Questions About Your Crown? Learn the Answers

Crowns are a great way to deal with teeth that need some extra help to be both attractive and stable. A crown, or a cap as some people might call it, can make your teeth look nicer by correcting the color, size, shape, and, most importantly, the structural integrity of the tooth itself. In most cases, crowns present an affordable way to cope with many dental issues and tend to be a long-lasting and worry-free solution for many. The time might come, though, when crown wearers have questions about certain aspects of the crown. To find out more, read on.

The Appearance is Changing

In a few cases, a dark line can be seen between the gum line and the crown. It might look a bit unattractive, and in most cases, the dark line is your crown itself starting to show through at the top or bottom. The cause has to do with what your crown is made of. Crowns can be created using porcelain, ceramics, and metal alloys in several different combinations. If your crown has enough metal alloy present, the visible part, or the shiny pearlescent white part, may begin to wear off at the gumline. The longer you have the crown, and the more metal alloy it contains, the more likely you are to have a dark line appear. The best way to fix this problem is to have the crown replaced. Discuss crown material choices with your dentist to avoid that dark line issue in the future.

Another appearance-related issue is chips and cracks to your crown and they relate to the same issue that causes the dark line. In this case, though, crowns with more porcelain can be weaker and more likely to crack and chip. More metal alloys in the crown will make them stronger if you decide you want it redone.

Decay Can Happen

Under your crown is what is left of your natural tooth and it can be subject to decay just like any other tooth. The crown cannot entirely protect your tooth from decay, so be mindful of using good dental hygiene and getting regular checkups. In many cases, the crown has to be removed and the tooth underneath will have to undergo a restoration when decay is present. When it comes to decay, some crowns may loosen over time and allow bacteria to enter underneath. Loose crowns are also more vulnerable to cracking, breaking, and chipping. If you have a loose crown or are noticing a dark line, speak to your dentist to find out more.

For more information about crowns, contact a local dentist, such as Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA, to lean more.

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