What to Know About Stainless Steel Crowns
A widely trusted solution in , stainless steel dental crowns offer a durable and reliable way to protect children’s teeth. When decay or damage comes into play, our Saginaw pediatric dentist will use these crowns to restore dental function and maintain oral health. For parents considering this treatment, understanding the purpose and benefits of stainless steel crowns can ease anxious feelings from the start.
Here’s how pediatric dental crowns serve to help your child’s smile.
Why Placing a Steel Crown Matters for Baby Teeth
Every parent wants their child to have healthy teeth that are free of decay. Yet, that doesn’t stop the initial thought many have when they hear a dental crown is needed. It’s only a baby tooth, can’t it just be extracted or left alone?
To put it simply, no, because damaged teeth require protection. Though they are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, baby teeth are important. They help your child to speak properly, eat comfortably, and serve as placeholders for adult teeth.
If a decayed tooth is not treated, it could compromise other surrounding teeth and spread rapidly. This is due to the thin enamel of baby teeth. On the other hand, if the tooth is prematurely removed, neighboring teeth will want to fill the space and crowding can occur. In the end, dental crowns are the most durable solution for your child.
Common Concerns and FAQs
One of the most common concerns parents have about is their metallic appearance. Unlike white or tooth-colored crowns, stainless steel crowns are visibly different from natural teeth due to their silver color. While this might be an issue for some, especially when placed on front teeth, it’s important to note that children typically adapt very well to their new crowns.
In most cases, the functionality and protection provided by the crown far outweigh aesthetic considerations. Additionally, since these crowns are often used on molars, they are less visible when your child smiles or talks.
Another frequent question is about the longevity of stainless steel crowns. Parents often wonder how long these crowns will last and whether they will need to be replaced frequently. Stainless steel crowns are typically placed on baby teeth, which means they usually remain in place until the tooth naturally falls out to make way for the permanent tooth.
Safety is also a key concern for many parents, particularly regarding the crown’s biocompatibility and potential for allergic reactions. It’s reassuring to know that stainless steel crowns are highly safe for pediatric use. They are made from a high-quality, non-reactive material that is biocompatible, meaning it won’t cause any adverse reactions in the body. Allergic reactions to stainless steel crowns are extremely rare, and they have been used safely in pediatric dentistry for decades.
Benefits of Steel Pediatric Crowns
have been used in pediatric dentistry for several decades and are regarded as a trusted option. The crown itself is a metal shell that is easily placed and can be customized to fit any tooth.
A few other benefits of stainless steel crowns include:
- Their durability, strength, and resistance to moisture (perfect for back molars)
- They’re cost-effective and are the most affordable crown option available
- They generally only require one visit to our Saginaw, MI, pediatric dental office
Introducing Sealants to Help Fight Cavities
You can help prevent tooth decay on back teeth with dental sealants. Sealants are thin coatings that can be painted or brushed onto the chewing surface of your child’s molars.
On the top of these back teeth, there are narrow fissures and pits. Sealants act as a protective shield and prevent plaque from hiding inside these hard-to-brush grooves. If you’re interested in this quick, painless procedure for your child, our dentist can apply them no problem.
See if a Crown Is Right for Your Child
Crowns intended for the repair and restoration of primary teeth differ slightly in terms of the material used but function the same as adult crowns. Our pediatric dentist in Saginaw, MI, can speak with you in the instance that a crown becomes necessary for your child. Call Great Lakes Bay Pediatric Dentistry today at (989) 792-9201 to request an appointment.
