Your metal crown has done a good job of keeping your damaged tooth protected over the years, but it’s not exactly the most aesthetically subtle restoration. All-ceramic crowns are made from tooth-colored materials that can be color-matched to blend in with your smile, which certainly sounds appealing – you’re just not sure if making the switch is worth it.
It’s understandable to be on the fence! Rest assured, all-ceramic crowns can benefit your dental cosmetics and comfort. Here are some reasons to consider making an appointment with your dentist in State College.
Ceramics Look Incredibly Natural
Ceramic is a popular material choice for dental restorations and cosmetics, and for good reason! Not only can the color be made to match your other teeth, but the way light reflects off of the surface looks incredibly lifelike. Once the customization process is finished, a ceramic crown will look almost identical to a natural tooth.
Metal Transfers Temperature Easily
Whether it’s electricity, heat, or extreme cold, metal is an excellent conductor. Because of its chemical makeup, it transfers temperatures very easily and magnifies them. Touching a metal pan that’s sitting on a hot stove, for example, is going to hurt more than if its handle were made of wood. This can affect dental crowns as well, increasing the discomfort you might feel when eating hot or cold foods. Ceramic crowns are more like the wood handle and aren’t as likely to cause tooth sensitivity!
Ceramic Crowns Don’t Expand & Contract
Another chemical quirk of metal is that the same harsh temperatures that can travel through it so easily also cause it to expand and contract. You might not notice it just by looking at your metal crown, but over time, the frequent movement can create gaps between your restoration and its neighboring natural teeth. Since ceramics don’t have this problem, you won’t have to worry about dental misalignment after you make the switch.
Rejuvenate Your Smile & Enjoy Improved Comfort
All-metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are durable and can support your smile for years to come, but if you want something that will rejuvenate your look and feel more comfortable in your mouth, it’s worth considering ceramic crowns! After your dentist replaces your restoration, you’ll hardly notice the difference between your crown-capped tooth and your natural pearly whites.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Labosky has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years and has completed advanced training courses with the prestigious Dawson Academy. If you’re not satisfied with your metal crown, he’d be happy to meet with you about replacing it with an all-ceramic restoration. To contact his office and make an appointment, call 814-237-7004.