their dental health. He earned his dental doctorate at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University and has remained committed to continuing education ever since. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including tooth-colored dental crowns, to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. His caring approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver lifelike, accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (540) 869-4377.