Can I Replace My Old Metal Crowns?

10/08/2024 by admin in Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Dental crowns have been an excellent, reliable restoration to rehabilitate tooth damage for decades. When a tooth is weakened by cracks, decay, or bacteria buildup, a crown can provide coverage and protection for the enamel — often saving a tooth from further damage or even extraction. While the functional benefits are significant, the dental crowns of the past were often unsightly. Traditionally fabricated with metal amalgam or gold, these crowns tend to stick out amongst a patient’s smile. As a result, evidence of dental work could be fairly conspicuous and lead to self-consciousness. Fortunately, advances in cosmetic dentistry have enabled dental crowns to evolve. Dental crowns can now be more discreet and undetectable than ever, blending in harmoniously with the rest of our smile. 

Thanks to the realistic nature of porcelain dental crowns, which closely resemble the translucency and sheen of natural enamel, the appearance of porcelain crowns can be undetectable to outside observers. Patients who have old metal crowns can certainly replace their restorations with more aesthetic, modern, tooth-colored crowns if desired. In addition to aesthetic improvement, porcelain crowns offer the following adjunctive benefits: 

• Not susceptible to temperature like metal restorations
• Strong and durable, often lasting decades
• More confidence when smiling
• Resistant to staining

Our cosmetic and restorative dentists would be happy to speak with you about upgrading your dental crowns at our San Diego-area practice. We can also show you before-and-after photos of previous patients who received treatment with porcelain crowns so you can gain an idea of what to expect for the final result. 

Our talented dental team loves improving patients’ smiles with modern, minimally invasive solutions. Contact Scripps Center for Dental Care today to learn about replacing your old, outdated restorations or to schedule a consultation.

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