Gateway Family Dental Blog
Why Do Some Dental Crowns Look Fake?
Have you had a dental crown procedure in the past? Are you less than happy with how the crown looks?
Chances are, you aren’t alone. Tons of people hate the way their dental crowns look and wish they could fix their smiles.
Whether your crown is ill-fitting, has a strange color or simply looks “off” or “fake,” it’s probably taking a toll on your self confidence.
Here’s why some dental crowns look less than stellar--and how the right dentist can fix it.
Gray Line at Gums
One of the most common complaints about dental crowns?
A tell-tale grayish or dark border where the tooth meets the gum. This dark line is unsightly, and for many people, it’s a clear indicator that they’ve had dental work done.
So why do so many people experience this issue?
Well, typically, it’s caused by a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. The porcelain is layered on top of a metal post to provide stability and durability for the crown. Unfortunately, some crowns aren’t applied properly to the tooth, or the gum recedes over time. Both of these issues can cause the metal post to be exposed at the top of the crown.
If you’re unhappy with a gray line on your crown, an experienced cosmetic dentist can repair the crown so that the boundary is hidden under the gum.
Gray Tint in Natural Light
Dental crowns that are fixed to a metal post, whether they are porcelain-fused-to-metal or composite, can have a gray tint in natural light. This is because the outer material doesn’t obscure the dark metal beneath.
Sometimes, when the PFM crown is fixed to a front tooth, the difference in tone compared to natural teeth can be stark and unnerving.
Other causes of gray tinting on a crown include tetracycline staining on the underlying teeth and silver fillings showing through.
To effectively correct a gray tint on your crown, your dentist may need to correct the tone of the porcelain or composite resin used on the exposed part of the crown.
Too Opaque in Natural Light
Natural teeth have a certain level of translucence, since the enamel is composed of light-emitting materials.
When crowns are too opaque (solid in color), they don’t emit light. As a result, they can look fake next to natural teeth.
Inexperienced cosmetic dentists may not be able to duplicate the translucent properties of a natural tooth when creating a crown. Layering too much porcelain or composite resin of one color can create a dense, uniform appearance that does not look natural. The opaque color will be especially obvious in natural light.
Fake-looking crowns that are too opaque may need to be corrected. An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide options for a more natural-looking crown material, like all-ceramic.
Cosmetic Dentistry at Gateway Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro
Gateway Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN specializes in cosmetic dentistry
to correct a number of dental issues, including crowns that look fake.
Contact our dental office
to schedule your appointment today.
Read More From Gateway Family Dentistry
At Gateway Family Dentistry we know that the foundation of good oral health is good preventative care. With so many oral health products on the market it can be difficult to know whether nanohydroxyapatite or fluoride is the better option for protecting your teeth. Both can help to strengthen the enamel but they work in different ways and may be better suited to your individual dental requirements. Understanding the difference between nanohydroxyapatite and fluoride can help you to make an informed choice about your oral hygiene regimen and choose the one that's best for your own smile. What Is Nanohydroxyapatite? Nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) is a form of hydroxyapatite which is itself a mineral that is a major component of both tooth enamel and dentin. As it's very similar to the minerals that are naturally present in teeth it's used in some toothpastes to help with the remineralisation of enamel. Possible benefits of nanohydroxyapatite include: Helping replenish minerals on the tooth surface Supporting the repair of early enamel damage Helping reduce tooth sensitivity Smoothing the appearance of the tooth surface Nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste could be a good option for people wanting to help with enamel health and sensitivity as part of their normal oral hygiene. What Is Fluoride Treatment? Fluoride treatment is a proven method of preventing tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid from bacteria and sugars in our diet. Fluoride supports oral health by: Strengthening weakened enamel through remineralization Helping prevent cavities Making enamel more resistant to acid-related damage Supporting the repair of early tooth decay before a cavity develops Dentists may recommend fluoride toothpaste for regular use or professional fluoride treatments for patients who are at higher risk of developing cavities. Nanohydroxyapatite vs Fluoride: What's the difference? Although both of the ingredients can be beneficial for enamel they work in a different way. Nanohydroxyapatite helps to supply the mineral component which can then deposit onto the tooth surface to aid remineralisation and may help with sensitivity. Fluoride promotes remineralisation