Did you know that roughly 90% of Americans have had at least one cavity by their 21st birthday? So, if one or more of your teeth have been treated with a dental crown to address decay or damage, you’re certainly not alone. In addition to being incredibly durable, one of the reasons this tooth-restoring solution is so popular is because it’s extremely lifelike. So, why is there a noticeable black line around your dental crown? To learn the answer, keep reading!
The Reason There Is a Black Line Around Your Dental Crown
Decades prior, metal was the go-to material for dental crowns. While durable, they left much to be desired in the looks department, which is why porcelain is the more popular choice today. To combine the strength of metal crowns and the appearance of porcelain alternatives, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are extremely common. Sometimes, this results in a dark line at the base of the crown. While this likely won’t be visible on your molars, it can be quite noticeable on the teeth that show when you smile.
How Your Dentist Can Get Rid of the Black Line
If the black line at the base of your crown is causing you to feel unhappy with your smile, then you should absolutely schedule an appointment with your dentist. Depending on your unique dental needs, they may be able to replace your crown with an all-porcelain one. The upgraded restoration will be custom-made, ensuring the size, shape, and shade blend in with your smile flawlessly. Plus, the replacement process won’t take too long; from start to finish, it can take just two appointments!
7 Tips for Keeping Your Dental Crown Nice and White
Unlike enamel, porcelain is stain-resistant. With that being said, it’s still of the utmost importance that you care for it diligently. Don’t worry – this doesn’t require an extensive oral hygiene regimen. A few good oral hygiene best practices include:
- Using a straw when drinking coffee and other dark-colored beverages
- Sip on water while eating barbeque sauce, soy sauce, and other pigmented ingredients
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day for a full two minutes
- Floss and rinse with mouthwash each evening
- Get a checkup and cleaning biannually
- Quit unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and using your teeth as tools
- Eat mostly well-balanced, low-in-added-sugar meals
A black line at the base of your dental crown is common with porcelain-fused-to-metal varieties. Luckily, your dentist can replace it with an all-porcelain one to enhance the appearance of your teeth without compromising their strength!
About the Practice
At Webster Lake Dental, we prioritize patient education, meticulous checkups, and refreshing cleanings to help you keep your teeth and gums in pristine condition. Of course, tooth decay, cracks, and other dental injuries happen, which is why we also are happy to provide essential restorative care as well. If you want to replace your dental crown or simply would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 943-8111.