Everyone deserves a beautiful smile, and with today’s technological advancements, it’s easier than ever to achieve the look you want. With so many treatments to choose from, your dream smile is within reach, so if you have an older crown that has a dark line around it, you may be wondering what you can do about it.
Let’s take a look at why so many Lithia patients are swapping old metal crowns for zirconia.
What Causes the "Dark Line" Around Older Dental Crowns?
If you see a dark line around your older dental crown, you’re not alone. These porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns wear down over time, leading to discoloration that affects your smile’s aesthetic beauty.
The Anatomy of a Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is a durable metal cap placed over your natural tooth. Then, for aesthetic purposes, tooth-colored porcelain is added to blend naturally with your smile. PFM crowns are more cost-effective than all-ceramic crowns, but they have their drawbacks.
Gum Recession and the Reveal
There are several factors that can cause the dark line above your PFM crown. Age or aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, exposing your crown’s dark metal edges. Also, everyday wear and tear can erode the porcelain layer.
Zirconia: The "Ceramic Steel" of Modern Dentistry
Zirconia is ideal for dental crowns for numerous reasons, including the following:
- Strength — Zirconia is much stronger than porcelain, so it resists chipping and cracking.
- Biocompatibility — Zirconia is hypoallergenic, leading to fewer allergic reactions.
- Aesthetics — Zirconia is translucent and mimics natural tooth color.
- Versatility — Zirconia can be used for a wide range of dental restorations.
The Biocompatibility Factor: Why Your Gums Prefer Metal-Free
According to research from Frontiers in Dental Medicine, using zirconia for dental crowns can be better than traditional materials in that it:
- Reduces plaque accumulation
- Supports soft tissue integration
Need a Dental Crown in Lithia, FL?
If you have questions about dental crowns, or if you’d like to learn more about veneers in Lithia, our experienced dental team will happily assist you! At Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, we strive to help every patient achieve a healthy smile they’ll be proud to show others.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please reach out to us at (813) 438-5925.
