Saint Charles Dentist Offers Full Coverage Protection for Teeth

Crowns, sometimes called caps, are a great option for reconstructing a broken tooth due to decay or trauma, covering a tooth after a faulty or large filling is removed, and for cosmetic reasons. A Saint Charles dentist can walk patients through different treatment options and decide if a crown is beneficial for each case.

Crowns can be made from different materials depending on the location in the mouth that it is to be treated. Regardless of the material used, a crown covers the entire tooth structure. This is to ensure even weight distribution, which is especially important for the back teeth that are used for chewing. Anterior (front) teeth that require crowns, whether because of restorative issues or cosmetic preferences, are typically constructed with porcelain to match the color of the adjacent teeth and are more aesthetically pleasing.

Because posterior teeth perform chewing and have to exhibit such strong forces, crowns are generally made with a metal base for strength and then covered in porcelain to look like a natural tooth. Crowns can also be made from stainless steel, gold, and other alloy metals.

Caring for a crown is no different than taking care of natural teeth. Because the margin of the crown extends to the gumline, it is important to use a circular motion with a soft toothbrush to remove any plaque or food from around the margin. Flossing is also key, not only keep the tissue healthy around the crown margins, but to also to remove debris and prevent decay from forming around the margins. Because crowns are cemented to the prepped natural tooth, there is no need to worry about dislodging the crown with brushing or flossing.

For further questions, contact a Saint Charles dentist today to see if a crown is the best option for cosmetic reasons, to replace older fillings, or due to a broken tooth.