Teeth are incredibly strong. In fact, the tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body. That being said, they aren’t completely indestructible and can become damaged in various ways. Dental crowns are used to build up and protect damaged teeth from additional harm. Metal materials used to be the norm when crafting dental crowns and are both durable and long-lasting. However, they also have some downsides. Continue reading to learn some reasons why you should replace your metal dental crowns.
Tooth-Colored Crowns Look More Natural
When others see metal restorations in your mouth, they may automatically assume that you are older because this is an older type of dental technique, and most people don’t end up needing crowns till they are a little bit older. By switching to a natural-looking tooth-colored crown, you are likely to appear more youthful. When you replace your metal dental crowns, you can take years off your appearance.
MRI Interference
Sometimes, MRIs are used in medical diagnoses so doctors can have a better look at the anatomy of the body. However, some materials that are used in metal dental crowns, like nickel and gold, can interfere because they respond when placed in a magnetic field. This can cause pictures to be distorted and can shift around by the magnet. Generally, metal crowns and MRIs aren’t a great combination.
Metal Crowns Contain Mercury
Dental crowns are made from various materials, including traces of mercury and nickel. Both of these metals can have significant effects on your body in higher quantities. Mercury is well known for being toxic and nickel can easily result in allergic reactions. Metal dental crowns only have small amounts of these materials and haven’t shown to cause any serious health problems, but many prefer to avoid these metals whenever possible.
Increased Sensitivity
People who have metal dental crowns are more likely to experience tooth sensitivity when consuming foods or drinks that are hot or cold. This is because metal conducts heat. When more extreme temperatures make contact with your metal dental crown, you can feel it on your tooth. If you’ve been struggling with tooth sensitivity, your metal crown could be the main culprit.
Metal dental crowns have their benefits, but porcelain has become a more ideal option. In addition to having a better appearance, they have numerous health benefits. Talk to your dentist to see if switching to a metal-free dental crown is the best solution for you!
About the Practice
At Boston Smile Center, we have a team of skilled dentists, including a board-certified periodontist, serving patients in the Brookline community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you have concerns about your metal dental crowns, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (617) 739-1017.