Dark Lines Around My Crowns & Veneers
February 17th, 2020 | 3 min read
When you choose porcelain for your dental restorations, you expect a seamless and visually appealing smile. However, dark lines around crowns or veneers can be distressing and detract from the beauty you aim to achieve.
Dark lines around dental crowns and veneers can be very off-putting. After all, porcelain is selected for dental restorations, at least in part, due to its aesthetic abilities.
The good news is, that black lines around porcelain veneers or crowns pose no physical dangers. The bad news is, unless replaced, black lines cannot be removed from dental restorations.
At NYC Smile Design, we understand the importance of maintaining both the health and aesthetics of your smile.
Why Do Dark Lines Appear Around Veneers or Crowns?
There are three primary reasons a dark line might form around dental veneers of crowns. These are:
1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
An older method of placing dental crowns utilized a metal base. This base helped prevent fractures and added strength to crowns but often resulted in the eventual appearance of black lines. With PFM crowns, the porcelain gets thinner as it nears the gum line, but because the gum line recedes slightly every year, the lowest portions of a crown can become exposed over time, bringing with it a dark outline where the metal breaks through.
2. Cheap, non-precious metals
Older crowns with a metal base may have been affixed to cheap, non-precious metals, such as tin. These metals can eventually leach out and “tattoo” the gum edges, allowing a dark line to appear. Worse yet, most people develop or are allergic to these metals, which may allow the gums get inflamed and bluish at the edges.
3. Ill-fitting Porcelain Restorations
If your dental crowns or veneers do not completely fit the tooth or seal it well, staining will eventually accumulate at the tooth’s edges. This is not just a dark-line issue at this point; it can eventually damage the underlying tooth by allowing bacteria and plaque to start the process of decay and infection.
Fixing Dark Lines Around Porcelain Crowns & Veneers
No matter the cause of the dark lines around your restorations, Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib can help. Services that may prove useful in eliminating black lines from below and around your crowns include:
- Modern Porcelain Crowns: We replace old PFM and metal-based crowns with advanced porcelain crowns that are stronger, more durable, and aesthetically superior.
- High-Quality Veneer Replacements: Updating older veneers with state-of-the-art materials that match the natural translucency and color of your teeth.
- Precision Dental Bonding: We can expertly apply bonding along the gum line to cover any exposed areas of older restorations, seamlessly blending them with your natural gums.
Modern Porcelain Crowns: We replace old PFM and metal-based crowns with advanced porcelain crowns that are stronger, more durable, and aesthetically superior.
High-Quality Veneer Replacements: Updating older veneers with state-of-the-art materials that match the natural translucency and color of your teeth.
Precision Dental Bonding: We can expertly apply bonding along the gum line to cover any exposed areas of older restorations, seamlessly blending them with your natural gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to prevent dark lines from forming around my crowns?
A: Ensuring that your crowns are well-fitted and made from high-quality materials like those used at NYC Smile Design can prevent dark lines. Regular check-ups allow for early detection and management of any issues.
Q: Can dark lines be harmful to my dental health?
A: While not harmful in themselves, dark lines can indicate issues such as poor fitting or material degradation that may lead to more serious dental problems if not addressed.
Why Choose NYC Smile Design?
At NYC Smile Design, we can fix dark lines around your restorations. We also take every precaution to eliminate any risk of dark lines on the new restorations we place.
We do not offer PFM crowns. Modern porcelain crowns are stronger and more reliable than older options and do not require metal for reinforcement. In addition, we utilize the highest quality porcelain for both veneers and crowns, enabling us to produce a life-like and realistic, but supremely attractive end result.
Our use of cutting-edge dental technology and materials ensures that your restorations are not only beautiful but also long-lasting and supportive of your overall dental health.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
To explore your options and say goodbye to unsightly dark lines, why not schedule a consultation with our expert team? Contact NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 or book your appointment online today. Let us help you achieve the perfect smile you deserve.
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