I am someone who prefers natural medicine. I particularly try to avoid both metal and lithium because of thyroid issues I struggle with. At the moment, I need a dental crown but my dentist said the all-porcelain ones aren’t strong enough for my back teeth. I’m having trouble finding information on other options and he seems to think I’m a bit of a Kook for being worried about how my dental work will affect my thyroid. Do you have any advice for me? There has to be something. I’m not the only person with thyroid problems.
Miranda
Dear Miranda,
There is a growting availability of metal free dental care.
The first thing I am going to say is that you are not with the right dentist for your desired type of dental and health care. You will be better served with a natural or holistic dentist. This isn’t a specialty. Rather, it is a philosophy of treatment where the dentist considers the patient’s whole body and not just their teeth. They are much more willing to work with patients in your situation.
Getting a Metal Free Crown
While your dentist is correct that all-porcelain crowns aren’t strong enough for the biting forces we deal with on our back teeth, the good news is you do have an alternative. Given your particular desires, I recommend you get a zirconia crown. Zirconia is so strong, it has been dubbed ceramic steel. It will hold up on your back teeth.
If your crown were on your front teeth, ether an all-porcelain crown or a zirconia crown will work. Another difference with front teeth is the need to whiten your teeth first. The color on the crown is permanent once it is made. If you are pleased with the color of your teeth and don’t plan on changing it, then you are good to go. However, if you are even considering teeth whitening, then it is more affordable to get it done before you have your crown made. If you wait, which is totally up to you, it will mean redoing the crown after you whiten your teeth. Whitening before means your crown can be made the permanent color you want.
The key here is for you to find a dentist who shares your philosophy. This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.