Silver teeth are a commonly used term to describe a certain type of dental crowns.
Dental crowns are an important part of kids’ dental care and now come in a variety of materials. Fortunately, families aren’t just limited to silver crowns to maintain oral health.
A dental crown is a tooth covering that goes all the way down to the gum line. Crowns protect and support teeth. They provide support for a tooth that has a filling so large where there isn’t a lot of tooth left. By covering the whole tooth, they offer serious protection for the tooth that has become too weak from decay or breakage.
How is a Crown Different Than a Filling?
Both crowns and fillings are used to repair a tooth that has experienced damage from a chip or cavity. Each case is unique and should always be looked at by your kids’ dentist. However, a general guideline for fillings is that they are to be used for smaller cavities or chips in a tooth. A crown can also work together with a filling to maintain proper bite support. If the filling is large enough, a crown will be needed to support the filling to ensure maximum support and protection.
Most Popular Types of Crowns Used in Kids’ Dental Applications:
Depending on where your child’s crown is needed, you will usually have options for the type of crown used. Read on to see which options might be right for your child’s teeth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal:
This option provides the best of both worlds. You get the strength of a metal crown but the covering of a porcelain material to make the tooth blend into the surrounding teeth. Your front and rear teeth can utilize this type of crown.
- Ceramic crowns:
Ceramic crowns are primarily used to target the front teeth. They will match the surrounding color of the teeth and blend in. It isn’t recommenced to use a ceramic crown for rear teeth as they don’t hold up as well to heavy biting force.
- Metal Crowns:
Metal crowns have been around the longest and will generally work for every application. They are very durable and offer the best protection possible. There is also less tooth that needs to be taken out to apply this crown.
Tips to Prevent Cavities and Crowns in Kids:
While genetics can play a part in oral health, there are many steps you can take to provide your kid with the best oral health practices possible.
- Develop Proper Oral Hygiene Habits:
Lead by example for your child to establish proper cleaning habits. Brushing twice daily, using floss, and mouthwash will provide some of the best defense possible to prevent tooth decay.
- Avoid Teeth Grinding:
Teeth grinding can happen at any age. There can be serious pressure exerted during teeth grinding so it’s important to wear a mouth guard during the night to prevent extra wear.
- Avoid Sugar & Hard Foods:
Sugar is one of the top reasons for tooth decay. With as many foods that have hidden sugars, it’s important to read the nutrition info and try and curb sugar intake as much as possible. Hard candies should also be avoided as they can cause tooth breakage if chewed on.
Out of all the kid’s dentists in Sacramento, only our Kids Care Dental Offices provide parents with the strongest network of kid’s dentists to meet all your child’s dental needs. Contact us to make an appointment to get your little one smiling today!
