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If your child has one or more badly decayed or damaged baby teeth, their dentist may recommend stainless steel crowns.
Many people believe that baby (primary) teeth don’t need to be treated because children lose them naturally. However, baby teeth play a key role in supporting proper speech and chewing habits. They also save space for your child’s permanent teeth to grow properly.
This article explains the importance of stainless steel crowns in restoring baby teeth. It also covers oral health tips to help prevent the need for stainless steel crowns.
A stainless steel crown (SSC) is a type of pediatric dental restoration commonly used to repair decayed, chipped, or fractured baby teeth. They’re a durable and cost-effective way to temporarily restore primary teeth and prevent premature tooth loss.
Like other dental crowns, an SSC is carefully molded to fit snugly over the entire tooth. This helps prevent further decay and strengthens the tooth until it’s ready to fall out naturally.
Stainless steel crowns, also called caps, are pre-made and sized to fit over a child’s entire tooth. The dentist will seal them in place with dental cement.
There are two types of SSCs available:
This type of crown is the most popular because it closely resembles the shape and look of natural teeth. They are pre-contoured before placement and typically do not require much trimming.
Pre-trimmed means it is already trimmed according to a specific size. They do not require trimming to fit the tooth. These crowns have straight, non-contoured sides.
The prices below reflect procedure costs without insurance:
Since dental restorations are medically necessary, part or most of the procedures are covered by a good insurance policy.
Stainless steel crowns are cost-effective, long-lasting, and highly successful.
Various factors influence the cost of stainless steel crowns. These include:
Scientific evidence shows that stainless steel crowns are the superior restoration choice for children at high risk for cavities.2 A dentist may recommend a stainless steel crown for your child in any of the following cases:
Stainless steel crowns can be a good choice if your child has certain dental concerns. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends SSCs in children who:3
When it comes to durability and longevity, no other restoration material has been shown to outperform stainless steel crowns.2
There are many advantages of SSCs for children, including:
There are certain situations in which SSCs are not recommended. These include:
If general anesthesia is needed for the child to cooperate during the procedure, the dentist may consider alternative approaches.
The procedure typically occurs in a dental office and only requires one visit. Here’s how it’s performed:
Cavities are mainly caused by plaque buildup. Primary teeth are more susceptible to cavities and decay because they have thinner enamel.
Plaque attacks the tooth enamel, which causes holes and dark brown spots on teeth. If not removed, calculus (hardened plaque) forms and can only be removed by a pediatric dentist.
Here are four common causes of cavities in primary and permanent teeth:
Children and adolescents who consume foods and drinks high in sugar, such as candy and juices, are more susceptible to tooth decay.
Starches, such as chips, pasta, and bread can also lead to cavity development because they are high in carbohydrates, which turn into sugar.
Adolescents and teens who begin smoking or chewing tobacco early are more prone to tooth decay, tooth discoloration, and gingivitis (gum disease).
Eating sugary foods and smoking regularly can lead to enamel breakdown and cavity formation.
Poor oral health can cause plaque and bacteria buildup. A good oral health routine includes:
Every six months, children and adolescents should also visit a dentist for professional teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental exams. During the exams, pediatric dentists look for signs of tooth decay and determine the best treatment option, including SSCs or cavity fillings.
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands in the mouth do not make enough saliva and can be caused by some medications. Over time, dry mouth often results in cavity formation.
Adults and seniors are more prone to dry mouth because they take medications more often than children.
Certain medications can cause dry mouth and tooth decay in children. These include:
Though SSCs are the preferred type of dental restoration, it’s best if your child doesn’t need one. You can reduce your child’s chances of needing a crown by promoting good oral hygiene. Here’s how to do that:
Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are the most commonly used dental restoration for repairing severely damaged and decayed baby teeth. Their durability and longevity outperform other restoration materials, making SSCs a cost-effective and reliable choice for children.
A child may need a crown if they have cavities that are too extensive for fillings. You can help reduce your child’s risk for cavities by teaching them how to properly care for their teeth.
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