Crowns

If a baby tooth has extensively decayed or has had a baby root canal, a simple, white filling leaves the tooth vulnerable to future breaks or fractures. In this case, a prefabricated crown is given as an option to cover and protect the tooth.

Crowns on baby teeth are not the same as crowns on permanent teeth. The cost is comparable to a simple white filling. There are different crown types. Recommendations are made depending on the tooth that has the problem.

White Crowns

White crowns are made of either a composite polymer or zirconia, making them esthetically pleasing. Most parents agree their teeth look quite natural. Placing white crowns requires skill, time, and a highly cooperative child.

While it is worth it cosmetically to restore front teeth, white crowns are weaker than other crowns. It is common for composite crowns to fracture, stain, and break over time, so special care is needed.

Stainless Steel Crowns

These silver crowns are made of stainless steel and are incredibly durable. They are often recommended for restoring the baby molars. The back teeth are used for chewing, so they need to hold up under pressure.

In addition to enduring the most pressure, back teeth are the last teeth to fall out (usually around age 12), so back teeth need to last the longest. Primary molars are located in the back of the mouth, making them less visible. When it comes to molars, stainless steel crowns are the favored choice for most pediatric dentists.