Old fashioned metal crowns have long served an important purpose. Not only do they protect the underlying tooth from cavities and infection, but they also allow you to continue enjoying a complete diet and speaking clearly without suffering the side effects of a missing tooth. However, despite their durability, these dark, unsightly restorations still leave a lot to be desired. If you’re tired of seeing standout spots in your arches when you open your mouth to eat, speak, or smile, here’s why now is the perfect time to upgrade to a durable, lifelike tooth-colored crown instead!
Greater Protection
Although dentists have been using amalgam metal for restorations for centuries, it only became commonplace in oral healthcare in 1833 when the Crawcour brothers introduced it as a filling material in the United States. However, although it was durable and long lasting, it was often made with harmful ores like mercury and lead. Unfortunately, this made them a bad choice for those with metal sensitivities or allergies, and in large quantities (eight or more restorations) may also be toxic.
Durable, natural-looking tooth-colored crowns are made of strong materials like porcelain and ceramic and contain no metal, so they may be safer than amalgam restorations, especially for those who have sensitivity or allergies.
Better Fit
With metal crowns, not only does their dark color make them more noticeable in your smile, but they also don’t feel realistic, either. In fact, it’s quite easy to tell with just your tongue that your amalgam crown has a different texture than the rest of your teeth.
Furthermore, because metal contracts and expands with heat, eating or drinking certain foods can make your tooth more sensitive. Over time, those shifts can weaken the its integrity and can even cause small fractures and cracks that increase your risk of infection and decay.
With tooth-colored crowns, your smile won’t be subject to the discomfort of an expanding and contracting restoration, nor will it increase your risk of damage to the underlying tooth due to these changes!
More Streamlined Appearance
Finally, even if your metal crown is still comfortable and durable, it may be noticeable when you open your mouth to eat, speak, or smile. This can cause a great deal of embarrassment and insecurity, but it doesn’t have to! With strong, realistic tooth-colored dental crowns, you can still provide your tooth with the same incredible protection but without anyone ever knowing it’s a restoration! In fact, many patients forget which teeth have crowns and which ones don’t!
Remember, while your amalgam metal crowns may have served your smile well in the past, there’s no need to keep them around if they’re not offering comfortable, natural-looking protection for your gorgeous grin. So, stop feeling insecure about dark spots in your arches and talk to your dentist about upgrading to durable, beautiful tooth-colored crowns today!
About Our Practice
Dr. Zachary Brice earned his undergraduate degree at Texas State University – San Marcos and his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. A lifelong learner, he regularly takes continuing education courses to stay current on his dental skills and learn about emerging oral health treatments and technologies. To schedule a consultation and upgrade your older metal fillings to durable, realistic tooth-colored crown at Brice Dental, visit our website or call 210-903-5565.