What effect does electroplating with tin have on dental crowns?

Electroplating dental crowns with tin primarily aims to make them non-active, which helps reduce galvanic action. Galvanic action can occur when metals with dissimilar electrochemical potentials are present in a moist environment, such as the oral cavity, leading to corrosion and potential discomfort for the patient. By coating the crown with tin, which is a relatively noble metal, it minimizes the electrochemical reactions that can occur between different types of metals used in dental restorations. This protective layer increases the longevity and stability of the dental work, thereby enhancing patient comfort and extending the wear of the crown.

While other effects, such as enhancing aesthetic appearance or improving bonding strength, may have some relevance in broader contexts of dental materials, the primary reason for using tin through electroplating is its ability to mitigate galvanic action. This makes the crowns more reliable and less prone to negative reactions in the mouth.