Why Do Kids Get Pediatric Stainless Steel Crowns?
Have you noticed children in your child’s school with silver teeth? They’re actually pediatric stainless steel crowns. What are these silver crowns and what purpose do they serve? While some parents may feel apprehensive about the appearance of stainless steel crowns, it’s important to understand the reasons behind their use. In this blog, we will discuss frequently asked questions related to pediatric stainless steel crowns, and how they keep your child’s smile strong and healthy.
What Are Pediatric Stainless Steel Crowns?
Although more noticeable than natural-looking alternatives, pediatric stainless steel crowns tend to be the most popular for restoring primary teeth. This is due to their durability and ease of application – it’s a fairly quick and smooth process even for the wiggliest kiddos! Unlike crowns for adults, which often require multiple dental visits, pediatric dental crowns can usually be placed in a single procedure.
Are Stainless Steel Crowns Necessary?
Without intervention, tooth decay can lead to serious dental hygiene issues. When a primary tooth has severe decay and other filling materials won’t do the trick, Pediatric Smiles, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), recommends restoring the tooth with a pediatric stainless steel crown.
Sometimes referred to as “silver teeth”, pediatric stainless steel crowns are used in the restoration of decayed teeth, especially in areas of the mouth where the filling material is less visible, such as the back teeth (molars and premolars). They are ideal for primary teeth since they offer a robust, budget-friendly solution to protect your child’s oral health in the interim time before their permanent teeth arrive.
Why Are Primary Teeth So Important?
You may be wondering, “My child’s baby teeth are just going to fall out, so why bother protecting or replacing them?” While it’s true they fall out, it’s all about timing. Primary teeth are very important because they hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth growing under the gums. If baby teeth are removed or lost ahead of schedule due to decay, permanent teeth are likely to shift into the wrong spaces, causing crowding and the need for braces later on.
What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Stainless Steel Crowns?
Pediatric stainless steel dental crowns are a popular method of restoring decayed primary teeth. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Less likely to need retreatment
- Durable and inexpensive
- Full-coverage protection for the tooth
- Very little sensitivity
- More successful than metal fillings in children under four years old
- Often used as an attachment for a space maintainer
Book an Appointment at Pediatric Smiles
Are you concerned about your child’s teeth? The team at Pediatric Smiles of Northland KC is ready to help. While pediatric dental crowns are an important tool in restoring little mouths to health, maintaining your dental routine at home is the best, most effective preventative strategy. Be sure to visit your pediatric dentist every six months, brush and floss regularly, and avoid sugary, chewy snacks. Contact us today to book an appointment.
