Dental Crowns for Kids
Reno, NV
 In restorative dentistry, dental specialists often recommend dental crowns for children to keep teeth from falling out prematurely. While this may seem surprising to some parents, baby teeth are more than temporary fixtures, as they maintain the integrity of the dental structure. Dental specialists at Sierra Kids Dentistry will advocate for dental crowns to protect these vital baby teeth, preventing premature loss and potential complications when permanent teeth erupt. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)), early intervention with dental crowns can enhance oral health in children. This goes a long way in ensuring proper spacing for permanent teeth and mitigating the risk of dental issues down the line.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, or caps, are customized prosthetic devices that cover a tooth entirely, mimicking its natural function, color, feel, and shape. They restore the structural integrity of a damaged or weakened tooth while enhancing its appearance. Dental specialists use various materials to make crowns, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination.
Although this treatment is often performed in adults, dental professionals can recommend dental crowns to address various complications, including extensive decay, fractures, chips, and malformed teeth, or as a protective measure for baby teeth at risk of premature loss. Crowns are customized in the laboratory using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a comfortable fit and seamlessly blend with the surrounding teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns for Kids
Dental crowns for children come in various materials, each tailored to the specific needs of young patients. Understanding the different types can help you make informed decisions regarding the oral health care of your child.
Zirconia Ceramic Crowns
Zirconia ceramic crowns are famous for their durability, strength, and natural look, making them an excellent choice for children requiring long-term restoration of primary or permanent teeth. These prosthetic devices are crafted from zirconium dioxide, showing exceptional wear and tear resilience. Since the jaw is developing, crowns protect the underlying tooth structure.
In addition, zirconia ceramic crowns possess superior biocompatibility features, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects. Consider zirconia ceramic crowns if you want natural-looking aesthetics that blend seamlessly with your smile and provide reliable functionality.
Resin Veneer Crowns
Resin veneer crowns are a viable alternative for those on a budget or looking for a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution. Resin veneer crowns are composed of composite resin materials, matching natural tooth color, shape, and size.
Another benefit of resin veneer crowns is that they are easy to place and can be completed in a single dental visit. This makes them an enticing option for young patients requiring immediate restoration dentistry services. While resin veneer crowns may not possess the same level of durability as other materials, they provide sufficient protection for primary teeth while maintaining an appealing appearance.
Composite Strip Crowns
Composite strip crowns are versatile options for pediatric dental restoration, combining durability, affordability, and esthetics in perfect balance. These crowns are made of a composite resin material coated over a prefabricated stainless steel shell, providing structural support and delivering natural-looking results.
Dentists customize composite strip crowns to restore primary teeth affected by extensive decay, fractures, or cosmetic imperfections. This customizable nature enhances precision when shaping and coloring to achieve optimal aesthetics and functionality. Although composite strip crowns are less durable than zirconia ceramic alternatives, they offer a reliable solution for children needing extensive dental restoration.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns have long been a staple in restorative dentistry, offering durable, affordable, and simple placement alternatives. These tailored crowns are crafted from medical-grade stainless steel to restore primary molars compromised by decay or damage. Stainless steel crowns provide excellent protection for the underlying tooth structure, preventing further deterioration while maintaining proper spacing for erupting permanent teeth. While their metallic appearance is conspicuous and less aesthetically pleasing, stainless steel crowns offer unparalleled strength and longevity, making them a practical choice for restoring posterior teeth.
Polycarbonate Crowns
Polycarbonate crowns offer a durable and visually pleasing solution for restoring primary anterior teeth in children. Dental specialists use polycarbonate material to craft these devices, as it is lightweight, biocompatible, and resistant. Polycarbonate crowns are shaped and shaded precisely to match the natural teeth, ensuring seamless integration within the other teeth.
In addition, these crowns are easy to place and can be completed in a single dental visit, minimizing discomfort and treatment time for young patients. While polycarbonate crowns are not as durable as metal-based alternatives, they provide adequate protection and enhance the aesthetic of primary anterior teeth in children.
FAQs About Dental Crowns for Kids
Are Dental Crowns Necessary for Baby Teeth?
Dental crowns may be necessary for baby teeth in certain situations. Baby teeth are crucial in maintaining space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. If a baby tooth is compromised by decay, injury, or other factors, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to preserve its structure and function until the permanent tooth emerges.
Will My Child Feel Discomfort with a Dental Crown?
Pediatric dentists administer local anesthesia during the placement procedure to ensure maximum comfort. Mild sensitivity or discomfort may occur during recovery but usually resolves within a few days. Dentists take special care to minimize discomfort and ensure a positive experience for young patients.
How Long Do Dental Crowns for Kids Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown for a child can vary depending on the type of crown, oral hygiene practices, and dental habits. Generally, dental crowns for kids can last several years, with proper care and regular dental check-ups. However, as children grow and their mouths change, adjustments or replacements are crucial to maintain optimal oral health.
Can My Child Eat Normally with a Dental Crown?
Once the placement procedure is complete, your child can eat and chew normally. However, avoiding sticky or hard foods that could dislodge or damage the crown is advisable. Parents should encourage good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing, to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the prosthetic devices.
Dental crowns for kids play a vital role in addressing issues such as decay, damage, or malformation of baby teeth, preserving the health and integrity of young smiles. Whether you want the durability of zirconia ceramic or the aesthetic enhancement of resin veneer, Sierra Kids Dentistry can customize dental crowns to meet the unique needs of your child. Contact us at (775) 473-1247 and schedule a consultation with our dental team.
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