Modern dental crowns should not only restore a patient’s tooth structure and chewing ability, but also the appearance of their smile. While today’s dental crowns are remarkably lifelike, older appliances often gradually lose their visual appeal due to wear and tear. Here’s why your dental crown may be showing a dark line around its base and how your dentist may be able to address the issue.
What Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns?
Dentists have used dental crowns to restore compromised teeth for thousands of years, and these appliances have changed significantly as technology has improved. Not too long ago, most dental crowns were made from metal that made them clearly visible in the smile, but some more recent models are made from a porcelain shell fused to a metal anchor attached to the tooth to provide a more lifelike appearance.
Why Is There a Dark Line Around My Dental Crown?
Unfortunately, older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can show dark lines around their bases when the porcelain part begins to separate from the appliance. This can be due to factors like:
- The thermal expansion and contraction of the metal component gradually working the porcelain shell loose.
- The pressure of chewing slowly eroding the bond between the metal crown and the porcelain shell.
- Erosion of the porcelain edges at the base of the shell.
How Can My Dentist Help?
While your dentist may be able to fix your porcelain-fused-to-metal crown so that it doesn’t show a dark line, they may instead recommend replacing it with a new tooth-colored restoration. Crowns can last up to fifteen years if they receive excellent care, and modern appliances are made from single ceramic pieces that eliminate the possibility of dark lines showing due to age. While tooth-colored crowns may not always last as long as metal ones, the difference is often negligible, and they can help a patient take pride in their smile.
Don’t let a black line around your dental crown make you shy about grinning. Your dentist will be able to treat your restored tooth so it stays healthy as well as beautiful.
About the Practice
Legacy Dentistry offers the finest oral health services in Midlothian. Led by Dr. Tony Nguyen, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, emergency, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. If you are concerned about the appearance of your dental restoration, contact his office online or dial (972) 723-1148.