Crowns
If a baby tooth extensively decayed or had a root canal, a simple white filling leaves the tooth vulnerable to future breaks or fractures. In this case, a prefabricated crown is an option to cover and protect the tooth.
Crowns on baby teeth are not the same as on permanent teeth. The cost is comparable to a simple white filling. There are different crown types. We make recommendations depending on the tooth with the problem.
White Crowns
White crowns are made of either a composite polymer or zirconia, making them esthetically pleasing. Most parents agree that the teeth look quite natural. However, placing them requires skill, time, and a highly cooperative child.
While it is worth it cosmetically to restore front teeth, they are weaker than others. Commonly, the composite fractures, stains and breaks over time, requiring special care.
Stainless Steel
Made of stainless steel, these crowns are incredibly durable. Often, we recommend them for restoring the baby molars.
Back teeth are used for chewing. Therefore, they need to hold up under pressure. In addition to enduring the most pressure, back teeth are also the last teeth to fall out, usually around age 12.
Back teeth also need to last the longest. Primary molars are located in the back of the mouth, making them less visible. When it comes to molars, most pediatric dentists favor stainless steel.