What is Crown Application?
Crown applications, commonly known as veneers, are a dental procedure preferred for teeth with extensive material loss, multiple surfaces affected by decay, or those structurally weak. This procedure involves covering the entire tooth like a cap.
Can it be Applied to Milk Teeth?
There are prefabricated (ready-made) crowns specifically designed for milk teeth. These have been used in children since the 1950s as they continue to develop. After the necessary preparation of the tooth, crowns can be applied to both molars and incisors without the need for any measurement process due to their prefabricated nature.
What are the Advantages Compared to Fillings?
When applied to teeth with significant material loss due to procedures such as root canal treatment or amputation, crowns are much longer-lasting compared to fillings. They mimic natural teeth, making them more compatible with the contact points of adjacent teeth during chewing. They provide functional support during chewing and are more durable. Made from tissue-friendly metals, they envelop the entire tooth, preventing problems like decay on other surfaces.
Will Crowns Fall Out Like Milk Teeth?
Since crowns are bonded onto the teeth, they will fall out along with the teeth when the time comes for them to shed naturally. Additionally, no further procedure is required.
In Which Cases are Crowns Applied?
Crowns are applied in various situations, including:
- After amputation or root canal treatment for decayed milk and permanent teeth instead of tooth fillings,
- In the treatment of nursing bottle caries (early childhood caries),
- In the treatment of fractures resulting from trauma,
- In cases of germ deficiency in permanent teeth under milk teeth,
- In the treatment of defective teeth caused by genetic or environmental factors,
- In the treatment of teeth affected by molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH),
- To protect and restore teeth affected by material loss due to attrition, abrasion, or erosion.
Are There Only One Type of Crowns for Milk Teeth?
No! There are dozens of types of crowns available in terms of material, brand, and appearance. The most commonly used crowns in pediatric dentistry include:
Stainless steel crowns: These are the oldest and most frequently used type of crown worldwide, known for their durability. Their application is quick, but they have a gray color due to being metallic, which is why they are often used on back teeth.
Zirconium crowns: In recent years, zirconium crowns that mimic the natural color of teeth have been increasingly used in dental treatments due to rising aesthetic expectations. They are preferred for both incisors and molars and have excellent compatibility with oral tissues.
Article by: Dt. İrem Birinci
