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Can I avoid dental metal issues with ceramic crowns?

April 30, 2021 by AllSmiles

For the past 12 years, I have sought natural remedies whenever possible and limit toxins in my body. I have an old dental crown that I want removed, but I am concerned about what the new crown will contain. I researched ceramic crowns and wonder if any trace of metals or lithium is in the crowns. Although I do not have known metal allergies, I am trying to protect my compromised thyroid. Also, I am considering teeth whitening before I replace the crown. But how do I find out what is in the teeth whitening gel that dentists use? Thanks for your help. – Bianca from ME

 

Biana,

Thank you for your inquiry. We are happy to answer your questions.

Is There Any Metal in All-Ceramic Crowns?

All-ceramic crowns do not contain metal. But it is not possible to avoid metal ions in the crowns. Every dental ceramic we are aware of contains metal ions. What is the difference?

Metal vs. Metal Ions in Dental Crowns

The information below will help you understand that although dental ceramics contain metal ions, they do not contain the type of metals commonly known to provoke reactions.

Iron

  • Iron – Iron is a metal.
  • Rust – Rust is formed when iron combines with oxygen—producing iron oxide. Although rust contains iron ions, it is not a metal.
  • Iron ions – The human body does not iron in metal form, but it does contain iron ions, which are essential to life, and the hemoglobin in our blood.

Sodium

  • Sodium – Sodium as a pure metal is toxic, but as a metal ion combined with chlorine, it becomes sodium chloride—or table salt—which is essential to life.
  • Lithium – In the same family as sodium, lithium is so reactive that it is found only in ionic form when combined with other elements.
    • Lithium disilicate is a strong ceramic that produces dental crowns, including e.max crowns.

Zirconium

  • Zirconium – It is a metal that in ionic form and combined with oxygen becomes zirconia. Zirconia crowns are high strength. Zirconia is used to build dental bridges without a metal framework.

Other Metal Ions

Other metal ions in the human body and essential to life:

  • Calcium
  • Cobalt
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Potassium
  • Zinc

We are not aware of the ceramics we mentioned provoking sensitivities or an allergic reaction. Most people who are want holistic or biological dental materials choose ceramic crowns.

  • Experienced cosmetic dentists understand which dental ceramics are best for anterior, or front, teeth. And they know which ceramics to use on molar teeth to withstand the forces of chewing and grinding food.
  • Some dental crowns are layered with glass on the outside to increase the aesthetics. Glass is pure silica (silicon dioxide). Leucite glass contains aluminum tectosilicate.

What Does Tooth Bleaching Gel Contain?

Tube of teeth whitening gelIf you are concerned about the contents of bleaching gel for whitening your teeth, ask your dentist which whitening brands they use. You can research the brands online to see the contents of the gel. It will help you determine if the contents will provoke a reaction.

Although you can ask the dental office what the bleaching gel contains, your comfort might increase if you check all the ingredients online.

One popular brand of professional bleaching gel lists these ingredients:

  • 40% hydrogen peroxide
  • 1.1% sodium fluoride
  • 3% potassium nitrate
  • a unique chemical activator

Advanced cosmetic dentists are familiar with the types of ceramic crowns available and will work with you to find a crown that meets your dental needs.

Best wishes for your ceramic crown and a brighter smile!

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.

 

Filed Under: Teeth whitening Tagged With: allergic to teeth whitening gel, biological dental materials, dental materials thyroid, dental metal, dental metal allergy, do ceramic crowns contain metal, emax dental crown, holistic dental materials, iron dental crown, metal ions dental materials, naturalpath dental materials, teeth bleaching gel hydrogen peroxide, what is in teeth whitening gel, zirconium dental crown

Should I choose zirconia or titanium implants?

April 14, 2021 by AllSmiles

I have four missing teeth and am gradually replacing them with dental implants. My first two implants are titanium. But I read online that zirconia implants might be better because titanium can cause an allergic reaction or neurological issues. I will receive my next two implants in the fall. Should I ask for zirconia implants this time? Thank you. Oliver from RI

Oliver,

Thank you for submitting your inquiry to our office.

Titanium is one of the most biocompatible materials used for prosthetics in the medical and dental fields. Although people with specific metal allergies or sensitivities might benefit from zirconia implants, titanium is widely used. The human body contains various elements that help it perform essential functions, including zinc, iron, and copper. If a specific metal causes a reaction, it must be determined on an individual basis.

Are Zirconia Dental Implants Better than Titanium?

A December 2016 article, Zirconia Vs. Titanium Implants – Deciding Factors, was published in the Journal of Dentistry, Oral Disorders & Therapy. The report makes the following points:

Zirconia implants

Although zirconia is an ultra-strong ceramic, many implant dentists recognize its limitations:

  • An implant dentist or oral surgeon cannot usually leave zirconia implants to heal beneath the gums
  • Zirconia lacks the flexural strength of titanium and may crack under pressure
  • Adjustments to zirconia can lead to micro-cracks that can spread and result in dental implant failure
  • The small diameter of zirconia implants increases fracture risk
  • The one-piece design of zirconia implants is not conducive to using for full-mouth reconstruction

What If You Have A Titanium Allergy?

Photo of five dental implant screws. On both the left and right side is a single titanium implant, and three zirconia implants are between them.

Titanium (metal) and zirconia (white) dental implants

Although most people are concerned about an allergic reaction to titanium, only 6% of patients have titanium allergies. And some metal reactivity tests are unreliable. But if you have a confirmed titanium allergy—or if you simply prefer zirconia—zirconia dental implants may be an option.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

We recommend that you begin with a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist who restores dental implants. He or she will explain your options for crowns or dentures on zirconia vs. titanium implants and the result you can expect.

Dentists who do not have advanced implant surgery training work with a periodontist (implant specialist) or an oral surgeon to plan for and place your dental implants.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.

Filed Under: Dental implants Tagged With: allergic to titanium, clifford test, dental material testing, do not want metal implants, metal allergy testing, titanium dental implant, titanium vs zirconia dental implant, zirconia dental implant

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