If you have a metal crown in your mouth, there might come a time when it needs to be replaced. Whether the crown is old and worn, or you’re simply ready for a new solution that isn’t obviously noticeable, there are many reasons to replace a crown. And thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, there’s now an even better option for your teeth: non-metal crowns! Your dentist in Millersville wants to share 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
Metal crowns are actually an older form of dental technology that’s been utilized for a while now. And since most people usually don’t need dental crowns before a certain age, it might be deduced that if you have metal crowns, you’ve celebrated quite a few birthdays! When comparing metal crowns to non-metal options like porcelain, the metal-free alternatives more closely resemble your natural teeth, which in turn helps you to look more youthful.
2. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Metal is a great conductor of temperature; when your metal crown comes into contact with a hot or cold item, the sensation is immediately conducted right down into the tooth and its nerve ending, resulting in pain and hypersensitivity. Fortunately, all-ceramic crowns don’t come with this increased sensitivity.
3. Sometimes Made from Unhealthy Materials
Simply put, humans aren’t meant to constantly have metals residing within their mouths. Most metal filling and crown mixtures use combinations of things like mercury and nickel, and despite the small amounts that are present, these metals can still potentially harm your body. Mercury is known for being toxic, and nickel is notorious for causing allergic reactions, flu-like symptoms, and also gum discoloration.
4. MRI Interference
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are quite common in the world of healthcare, as they can help providers to get a clearer picture of your anatomy and provide detailed information about things the naked eye cannot detect. But unfortunately, metal crowns can interfere with MRIs since the metals in them respond to magnetic fields. This can lead to distorted images, as well as your crowns potentially coming off during the scan!
5. Greater Risk of Tooth Decay
Dental crowns are designed to cover the entire visible portion of your tooth and protect it from further decay or damage; however, sometimes they simply end up only concealing the damage, rather than protecting it from worsening. Having your crown removed and replaced is the perfect opportunity for your dentist to identify and address any existing decay before the tooth becomes unsalvageable.
Despite the countless smiles that metal crowns have been able to assist over the years, they do come with inherent risks! That said, replacing them with non-metal alternatives will ensure that your smile doesn’t just look better; it’s still well-protected in the long run!
About the Practice
The team at Transcendent Smiles is proud to serve patients and families in the Millersville, MD area under the leadership of Dr. Vy Tran. Dr. Tran received her dental doctorate from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, and her practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including various restorative options. If you have any questions about the article or think your smile might benefit from a non-metal crown, feel free to contact Dr. Tran online or over the phone for assistance: (410) 729-9090.