Metal Dental Crowns: Common Questions Answered

What Is a Metal Dental Crown?

A metal crown is a cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It covers the tooth above the gum line. Helps it handle normal biting again. The crown is shaped to match the tooth so it should feel fairly natural once you get used to it.

Gold alloys are a choice although other dental metals are used too. Despite the name a metal crown doesn’t always mean gold. The exact material depends on the tooth. What your dentist thinks will work best.

Why Do Dentists Still Use Metal?

Because these crowns are seriously durable. They work well on back teeth, where chewing puts plenty of pressure on the tooth every day.

Will a Metal Crown Look Noticeable?

Yes it can. That’s the trade-off.

Metal has a silver or gold appearance so you’ll usually notice it more than a tooth-colored crown. For a tooth that can be a deal-breaker. For a molar tucked away at the back plenty of people don’t care.

Your dentist can talk through the options based on where the crown sits and how much of it shows when you smile.

How Long Do Metal Crowns Last?

A few habits matter more than people expect:

• brushing around the crown matters particularly along the gum line where plaque likes to hang around.

• Flossing counts. The crown covers the tooth. It doesn’t give the surrounding gums a free pass.

• If you grind your teeth at night mention it to your dentist. That extra pressure isn’t doing the crown any favors.

Are Metal Crowns Safe?

For people dental metals are well tolerated and have been used for decades. Some people do have metal allergies or sensitivities though so tell your dentist if you’ve reacted to jewelry or other metals before.

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