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.
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.
There are two main types of crown we recommend for children:
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.
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.
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.
Yes, badly decayed or damaged baby teeth still need crowns because untreated damage can spread to the adult tooth developing underneath, cause serious pain, or lead to infection. Baby molars also stay in until around age 10 to 12, so a crown often protects the tooth for many years of chewing and speech development. Losing a baby tooth too early can cause the adjacent teeth to drift and crowd the space meant for the permanent tooth, which can create alignment problems later. A crown preserves the tooth in place until it falls out naturally on its own.
Stainless steel crowns for children are considered safe and have been used successfully in pediatric dentistry for decades. They are typically made from a stainless steel alloy that includes iron, chromium, and small amounts of nickel, which is what makes them so durable and corrosion-resistant. True nickel allergy is uncommon in young children, and the small nickel content in a crown rarely triggers a reaction. If your child has a known nickel allergy or a family history of one, tell Dr. Betty before treatment. Zirconia crowns are completely metal-free and are the recommended alternative in those cases.
Yes, zirconia crowns typically cost more than stainless steel crowns because the material is more expensive and each crown takes longer to prepare and fit. Stainless steel crowns come in preset sizes that can be adjusted chairside, while zirconia crowns require more precise tooth shaping and a more careful fit. Dental insurance often covers stainless steel crowns fully for cavity treatment, while zirconia crowns may only be partially covered, especially on back teeth where a stainless steel crown would also work. Call our office at (720) 805-0707 for a personalized cost estimate and to review your insurance benefits.
Source & verification notes (remove before publishing): AAPD Guideline on Pediatric
Wait until the numbness fully wears off, usually two to three hours, before offering food or drink to prevent accidental cheek, tongue, or lip bites. Once numbness is gone, soft foods like yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs are ideal for the first day. Avoid sticky foods like gummies, caramel, or taffy for the first 24 hours, since these can tug at a new crown. For long-term care, brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss around the crown gently every day, since decay can still form where the crown meets the gum line.
Yes, a crowned baby tooth falls out on its own timeline, just like an uncrowned tooth. The permanent tooth developing underneath gradually dissolves the roots of the baby tooth in a process called resorption, no matter what is on top of it. Once the roots are gone, the baby tooth loosens and comes out naturally with the crown still attached. This is exactly why stainless steel and zirconia crowns are a great option for kids. They only need to last until that tooth is ready to fall out, not for a lifetime.
A loose or lost pediatric crown is not usually a dental emergency, but it should be addressed within a few days to protect the tooth underneath. Save the crown if you can find it, since Dr. Betty may be able to re-cement it. Have your child avoid chewing on that side and rinse gently with warm water to keep the area clean. Call our office at (720) 805-0707 as soon as possible to schedule a follow-up visit. Without the crown, the underlying tooth is more vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and further damage until it is replaced.
Yes, a tooth can still develop decay underneath or around a dental crown, especially where the edge of the crown meets the gum line. The crown itself does not decay, but bacteria and plaque can build up along that margin if it isn’t cleaned well every day. This is why brushing twice daily and flossing gently around each crowned tooth remains just as important after treatment. Regular six-month checkups let Dr. Betty catch new decay or a loose crown edge early, often long before it causes pain or discomfort for your child.
At Clover Kids Dentistry, we use gentle behavior guidance, tell-show-do explanations, and, when appropriate, sedation options ranging from nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, to deeper sedation for kids who need more support. Crown appointments are a bit longer than fillings, so we plan for extra comfort breaks and use a calm, kid-friendly pace throughout the visit. Bringing a favorite comfort item, scheduling early in the day when kids are rested, and letting your child meet Dr. Betty beforehand can also make a big difference. Read more on our sedation dentistry page and share your child’s specific concerns when you book.
Clover Kids Dentistry provides pediatric stainless steel and zirconia dental crowns, along with a full range of children’s dental services, at 14749 W 87th Pkwy, Unit A, Arvada, CO 80005. Call (720) 805-0707 to schedule your child’s appointment, or visit our hours and location page for directions, current office hours, and parking details. We serve families across Arvada and the surrounding northwest Denver metro area, including nearby Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and Broomfield. Dr. Betty Yip focuses exclusively on pediatric dentistry, so every crown treatment is planned around what is safest, gentlest, and most effective for growing smiles.
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.