Available for emergenciesPediatric Dental Crowns
Stainless Steel Crowns vs. Zirconia Crowns
As a parent, ensuring the best possible dental care for your child is essential for their long-term oral health and well-being. When faced with the need for pediatric dental restoration, understanding the differences between available treatment options becomes imperative.
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Why might a child need a dental crown?
Children may require dental crowns for various reasons, primarily to protect and restore damaged primary teeth. Common indications include generalized decay in younger patients, severe tooth decay, fractures, developmental dental defects, or the need to support a tooth after a pulpotomy (pulpal treatment typically for large cavities). Dental crowns serve as durable protective coverings that safeguard weakened teeth, allowing children to maintain proper oral function and aesthetics while ensuring long-term dental health.
The procedure for placing a dental crown on a child’s tooth typically involves several steps. First, the dentist assesses the child’s oral health and determines the need for a crown based on clinical examination and diagnostic tests such as dental X-rays to evaluate the extent of decay or damage to the primary tooth. Next, the tooth is prepared by removing any decayed or damaged tissue and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. The prefabricated crown is tried on to ensure a proper and intimate fit. Once the perfect fit is attained then the crown is cemented onto the tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
Stainless Steel Crowns:
Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are the gold standard in pediatric dentistry due to their ability to adapt to ever-changing mouths as children develop. SSCs are durable and the material that is most similar to the properties of a natural tooth. With decades upon decades of research to back up the claims, these restorations give the best prognosis for teeth to stay in the mouth until they naturally exfoliate.
Pediatric stainless steel crowns are indicated for primary teeth with extensive decay, fractures, or developmental defects where preservation of tooth structure and restoration of function are paramount. Contraindications may include aesthetic concerns in visible areas of the mouth or when alternative restorative options are deemed more suitable based on individual patient factors. Due to the aesthetic concerns that arise, at Moonflower Dentistry, stainless steel crowns are only used on back teeth as there are other more aesthetic options with equal durability for the front teeth.
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Zirconia Crowns:
Children’s zirconia crowns are newer to the pediatric dental arena and have gained popularity due to their excellent aesthetic properties and biocompatibility. These ceramic dental crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a high-strength material known for its durability and natural appearance. Zirconia crowns are an ideal choice for restoring primary teeth in visible areas of the mouth, offering superior esthetics compared to stainless steel crowns.
Zirconia crowns are indicated for primary teeth requiring aesthetic restoration. Although zirconia crowns are more aesthetically pleasing, they are more prone to fracture and dislodgement when compared to SSCs. They are contraindicated in certain cases of malocclusion, severe tooth wear, inadequate tooth structure for retention, and/or bruxism.
Ready to Crown Your Child’s Smile? Reserve Their Appointment!
When it comes to choosing between stainless steel crowns and zirconia crowns for your child’s dental needs, it’s essential to consider factors such as durability, aesthetics, and long-term oral health. At Moonflower Dentistry for Adults and Kids, our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to your child’s unique needs. If you’re unsure which option is best for your child or if you’d like to learn more about our pediatric dental services, schedule a consultation with us today. Let us help your child achieve a healthy and radiant smile that lasts a lifetime.