Dental Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped protective layer placed over the entire surface of a damaged or decayed tooth, right down to the gum line, to protect it from further damage or decay.

Why would my child need a dental crown?

Sometimes a tooth has a cavity that’s too large to benefit from a filling, so a dental crown is required to protect the tooth. Crowns are usually applied to rear teeth or teeth that have been badly damaged. They can also be used to cover baby teeth that haven’t developed properly.

What different types of dental crowns are there?

There are two main types of crown we recommend for children:

STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS

These are ideal for large cavities or fractures in a child’s baby teeth. They are made from corrosion-resistant steel alloy which makes them durable and affordable. These crowns are designed to protect the structure of the entire tooth. They work a bit like a football helmet, protecting everything underneath until the baby tooth falls out naturally.

How stainless steel crowns are applied

These crowns are not custom made, they come in a variety of predetermined sizes. Dr Betty will select the best fit for your child’s tooth. The treatment will require your child’s mouth to be numbed after the area has been cleaned. A drill will be used to gently clean and trim the affected tooth, readying it for the fitting of the crown which will securely bond to the existing tooth. This process typically takes less than an hour.

What are the benefits of dental crowns?

Less preparation of the tooth is required than with a filling
More of your child’s natural tooth enamel will remain to preserve and strengthen the tooth
They last longer than fillings, so the restoration should hold until the tooth falls out naturally
Stainless steel crowns don’t look as natural as zirconia crowns (see below), but will be applied to teeth that will fall out, so that perfect smile will return once your child’s adult teeth grow.

ZIRCONIA CROWNS

These are an alternative to stainless steel crowns, and are made from a biocompatible metal-free material called zirconium dioxide. These crowns look more natural than steel and look much like the porcelain that’s been used to make crowns for years. But zirconia is a lot more durable and more aesthetically pleasing. The benefits and application of zirconia crowns are very similar to stainless steel crowns, and they look more natural. As with stainless steel crowns, the treatment can be completed in one visit.

To discuss getting a dental crown for your child, or to arrange treatment at Clover Kids Dentistry, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

We Believe In Making a Difference

Stop in or call our office to meet Dr. Betty and tour our
facility. She’s on a mission to nurture healthy smiles for
life, and provide non-judgmental, affordable, pediatric
dental services, with a particular focus on preventive
dentistry and patient/parent education.