Many adults and seniors have metal crowns because that was a common material for dental restorations in the past. Since then, many dentists have begun shying away from suggesting these materials because of the long-term effects they can have on your smile after awhile. If your dentist recommends replacing a metal crown, it’s likely not just for cosmetic reasons, but also to optimize the health and wellness of your grin. Read on to learn four reasons you should consider ditching your outdated metal restoration and switching to one that’s made from natural-looking porcelain or ceramic.
Dental Sensitivity
The most common complaint of patients who have metal restorations, like fillings or crowns, is that they experience a sharp sensitivity when they consume anything that’s hot or cold. This is because metal conducts heat, so when the item touches the crown on the molar when they’re chewing or sipping it, the temperature change will spread throughout their tooth’s structure.
Unhealthy Materials for Your Mouth
Metal isn’t a material that’s naturally found in your mouth, so it’s safe to say that fillings and crowns made from metallic compounds don’t belong there either. These materials often contain mercury and noble metals (like nickel) that can cause your gums to turn green and your tooth to become discolored. There’s also a significantly higher chance of having an allergic reaction to these foreign materials.
Interference with MRIs
One of the last things that people think about is that their metal crown will affect their ability to get the medical treatment they need, but it’s true! MRIs, or magnetic resonance imaging, help doctors get a clear image of your anatomy to see what’s affecting your health. Certain metals found in fillings and crowns, like nickel and gold, respond when placed in a magnetic field. This can distort the MRI picture. In some emergency situations, a doctor may even need to order to have a metal crown urgently removed!
Highly Noticeable When You Speak or Smile
One common reasons why patients choose to replace metal crowns is due to their highly noticeable appearance. When you speak, smile, or laugh, a shiny metallic restoration sticks out like a sore thumb next to all of your teeth. This can cause people to focus on your damaged teeth instead of your healthy ones. Instead of letting this wear down on your confidence, you can invest in a custom-crafted, natural-looking porcelain or ceramic crown that flawlessly incorporates with your smile and hides any signs of decay or damage.
Customized non-metal crowns are a worthwhile investment that can help you feel more confident in the appearance and health of your smile. So ditch your noticeable and uncomfortable metal crown for a more biocompatible and gentle option that makes you feel like smiling more!
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji believes that nobody should have to choose between maintaining a beautiful, aesthetically-pleasing smile and great oral health. That’s why he offers customized, durable, and natural-looking dental restorations like crowns and fillings. He has over 10 years of experience making perfectly-fitted restorations that last and is passionate about helping his patients keep their oral health on the right track. For questions or to schedule an appointment to get your metal crown replaced, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur’s website or call 972-546-4114.