Why Is That Annoying Black Line Forming Around My Dental Crown?

Dental crowns have been used for centuries to protect compromised teeth while restoring them to their original size and function. Technology has improved massively over the years, and today’s dental crowns are incredibly lifelike and beautiful. However, some older types of crowns can become conspicuous in the smile as they age. Here’s why a black line might be forming around the base of your dental crown and what you can do about it.

What Is That Black Line Around My Dental Crown?

For a long time, dental crowns were usually made from metal. While this made for incredibly durable crowns, they were quite obvious when the patient smiled or laughed. More recently, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were developed to provide a strong restoration that looked like natural tooth tissue. These crowns consisted of a metal base attached to the tooth to create a sturdy foundation and a porcelain shell covering the base to make the crown visually pleasing.

While porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be beautiful dental restorations, many patients find that they tend to develop a thin black line around their bases. This happens because, as this type of crown ages, the metal and porcelain parts will warp and start to separate from one another. As the porcelain shell begins to ride higher on the crown, more and more of the metal base beneath it will be exposed, resulting in a thin black line around the base of the crown.

What Can I Do to Get Rid of These Annoying Black Lines Around My Crowns?

Thankfully, dental technology has continued to advance since porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were introduced. Today, all-ceramic crowns allow patients to restore their teeth with beautiful, lifelike appliances that contain no metal. This type of crown will never develop that black line because it comes in one piece and contains no metal.

Dental crowns have a lifespan of about fifteen years if you take excellent care of them, so they will eventually need to be replaced. If your old porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are due to be retired, all-ceramic crowns may provide you with a more beautiful upgrade. Consulting with your dentist can determine if all-ceramic crowns are suitable for you.

About the Author

Dr. Bita Kamali earned her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2000 and has completed continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry, veneers, dentures, and more. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. For more information on what metal-free crowns can do for you, contact the office online or dial (972) 818-1300.