Dental crowns are designed to completely encase a damaged tooth, providing protection, restoring its appearance, and improving its function. However, if you’ve noticed that you have a black line appearing around your dental crown, you might be concerned. This discoloration can be a common issue, but what can cause it? To understand why this happens as well as what steps your dentist can take to resolve it, keep reading.

What’s Causing the Dark Lines?

Dental crowns are meant to protect your tooth and enhance your smile. A black line around your crown can detract from your smile and reveal that the tooth has been restored. Fortunately, this dark line isn’t usually a sign of an oral health problem. If your crown is porcelain-fused-to-metal, the line is likely just the metal showing through.

How Your Dentist Can Fix It

While dark lines around crowns aren’t usually a sign of an oral health problem, they can affect the appearance of your smile. Crowns come in different materials, but modern ones are often made from ceramic or porcelain. Porcelain crowns are highly realistic and can match your natural teeth perfectly, plus they won’t develop black lines like metal ones.

Maintaining Your New Crowns

If you’re considering replacing your porcelain-fused-to-metal crown with a full porcelain one, proper care is crucial to maintain your new crown. Here are some key tips for keeping your restoration in top shape:

• Brush and floss – Even though the tooth is covered by a crown, you still need to brush and floss it as part of your daily routine. Brush twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, for two minutes each time. Also, make sure to floss before bed to keep your smile healthy.
• Wear your mouthguard – If you participate in contact sports or tend to grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help safeguard your teeth from damage.
• Don’t use teeth as tools – Avoid using your teeth to open packages, bottles, or chewing on ice and non-food items, as these habits can damage your crowns.
• Visit your dentist – Visit your dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings. This helps catch any potential issues with your crown and reduces the risk of decay.

With proper care, a dental crown can last up to 15 years. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your smile looking great for many years!

About the Practice

Have you been searching for a dependable, talented dentist in the Crown Point area to address your family’s dental needs? Berquist Family Dentistry, guided by Dr. Daniel Jordan Berquist and Dr. Robert Jordan Berquist, is the solution you’ve been hoping for. Our expert team is committed to delivering exceptional care for patients of all ages. Whether you need to replace an old crown with a new porcelain one, our two convenient offices are ready to help. For more details on dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, call us at (219) 226-0544 or visit our website.