Children’s Dental Crowns
The enamel of baby teeth is much thinner than that of permanent teeth, and cavities have a tendency to spread easily and usually affect a larger area of the tooth. When this happens, placing a children’s dental crown over the tooth may be the only way to protect the tooth from premature extraction.
Even though primary (baby) teeth are temporary, it is important to understand how essential they are to the normal progression to permanent teeth. Baby teeth play a vital role to help children learn how to speak and chew, and they also save space for their adult teeth. This is why if your child has severely decayed primary teeth, the doctors at Westchester Pediatric Dentistry will recommend placing crowns (caps) on the teeth.
Benefits of dental crowns
• A dental crown can protect a weak tooth from breaking.
• The crown will restore the full function of a damaged tooth and restore the ability to chew and speak properly.
• It will preserve the essential spacing that is needed so the adult tooth can come in correctly.
• The dental crown can help to reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.
• Dental crowns on baby teeth are designed to protect the tooth until the permanent tooth arrives naturally.
Types of crowns available
• Stainless Steel Crowns
o The most commonly used crown in pediatric dentistry
o They can be customized to fit any tooth
o They are great for the use over molars because they are durable, strong, and resistant to moisture.
o Very cost effective - generally stainless steel crowns are the least expensive type of crown available
• Veneered Steel Crowns
o They are made from stainless steel and nickel with a tooth-colored material bonded to the front, top, and sides.
o Durable and aesthetically pleasing, they are perfect to use on the front teeth.
o They do require more tooth reduction than other crown preparations.
• EZ-Pedo All Ceramic Zirconia Crowns
o They are made from a tooth-colored material called zirconia, which is similar to ceramic.
o They are metal free, which is helpful for children who have metal allergies
o They are stronger and more durable than the enamel on children’s teeth, which makes them almost indestructible.
o They look the most like a natural tooth.
o They are resistant to plaque accumulation and decay.
If your child has been complaining about a sore tooth or has stopped eating, talking, or drinking like they normally do, call for an appointment with Westchester Pediatric Dentistry, in Westchester. Our kind and patient doctors, Dr.
Christie Burnett and Dr. Deepa Sreenivasan will do everything in their power to make your child feel comfortable while they check for any dental decay.
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