Reasons for Crowns
Like adults, adolescents may need crowns to cover teeth that have decayed (particularly teeth in need of root canals), to help hold a dental bridge in place and to cover chipped, cracked or otherwise broken teeth. They may also express interest in getting dental crowns to cover misshapen, unattractive teeth that don't blend in well with the surrounding teeth.Crown Material
Because adolescents would be replacing permanent teeth, they should be eligible for porcelain and porcelain/metal mix crowns. The metal mix crowns are studier and blend just as seamlessly in with surrounding teeth. If surrounding teeth are especially yellow, the dentist or cosmetic specialist may recommend teeth whitening so that the crowns don't stand out.Importance of Dental Hygiene
While anyone who needs dental crowns because of decayed teeth needs to be more careful to practice proper dental hygiene, adolescents should be especially wary if they have significant tooth decay in their permanent teeth at such a young age. Although crowns can last 40 years or more, real teeth are still present beneath the crowns and are subject to further decay and infection. A lifetime of proper brushing can make real teeth and crowns alike last longer.Adolescents usually qualify for porcelain and porcelain/metal mix dental crowns that blend in discretely with the teeth around them. This is especially important for adolescents who are seeking crowns to improve the look of their teeth.
