235 North Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
Baker, Mark D.D.S.
30 N Michigan Ave # 1320
Chicago, IL, 60602-3720
South River Dentistry
2301 Robious Station Circle
Chicago, IL, 60647
(804) 378-7888
Pettitt, Antoinette D.D.S.
457 E 87th St
Chicago, IL, 60619-6003
Ashkenaz, Paul J D.D.S.
25 E Washington St # 1833
Chicago, IL, 60602-1834
In restorative dentistry a dental crown, or caps for teeth, look and function just like natural teeth. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend a dental crown if your tooth has enough decay that it cannot hold a filling, or if your tooth is cracked or broken and in danger of cracking down into the root if left unattended. A dental crown covers your tooth completely. It fits snugly at the gum and protects what remains of the natural tooth.
The dental crown serves two important functions. First, it restores the appearance of your teeth and your face. If your tooth is severely decayed or cracked, your cosmetic dentist will need to restore it prior to preparing a cap. Teeth also support the muscles in our faces, so anything less than a full tooth may affect the way you smile.
Second, a dental crown will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth. As a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned; it will also make sure that other teeth don't shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting and chewing.
A dental crown is most often made of gold or porcelain. A dental crown also can be made of stainless steel, but those are often temporary and not designed for long-term wear.
A porcelain dental crown is usually built on a metal base, which fits snugly over the natural tooth. Your dentist will choose a porcelain that matches the color of your natural teeth. A porcelain dental crown is usually so carefully matched in color, it cannot be distinguished from your natural teeth. Many people choose porcelain dental crowns for the cosmetic appearance and the confidence it give them.
New materials are now available in cosmetic dentistry that allow your cosmetic dentist to use an "all-ceramic" dental crown in some cases. They have a beautiful life-like appearance and short-term studies support their success, with long-term trials ongoing.
A dental crown can be made of all gold. Some people prefer not to use a gold crown because it stands out from the other teeth in appearance. At the same time, if the gold crown is on a back molar, some people feel the cosmetic issue is not a big one. Your cosmetic dentist will discuss the types of materials available if a gold crown is recommended.
Once your dental crown is in place, make sure the area is brushed well and that you floss below the gum line. While the dental crown protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must protect the base of the dental crown from bacterial growth and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing as you would your natural teeth will ensure that your crown will be in place for years to come!
Your Gold Crown is not just royal jewelry for your mouth!
by Danine M. Fresch, DDS
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Choice is a wonderful thing. It can mean the opportunity to look a dozen years younger than your actual age. Which, in this youth-obsessed culture, gives you extra advantages, whether you're thirty-something or a grandparent.
These choices include your teeth. Not just movie stars, but adults in all walks of life, are opting for cosmetic dental care that restore youthful vitality to their skin and faces. You might be surprised by the role fresh "young" teeth play in creating that overall first impression.
Your cosmetic dentist can bring you up to date on the incredible and youth-restoring dental options, like dental crowns and veneers, that are available to you. Options available at a fraction of the cost of risky and invasive surgery such as, say, a face-lift.
Whichever restorative dentistry procedure you agree to, or decline, is your personal choice. For example, suppose you're missing teeth. Maybe the gap doesn't show, and you've lived with it for awhile. Replacement with dental crowns or dental bridges might be recommended. The consequences of living with missing teeth are important, but the choice to replace that missing tooth and get one step closer to a beautiful smile is yours.
Just the same, it's your mouth and your decision. Whenever you have questions about your care, ask your local dentist and together you can do what's right for you.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
