Many years ago, metal dental crowns were the only available solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Thankfully, advancements in the field have led to the creation of metal-free crowns, which allow you to enjoy a healthier and more natural-looking smile! Although there may have been several good reasons for using metal crowns in the past, there are now even more reasons to get rid of them. That said, here’s why you should think about replacing a metal crown with a metal-free one.
Enjoy a More Youthful Smile
Do people comment on your metal crown every time you speak or laugh? It’s hard to miss because it’s highly visible and stands out from your surrounding natural teeth. Unfortunately, it sends the message that you’re an older adult. That’s mainly because metal fillings are older technology, and most people don’t need crowns until they reach a certain age. The good news is replacing your crown with a metal-free one can take years off your appearance! Since it’ll blend more seamlessly with your teeth, it will more likely go unnoticed by others.
Metal Crowns Are Unhealthy
Humans are not meant to have metal in their mouths. Most metal dental crowns are comprised of materials that don’t interact well with our bodies, such as nickel and mercury. For example, nickel not only causes people’s gums to turn green, but it can result in a severe allergic reaction. On the other hand, mercury is simply well-known for being a toxic metal.
They Make Your Teeth Sensitive
People with metal crowns often report experiencing sensitivity to foods and drinks with extreme temperatures. Metal is a great conductor of heat, which is why when hot or cold foods touch the crown, you can feel it right on the nerve, causing significant discomfort. If you have trouble enjoying your favorite foods because of this sensation, it may be time to ask your dentist about replacing your metal crown with a metal-free one.
Metal Crowns Can Interfere with MRIs
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) is widely used by doctors to get more insight into your anatomy. Unfortunately, metal dental crowns can interfere with these scans. When certain materials (i.e., nickel and gold) are placed in a magnetic field, they can distort pictures taken by the MRI. In a worst-case scenario, they can even fly off your teeth when drawn to the magnet.
They Have a Higher Risk of Decay
A dental crown encases an entire single tooth, protecting it from further breakdown and keeping harmful bacteria out. However, it often just hides the damage that’s already happened, meaning there’s a higher risk of decay. So, even if you think your crown is perfectly fine and problem-free, that’s probably not the case. That said, it’s best to remove the restoration as soon as possible to keep the underlying problem from becoming irreversible.
Replacing a metal crown with a metal-free one can help you reap several benefits. By making the switch, you can enjoy an aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile – what’s not to love?
About the Practice
At Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry, we offer exceptional, high-quality, comprehensive dental services guaranteed to meet all your oral health needs. Our team always goes the extra mile to help each patient achieve their happiest, healthiest smile. If you’re interested in replacing a metal crown with a metal-free one, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. Visit our website or call (434) 324-8241 to make an appointment.