A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health

My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.

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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health

Porcelain Or Composite? Which Is The Better Choice For Your Front Tooth Crown?

Bella Snyder

If you need to have a front tooth covered with a crown, then your dentist is likely to offer two options: porcelain and composite resin. Both of these are tooth-colored materials, which is why they are good choices for visible front teeth. However, you should weigh the pros and cons of each option before picking the one that's best for you.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are a very strong choice that should hold up well to wear and tear. They should not wear down or change shape as you chew with them over the years. Also, porcelain is non bioreactive, which means your body will tolerate its presence in your mouth well. Your dentist can have the porcelain tinted to exactly match the color of your teeth so nobody will know you even have a crown.

The process of having a porcelain crown put on can be a bit time consuming, since you will have to be fitted for the crown during an initial appointment and then have it put into place during a second appointment once it has been made in the laboratory. Though durable, porcelain crowns can chip if you bite down on something hard or open a package with your teeth.

Composite Crowns

Composite crowns are a more affordable option than porcelain crowns in most cases, so if you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider composite. The material used to make them is less likely to chip than porcelain, which makes them a good choice for people who grind or clench their teeth. Composite crowns can often be made by your dentist in-office, so the process of having one put into place is faster and simpler -- there's no waiting for the crown to come in from the lab.

The downfall to composite crowns is that they can wear down more quickly over time as you chew. This means you may have to have a composite crown replaced in the future if it becomes worn to the point that it's affecting your bite or ability to chew. Composite is also more likely to stain than porcelain, so you'll want to be wary about drinking dark liquids like coffee and red wine.

To learn more about your crown options, speak to your dentist. He or she knows your personal dental health best and can make a recommendation based on the factors that are most important to you. To learn more, contact someone like Patrick M Pitts.

 


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