Where Did That Black Line Around My Dental Crown Come From?

Dentists have used dental crowns to restore compromised teeth for centuries. Of course, technology has vastly improved since dental crowns were first used, and many people are walking around with older types of dental crowns on their teeth. Some of these people may look in the mirror one day and notice thin black lines forming at the base of their dental crowns, and they may wonder where these lines came from and what they can do about them. Here’s how these pesky and unsightly lines can form and how metal-free crowns can correct the problem.

What Is That Black Line Around My Dental Crown?

In previous times, metal was the only game in town when it came to dental crowns. People would have crowns made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals, and while they could restore a compromised tooth to its original function, they were quite conspicuous. A few decades ago, dentists improved the situation by making crowns that had a metal base attached to the tooth and a porcelain shell that recreated the tooth’s exterior. This allowed for strong crowns that still looked like real teeth.

Unfortunately, these porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can begin to show their age over time, resulting in the porcelain part slightly separating from the metal base. This leads to a thin black metal line slowly being uncovered around the base of the crown, making it clear to other people that the patient has received dental work.

How Can I Get Rid of This Black Line Around My Crown?

Luckily, dental technology has advanced even further since the introduction of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and metal-free all-ceramic crowns are now commonplace. Since metal-free crowns contain no metal, there is no possibility of dark metal lines showing from under them, allowing them to look perfectly natural over a longer period.

Don’t let your outdated dental crowns drag down your smile. Consulting with your dentist can determine if replacing them with metal-free alternatives is a proper course of treatment for you.

About the Author

Dr. David S. Rosenfeld earned his dental doctorate from the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in New York City and completed a post-doctorate general practice residency at The Jamaica Hospital and Medical Center in Queens. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Edison, NJ offers preventive, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. To learn more about metal-free crowns, contact his office online or dial (908) 668-7838.