Crowns

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is a cap-shaped restoration that fits perfectly over a tooth to cover cracks, discoloration, and more. They also protect weak teeth from further damage and prevent bacteria from penetrating your teeth.

If baby teeth are temporary, why does my child need a dental crown?

While baby teeth, or primary teeth, are temporary, they stay in your child’s mouth for longer than you may think. Children typically lose their molars by age 12 or 13, so it’s important to keep them healthy for as long as possible to ensure that their permanent teeth grow into a healthy space.

Baby teeth are also quite susceptible to infection, as they are much smaller than adult teeth. This occurs because your child’s tooth’s pulp — the soft center containing nerves, tissue, and blood vessels — is large and close to the surface. Since tooth enamel is thinner and weaker in baby teeth, your child’s tooth pulp is more exposed than it is during adulthood.

If a filling is not enough to remove your child’s tooth decay, a dental crown is recommended to protect it against further damage.

What dental crown options does my child have?

The My Kidz Dentist team offers two main dental crown choices for children:

Stainless steel crown

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends stainless steel crowns for children. Stainless steel crowns are extremely durable and provide the best coverage for baby teeth. What sets stainless steel crowns apart for alternative options is that they are very long lasting and inexpensive, ideal to use for treating primary teeth.

White crown

White crowns, or zirconia crowns, are perfect for baby teeth close to the front of the mouth. They are made entirely of Zirconia, a biocompatible material that looks and feels just like a natural tooth. Each crown is shade matched perfectly to your child’s teeth and looks seamless once placed. They are best suited for teeth that you can see when your child smiles, as they are not as durable as stainless steel crowns.

The experienced team at My Kidz Dentist is dedicated to making every visit fun and comfortable for your child. To learn more about your child’s dental crown options, call My Kidz Dentist or book an appointment online today.