Do you still have metal dental crowns in your mouth? Even though these highly durable restorations worked great at the time that you got them, dentistry has come a long way since then. Now there are other options that are most aesthetically appealing and even healthier. Porcelain has become the preferred material choice of many different patients around the world. Read on to learn why you may want to consider replacing your metal crowns for metal-free ones.
Higher Decay Risk
Even though dental crowns are meant to protect your teeth, sometimes they just cover up and conceal damage, increasing the risk of decay. It’s a good idea to have your metal crown removed before this issue becomes irreversible.
Porcelain Crowns Make You Appear More Youthful
Once people see a metal filling in your mouth, they may think that you are older. This is simply because metal crowns are an older type of dental technology, and you generally don’t need them till you reach a certain age. By switching to a porcelain crown, you are likely to appear younger. Even for patients who have a porcelain fused-to-metal crown, the metal may still be visible and add some years to your appearance.
MRI Interference
A lot of the time, MRIs are used in medical treatments so doctors can have a better look at the anatomy of the body. However, metal crowns can interfere with them because certain materials, like nickel and gold, respond when placed in a magnetic field. This can cause pictures to be distorted and they can even fly off your teeth when they are drawn to or repulsed by the magnet. In general, crowns and MRIs aren’t a great combination.
Metal Crowns Contain Mercury
Humans aren’t naturally supposed to have metal in the mouth constantly. This is especially the case for the mixture of different metals used to make crowns. They include materials like mercury and nickel. Both of these metals can have serious effects on your body in higher quantities. Mercury is well known for being toxic and nickel can cause an allergic reaction. While metal dental restorations only have a small amount of these materials and haven’t shown to be dangerous, many agree that it is best to avoid these metals when possible.
Increased Tooth Sensitivity
People who have metal dental crowns are more likely to experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. This is because metal is a great conductor of heat, so when more extreme temperatures make contact with a metal crown, you can feel it on your tooth. If you’ve been struggling with tooth sensitivity, your metal crown could be the main culprit.
Corrosion of Dental Implants
Titanium, the metal used for dental implants is not affected by magnetic fields, but it is able to help generate an electric current in your mouth. This happens when two unlike metals come together in a liquid with ions dissolved in it, like saliva. This can lead to the weakening of one of the materials. Normally, titanium would not become weakened, but since gold is nobler, it could cause your dental implants to rust.
Metal crowns may have their benefits, but porcelain has become a more ideal option. In addition to having a better appearance, they have additional health benefits as well. Talk to your dentist to see if switching to metal-free dental crowns is the best option for you!
About the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas earned his dental doctorate from Indiana University School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, Northwest Indiana Dental Society, Laporte County Dental Society, and Master Series Study Club. If you’re interested in metal-free dental crowns, he would be happy to help! For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Crown Point, visit his website or call (219) 663-2892.