Have you recently inspected your smile in the mirror and noticed a black line has appeared on your dental crown? You aren’t seeing things—this is a very real (and common) issue that patients with older crowns experience! Continue reading to learn more about why these black lines can sometimes form around dental crowns, and why speaking with your dentist about a potential new metal-free dental crown is likely your best option.
What Causes Black Lines to Form Around Dental Crowns?
In many cases, the reason you are seeing that unsightly black line around your crown when you smile is simple—it’s because the metal part of the restoration is showing through. This is the case with PFM crowns, which is short for porcelain-fused-to-metal. While the metal part provides strength and stability to the crown, it doesn’t do your smile any favors, since it looks quite unnatural.
This usually occurs when the porcelain layer of the crown wears down, or if the nearby gum tissue recedes due to poor oral hygiene over time. Though less likely, a black line can also indicate decay or infection around the crown, particularly if it’s accompanied by pain. It’s also possible for the black line to be the result of a shadow being cast on the tooth by an ill-fitting dental crown; however, these dark lines are usually far less prominent.
What Can I Do About the Black Line on My Crown?
If you’ve recently noticed that your dental crown has one of these black lines, you may be looking for solutions to address it—and your best bet is to have the crown replaced with one that doesn’t use metal materials. Thankfully, dentistry has come a long way in recent years, and these crowns are quite common and accessible!
These days, the go-to and sole material for dental crowns is porcelain; this durable, natural-looking material can be made to mimic your teeth in terms of appearance and functionality. If the black line around your crown was due to an untreated oral health issue, such as gum recession or a cavity, it will also need to be addressed so that the crown is set up for future success.
Remember, with the right care, a dental crown can serve you well for 10 or even 15 years—so if you’ve noticed a black line around one of your older crowns, it’s probably time to think about having it replaced.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Sherif Albert, our team here at Esplanade Dental Care has proudly served patients in Downers Grove and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of services, including restorative options like metal-free dental crowns. If you have any questions about the blog, or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call us today for more information. Telephone: (630) 493-0914.