At one time, metal crowns were the only option for repairing badly damaged or worn-down teeth. Nowadays, dental crowns in Kittanning can be made entirely out of ceramic materials instead – and that means that you no longer have to force yourself to live with the drawbacks of a metal restoration. Below are 5 reasons why replacing a metal crown might be a good idea.
1. Metal Crowns Can Draw the Wrong Kind of Attention
Metal crowns are much darker than your natural teeth, which means they stick out whenever you smile. People meeting you for the first time will immediately be able to tell you’ve had dental work done, and knowing that can make you more reluctant to show off your teeth. Meanwhile, ceramic crowns can blend in so well with your other teeth that most people won’t even be able to tell that they’re there; they’ll only see a beautiful grin.
2. Metal Crowns Can Cause Sensitivity
Metals tend to conduct heat very well. As such, whenever your crown comes in contact with something hot, the rest of your tooth will feel it. This can make it difficult to enjoy hot foods and beverages like pizza or coffee. Luckily, ceramic crowns don’t conduct heat nearly as easily, letting you avoid this particular problem.
3. Metal Crowns Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Some people have adverse reactions to metal crowns. For example, sometimes a crown containing nickel can cause the gums to turn green, or it might even trigger an allergic reaction that causes flu-like symptoms. If your crown is causing these types of issues, you should have it replaced immediately. Ceramic crowns are hypoallergenic, which means there’s little to no risk of them causing such problems.
4. Metal Crowns Can Interfere with MRIs
Doctors often use MRIs to examine your anatomy and plan your treatments. Some of the metals commonly found in dental crowns, such as nickel or gold, can interfere with these scans, distorting the final image and making it less useful. In extreme cases, the magnetic field might even pull the crowns off the teeth. Ceramic crowns will cause none of these problems.
5. Metal Crowns Can Corrode Dental Implants
Dental implants are made out of a different metal than crowns. The result may be a galvanic current caused by two unlike metals coming together in saliva, which contains ions. This can cause your dental implant post to weaken over time. Once again, replacing a metal crown with a ceramic one can make this a non-issue.
Are you ready to say goodbye to your metal crown and start enjoying the advantages of a restoration made of tooth-colored materials? Call your dentist today to schedule an appointment and see if crown replacement might be a good option for you.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has over 40 years of experience in the dental world. He keeps up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry so that he can continue bringing his patients high-quality care. His practice, Voller Dentistry, offers all-ceramic crowns as a way to repair damaged teeth as well as an option for replacing traditional metal crowns. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Voller, visit his website or call (724) 543-4948.