For years, you have been relying on a metal crown to keep your damaged tooth safe, but now it’s about time to have your dental restoration replaced. You may be tempted to simply get another metal crown, but have you thought about switching to a more aesthetically pleasing option? Metal-free crowns have several advantages over their metal counterparts; below are 4 benefits that make them worth considering.
1. Metal-Free Crowns are More Natural-Looking
Is your metal crown visible whenever you smile? If so, you are likely self-conscious about people noticing your dental work, which can hurt your overall confidence. A metal-free crown can do wonders for your self-esteem; the restoration can be designed to match the appearance of your other teeth, meaning it’s far less likely to stand out. As a result, metal-free crowns are often an excellent option for patients who are worried about appearances.
2. Metal-Free Crowns are Less Likely to Cause Tooth Sensitivity
Metal is well-known for its ability to conduct heat. If your metal crown comes in contact with something hot or cold, you could very easily end up feeling the temperature change in your tooth – and that can be highly uncomfortable. Meanwhile, metal-free crowns don’t conduct heat nearly as well and are thus less likely to lead to sensitivity issues when you’re trying to enjoy certain foods and beverages.
3. Metal-Free Crowns Will Not Interfere with MRI Scans
At some point in your life, you may need to have an MRI scan performed for a particular kind of medical treatment. However, some metal crowns may interfere with such scans, distorting the images. You might even need to have your metal crowns removed altogether so that a successful scan can be carried out. However, a metal-free crown won’t cause any problems whatsoever when it comes to MRI scans, meaning they won’t get in the way of any important medical procedures.
4. Metal-Free Crowns are Better for Your Health
Many metal crowns are made up of noble metals that resist corrosion. Sadly, the body tends to not react well to a variety of noble metals. For example, nickel is known to cause allergic reactions, and mercury is toxic in general. Getting a metal-free crown means you won’t have to worry about your restoration containing noble metals that could be less than ideal in terms of your overall health.
In short, there is no shortage of reasons why switching to a metal-free crown could be an excellent decision for your smile. Be sure to talk to your dentist to see what they suggest when the time comes for you to get a new restoration.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Camenzuli earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. He has been recognized as a “Top Dentist” for several years in New Orleans Magazine. He offers beautiful metal-free crowns for patients with damaged or decayed teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Camenzuli at Camenzuli Dental Excellence in New Orleans, visit his website or call (504) 584-4225.