Different Types of Dental Crowns for Kids – Your Options
Posted on June 15th, 2023 | Christopher Neal
Pediatric dental crowns may be recommended as a restorative treatment method to repair teeth that have been severely damaged by tooth decay or injury. It’s more likely a pediatric dentist will suggest placing a crown if the affected tooth is a permanent tooth rather than a baby tooth, or a baby tooth that cannot be repaired with a simple filling.
One of the most common reasons a dental crown becomes necessary is a cavity goes unnoticed for an extended period. This allows the cavity to grow, which degrades the structural integrity of the tooth.
When you notice there’s a problem with your child’s tooth, you should visit your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. If they need a permanent crown, knowing what the different crown options are will help you make the best choice for your child, and understand the dentist’s recommendations.
Different Types of Crowns for Teeth – Children’s Tooth Crowns
There are several types of pediatric crowns available. Your dentist may recommend any of the following options:
- Stainless Steel Crowns
- Composite Crowns
- Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns
Each of the crown materials listed above come with their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Stainless steel crowns are essentially metal teeth caps. They are not the same color as natural teeth, unless coated with a veneer. These are often called “porcelain fused to metal” crowns.
However, traditional stainless steel crowns are silver in color, which makes them quite noticeable. They are extremely durable and often more affordable than other options. If your child needs a crown on one of their molars or baby teeth, stainless steel can be a great choice.
Dental crowns made from composite resin and ceramic are the same color as natural teeth. This makes them cosmetically preferable over metal caps. Composite crowns are not usually as durable as ceramic, although they are more resistant to chipping.
Visit Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry for Dental Crowns
If your child has injured a tooth or has a severe cavity, they may require a dental crown. If a dental restoration is necessary, the team at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry can help. A properly placed crown could mean the difference between a healthy smile and tooth extraction, so contact us to schedule an appointment. As one of the best children’s dentists in Palos Heights, it’s our mission to protect your child’s oral health and smile development.
Call us at (708) 448-6700 to set up an appointment today.