If you have a metal dental crown in your mouth, there might come a time when you need to replace it. Maybe it’s old and worn, or maybe you’re simply tired of its obvious noticeability whenever you smile or laugh. Fortunately, modern dentistry has come a long way and there are now several better and more aesthetically pleasing dental treatment options, such as metal-free crowns! Read on to learn more from your dentist about five reasons why you should opt for replacing your metal crown with one made from non-metal materials.
1. Metal Crowns Make You Look Older
Most people don’t need dental crowns before they reach a certain age, and as it so happens, metal crowns are an older technology; therefore, people might often deduce that you’re older if they see metal crowns inside your mouth! When comparing metal crowns to a non-metal option like porcelain, porcelain crowns more closely resemble your natural teeth—which in turn helps you look more youthful.
2. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
People with metal crowns often experience significant sensitivity to hot and cold drinks since metal is a great conductor of heat. When your crown comes into contact with a hot or cold liquid, the sensation is immediately conducted right down into the tooth and its nerve ending, resulting in pain and hypersensitivity. This can be even more apparent when enjoying hot and cold foods together! Luckily, all-ceramic crowns don’t come with the increased sensitivity that metal ones possess.
3. Unhealthy Materials
Humans aren’t meant to constantly have metals inside of our mouths, and this is definitely the case for most filling and crown mixtures that use metals like mercury and nickel. Despite the small amounts that are present, these metals can still be potentially harmful to the body: mercury is known for being toxic, while nickel can create allergic reactions, flu-like symptoms, and also cause gum discoloration.
4. Higher Risk of Tooth Decay
By design, a crown is meant to cover the entire visible portion of your tooth and protect it from further damage. However, it can often end up simply only concealing the damage and failing to protect it from worsening. Having your crown removed and replaced is a good opportunity to find and address any existing decay before the tooth becomes unsalvageable.
5. MRI Interference
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are commonly used in medical treatments to help providers get a clearer picture of your anatomy, and they can provide an incredible amount of information. But unfortunately, metal crowns can actually interfere with MRIs, as the metals in them can respond when placed inside of a magnetic field. This can lead to distorted images as well as your crowns even coming off during the scan! However, ceramic crowns don’t have this issue at all as they’re entirely metal-free.
There’s no doubt that metal crowns have helped many patients with their smiles; however, they do come with inherent risks! That said, replacing your metal crown with a metal-free option will ensure that your smile doesn’t just look better—it’s healthier in the long run, too!
About the Practice
Distinctive Dentistry is honored to serve patients and families in the Dallas, GA area under the leadership of three skilled specialists: Dr. Bobby Shirley, Dr. Clay Cannon, and Dr. Jack Bickford. Together they combine several decades of experience to provide patients with an exceptional level of dental care. Their practice is pleased to offer many available services including restorative options like crowns. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call at (770) 445-6606.
