Dental crowns are an excellent way to restore compromised teeth, but older versions can begin to show a black line at their edge as they age. This can disrupt the natural appearance of the smile, leaving the patient unsatisfied with their restoration. Fortunately, this is an issue that can be remedied. Here’s why a black line might appear around the base of your dental crown and what you should know about how it can be fixed.
The Issue with Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain is an excellent material for dental restorations because it is strong and visually similar to a tooth’s natural enamel. Many older crowns consist of a metal piece beneath a porcelain shell. A crown like this is called a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown (PFM for short), and the metal piece can begin to show from under the porcelain as it ages. The dark line around the base of a crown is this metal showing through, and it makes the restoration quite conspicuous to the casual observer. Many patients find these black lines to be unsightly and might be interested in finding an alternative without the dark metal line.
How Can I Get Rid of This Dark Line Around My Dental Crown?
Thankfully, dental restorations have come a long way since the times of PFM crowns. Since dental crowns have a lifespan of about fifteen to twenty years with proper maintenance, you might be about due to have your older crowns replaced with newer models.
Today, all-porcelain dental crowns can provide the strength and dependability you need without any metal components that can begin to show through later. This means that you can wear an all-porcelain crown with all confidence that there is no dark line to distinguish it from your natural teeth.
How Can I Get an All-Porcelain Dental Crown?
Your new dental crown can be placed over the course of two appointments. Your dentist will remove your PFM crown, take an impression of the tooth beneath, and have a new all-porcelain restoration manufactured specifically to fit your mouth. You’ll wear a temporary crown until your next appointment. Then, your dentist will cement your all-porcelain restoration into place, setting you up for more than a decade without any dark lines in your smile.
No one wants dental restorations that stand out from their natural teeth. All-porcelain crowns can be a lifelike replacement for those conspicuous and old-fashioned PFM restorations, giving you a smile you’ll be eager to show off.
About the Author
Dr. Gary M. Klein earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry before completing a one-year residency in general dentistry at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. He is dedicated to keeping his team abreast of the latest dental techniques and technology as they continue to serve the community of Harrisburg, PA. Areas of expertise include preventive, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crown treatments. If you’d like to upgrade to an all-porcelain crown, contact his office online or dial (717) 652-6644.