Dental crowns are used to restore a tooth to its normal size, function, and appearance after extensive damage due to trauma, tooth decay, or a dental procedure like a root canal. While these restorations can be fantastic solutions to these injuries, some of them can begin to develop black lines around their edges as they age. This makes it obvious that the patient has undergone dental work and can make it harder for them to be proud of their smile. Here’s why that can happen and what you can do to prevent or fix it.
Why Is a Black Line Forming Around My Dental Crown?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have seen extensive use in previous decades. These restorations are made from a metal base attached to the tooth that gives a crown its strength and a porcelain shell fused to the base to make it look like a real tooth. However, as the crown ages, the metal base can become more visible as the porcelain part begins to sit higher upon it. This results in the crown becoming more obvious to the casual observer.
Is There an Alternative to Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns?
Luckily, dental medicine has advanced quite a bit since the days of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Today, dentists use all-porcelain crowns that have no metal parts that can begin to show through. These crowns are strong, dependable, and beautiful, and many dentists can place them in one visit thanks to CEREC technology. This allows a patient to achieve a more gorgeous and natural-looking smile in a single day.
How Can I Get Rid of This Black Line Around My Dental Crown?
The good news for people with old porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns is that they can replace them with new all-porcelain crowns. If you’re sick of seeing those unsightly black lines in your smile, consulting with your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for an all-porcelain upgrade. Without the metal bases that come in older crown models, you will not need to worry about your crowns showing their age with those unfortunate black lines.
About the Practice
Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry provides personalized dental care to patients in Waco, TX. Led by Drs. Theresa Lassetter, Guillermo Rivacoba, and Shria Dhaon, the staff delivers remarkable results in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry like dental crown treatments. For more information on CEREC one-visit dental crowns, contact the office online or dial (254) 848-0240.