Concerned about a “black line” on your front teeth? How to eliminate a black margin

Hello. This is SACHI Dental Clinic in Shiba Park/Mita.

When you look in the mirror or smile, do you ever notice a “black line” at the gumline of an old crown and find it bothersome?

That black line may be a “black margin.”

This black line is referred to in dental terminology as a “black margin.” The two main causes are as follows:
1. Exposed metal: The metal portion of a metal-based crown (such as a silver crown) used in insured treatment becomes visible.
2. Gum recession: The gums recede due to aging or periodontal disease, making the boundary between the crown and your natural tooth visible.

Leaving it because “it’s only a cosmetic issue…” can be risky.
Debris tends to accumulate in gaps where the fit has worsened, greatly increasing the risk of secondary caries (recurrent decay).
As tooth decay progresses, it can shorten the lifespan of the tooth, so early treatment is important.

[Case] Esthetic restoration with zirconia ceramic

We would like to introduce the case of a patient who visited our clinic recently wishing to improve the black lines on two front teeth.
(Publication permitted with the patient’s kind consent.)

Treatment: The old crowns were removed, root canal treatment was performed, and then the latest “zirconia ceramic” restorations were placed.
Result: With a completely metal-free treatment, we achieved a beautiful finish with natural tooth-like translucency and no black line.

What is zirconia ceramic?

Zirconia, also known as a “diamond alternative,” is a material that excels in both esthetics (appearance) and strength (durability).
Because it is resistant to staining and discoloration, it can maintain its beauty for a long time.
*We will explain the material’s detailed characteristics in our next column, so please look forward to it.

Please feel free to consult us about any concerns regarding your mouth

If you are concerned about the appearance of fillings or crowns, or feel any discomfort, please visit our clinic for a consultation. We will propose the most suitable treatment option based on each individual’s condition.

SACHI Dental Clinic (Shiba Park/Mita)