What Are Silver Teeth Caps Made of

Metal-based and steel crowns are often referred to as silver tooth crowns, which are metal crowns designed to cap teeth that are damaged, suffering from decay or in need of protection after a dental procedure (such as a root canal treatment).

What are silver tooth crowns?

Silver tooth crowns are a type of crown or cap that is used to cover and protect a damaged tooth from decay, infection and general damage to the tooth. Silver tooth crowns are typically made from amalgam, which is composed of mercury, tin, silver and copper.

Silver tooth crowns operate in the same way as any other metal-based, gold or porcelain crowns. However, there are some advantages to silver and metal-based crowns that are not found in porcelain or resin crowns.

Is mercury used in silver tooth crowns?

Mercury is used in amalgam fillings and is not commonly used in silver tooth crowns.

Mercury is typically used in silver fillings because it's very versatile and is able to easily fill any gaps, cracks or holes within the affected tooth. Mercury is mixed with alloy powder so that it's able to be gently pressed into the tooth. The placed mercury will harden very quickly, so the procedure is fast.

Silver tooth crowns, by comparison, may appear silver but are actually made from stainless steel and are composed of chromium, nickel and iron.

The silver tooth crown process

All tooth crown prosecutors follow the same process, the only difference is the type of crown being applied to the affected tooth. However, depending on what your dentist has suggested, you will be booked info for a same-day or multi-day procedure.

For same-day procedures

Your dentist will take digital pictures of your mouth to assess what work needs to be done to the affected tooth or teeth. From the scan, your dentist will create a crown then and there, creating a crown that fits over the damaged part of your tooth. Once the crown is ready, dental cement will be applied to the affected tooth to hold the new, silver implant in place. You can expect to be in and out of the clinic within 2 – 4 hours.

For multi-day procedures

Multi-day procedures, as the name suggests, requires you to come back for further treatments. On your first visit, your dentist prepares your tooth for crown placement. They may also take an X-ray for a more in-depth look at the condition of your tooth. Next, your dentist will file down the outer layer of your tooth and an impression will be taken of your newly trimmed tooth and your surrounding teeth.

A temporary crown is then placed over your tooth until your permanent crown is ready for placement. This could take up to four weeks depending on your dentist's schedule.

On your second visit, your dentist will apply your new, permanent crown.

The main advantages of silver tooth crowns

Silver tooth crowns benefit from being extremely durable and are able to withstand large amounts of pressure from biting. As with any other metal-based crown, silver tooth crowns are more durable than porcelain or resin, and they will also last longer, making them a more cost-effective option.

The disadvantages of silver tooth crowns

The main disadvantage of silver tooth crowns is that they are very obvious if placed near the front of the mouth. Silver and metal crowns are typically placed on molars because they are further back and are less likely to be immediately visible.

Do you require a silver or metal-based crown?

If you require a tooth crown due to a damaged or decayed tooth, you can arrange a consultation with our team at Hove Dental Clinic. We will be able to quickly assess the condition of your teeth and mouth and provide an appropriate treatment solution to ensure your oral health remains in top condition.

To book your appointment, call the number above or complete our contact form.

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FAQs

What can/can't I eat after having silver tooth crowns placed?

Avoiding hot liquids such as tea and coffee must be avoided for at least three days after your implants. Hot temperatures can cause discomfort due to your tooth or teeth being extra sensitive post-treatment. Soups, smoothies and softer foods are okay to consume post-treatment but all hard foods must be avoided on the advice of your dentist.

Are silver tooth crowns safe?

Silver tooth crowns rarely encounter any severe side effects or problems and have been used in dentistry for decades. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve treating the nerves of the gums. Only the visible part of your tooth is treated, which minimises the risk of any severe complications.

Are silver tooth crowns safe for children?

Some children may require silver (or stainless steel) crowns in order to protect their primary (baby) teeth. Silver tooth crowns do not pose any notable risks to children's health, however, it's important to arrange a follow-up appointment to ensure your child's crown is functioning correctly and they are experiencing no pain or side effects.

How much are silver tooth crowns?

The cost of silver tooth crowns can be found on our private charges page. Silver tooth crown treatments can be offered through the NHS or privately

Can I get my silver tooth crown removed?

In most cases, if the crown is functioning as it should and the tooth underneath remains healthy, there is no reason why you should have the crown removed. It is unlikely that a dentist would remove the crown if it is not damaged, loose or causing you any harm. Removal for aesthetic reasons is not usual practice.

Can I replace my silver tooth crowns?

Replacing silver tooth crowns is only necessary if the crown has cracked, become loose or fallen off entirely. However, if you have suffered from any of the above, you should be able to have your silver tooth crown replaced with any other tooth crown material. Most patients opt for resin or porcelain-based crowns because they are able to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth.

However, this is not essential and you can opt for metal-based fillings or a mixture of porcelain and metal, these are known as PFM crowns (porcelain-fused-to-metal).

What Are Silver Teeth Caps Made of

Source: https://www.hovedentalclinic.co.uk/blog/silver-tooth-crowns/

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