and helps to form a more acid resistant mineral structure in the enamel. Research confirms fluoride as a proven method of preventing tooth decay. Nanohydroxyapatite also appears to be effective, though the quantity and quality of the evidence varies from product to product and outcome to outcome. Neither option is necessarily the best for every individual. Your individual cavity risk, level of sensitivity, oral hygiene and your current dental situation will all have an effect on which is the most suitable option for you. Which Treatment Is Right for You? Choosing between nanohydroxyapatite and fluoride treatment is going to depend on your individual dental requirements. Fluoride can be particularly useful if you have a history of cavities, thin enamel or are at risk of tooth decay. Nanohydroxyapatite is something you may want to discuss if you're interested in enamel remineralisation or managing sensitivity. Some patients may well benefit from using certain products with their dentist's advice. Nanohydroxyapatite should not be viewed as a wholesale replacement for fluoride though, especially in the case of those at higher risk of decay. Your dentist can look at your teeth, go over your concerns and put together a preventive care plan that's appropriate for you. Protect Your Smile With Personalized Preventive Dental Care Both nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride can help keep your teeth healthy. Which one you choose will depend on your individual oral health goals and your personal risk factors. Knowing the benefits of each will help you make the right choice for your own dental care. At Gateway Family Dentistry, we're all about helping our patients keep their smiles healthy through preventative and restorative care. If you have any questions about nanohydroxyapatite versus fluoride treatment, we can help you decide which option may be best for you. Contact Gateway Family Dentistry to book an appointment then take the next step closer to a healthier, stronger smile.
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At Gateway Family Dentistry , we understand that protecting your teeth goes beyond brushing and flossing. Many patients grind or clench their teeth, especially while sleeping, without realizing it. Over time, teeth grinding , or bruxism, can cause tooth damage, jaw discomfort, headaches, and other oral health concerns. For some patients, a night guard can protect their smile. Detecting the signs of teeth grinding and how night guards work can help you decide when extra protection may benefit your oral health. What Is Teeth Grinding? Teeth grinding occurs when you clench or shift your teeth, often unconsciously. Some people grind during the day, but sleep-related grinding is especially common because you may not realize it. Occasional grinding may not cause problems, but frequent or intense grinding can put excessive pressure on your teeth and jaw. Stress, sleep habits, and other factors may contribute to bruxism. Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth Because teeth grinding often happens during sleep, many patients do not know they are doing it. Your dentist may notice signs during a routine dental examination. Common symptoms and warning signs can include: Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth Increased tooth sensitivity Jaw soreness or tightness Morning headaches Facial discomfort Tooth fractures or damage Tenderness when chewing Increased jaw tension If you often wake up with a sore jaw or notice changes in your teeth, talk with your dentist about whether teeth grinding is causing the problem. How Can a Night Guard Help? A night guard for teeth grinding is a protective retainer worn over the teeth while you sleep. It establishes a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, decreasing direct contact from clenching and grinding. Night guards shield each tooth from extensive grinding and may reduce some pressure on the jaw. They don't eliminate the cause of grinding, but they provide an important layer of protection. Do You Need a Night Guard? Not everyone who grinds their teeth needs a night guard. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw, and symptoms to decide if one is appropriate. Your dentist has the technology to design a custom night guard that fits your mouth comfortably and securely. A well-fitted guard offers better comfort and protection than a generic one. If you already have signs of significant tooth wear, frequent jaw discomfort, or other bruxism-related symptoms, your dentist may recommend a night guard as part of your personalized oral health plan. Protect Your Smile With Regular Dental Care Teeth grinding can happen quietly, but its effects get noticeable over time. Regular dental visits let your dentist monitor your teeth for wear and catch problems early. At Gateway Family Dentistry , we are committed to helping patients protect their teeth through personalized preventive care and education. If you have jaw discomfort, tooth sensitivity, or other signs of teeth grinding, we can help find the best way to protect your smile. If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night or would like to learn whether a night guard is right for you, contact Gateway Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you maintain a healthy, comfortable smile.