Tips for Keeping Your Children’s Teeth Healthy

Posted on: 9 June 2015

Getting dental crowns is a great way to improve the look of your smile. They correct a wide variety of problems, so you can really get the smile you've always wanted. If you're considering getting dental crowns, check out these six important facts.

They Can Fix Many Cosmetic Problems

Dental crowns are a great way to fix many dental cosmetic concerns. For starters, they can correct minor crooked teeth, which not only improves the look of your smile but also makes it easier to floss, brush and eat. Other problems that can be corrected with dental crowns include uneven teeth, rotated teeth, discolored teeth and minor gapping. With just one solution, you get a perfect-looking smile that also improves functionality, especially if you have severely damaged or crooked teeth. 

You Can Choose Between Many Different Materials

There are many different options when it comes to choosing the crown material. Metal crowns are the strongest and withstand daily chewing well. However, they are also the least attractive option. Porcelain crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal are designed to mimic the natural appearance of teeth. They are white and have the same translucency that your real teeth have. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are more durable than pure porcelain crowns, but you can often see the metal beneath the porcelain, making them a better choice for back teeth, while all-porcelain crowns are good for front teeth. Ceramic is a less-expensive white option, but ceramic crowns don't mimic the look of teeth as well as porcelain.

Dental Crowns Actually Strengthen Weak Teeth

Teeth can become week from large cavities, cracks and even large fillings. These teeth are more likely to shatter or crack further. They are also more prone to decay if bacteria seeps inside the cracks or fillings. Crowns, however, can strengthen and protect weak teeth by giving them a solid outer wall. Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are also more likely to break, which is why it is important to have these teeth protected with a dental crown.

Dental Crowns Are Not Reversible

A dental crown is not a non-invasive procedure. During the process, your tooth must be ground down so the crown can fit on top of it. Porcelain crowns require more tooth structure to be removed than metal crowns, but regardless of which material you choose, a dental crown is not reversible. If the dentist removes the crown, you are left with a tooth with little to no enamel, making it prone to quick decay or infection. Once you decide to get crowns, you'll need them forever.

The Process Is Costly and They Don't Last Forever

Dental crowns are an expensive investment. All-porcelain crowns cost about $800 to $3000 per tooth, while porcelain-fused-to-metal cost between $500 and $1500 per tooth. So, if you plan on getting a full smile-makeover, prepare to pay a lot. Of course, for many people, the amazing benefits are definitely worth it. Another disadvantage is that crowns don't last forever. On average, they last between 5 and 15 years. Remember, you can't just have them removed; once they need to be replaced, you'll have to spend more money to get more crowns.

Crowns Protect Most of Your Teeth

Crowns are like the lead vest you wear to get dental X-rays. They block out all the harmful stuff: bacteria, plaque and tartar. This means that, for the most part, your teeth are impermeable to decay. However, the crown stops at the gum line, which means that area is exposed. It's important to keep the gum line extremely clean. Failure to do so can lead to decay. It can also cause your gums to recede from irritation. As your gums recede, it exposes the roots of your teeth, which aren't protected by the crown or enamel. 

Dental crowns are worth the money, but only if you continue to practice good oral hygiene. The better you care for your teeth, the longer the crowns last. If you're ready to improve your smile, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today to schedule a consultation.