When it comes to restoring a child’s smile, sometimes a simple filling isn’t enough. In certain cases, pediatric crowns for primary teeth (baby teeth) are the best way to protect and preserve your child’s oral health. At Destination Pediatric Dentistry in Round Rock, we offer both stainless steel crowns and preformed porcelain crowns, and we’re happy to discuss which option is right for your child.
Why Crowns May Be Necessary on Baby Teeth
Primary teeth play a critical role in your child’s development. They hold space for permanent teeth, support proper speech, and allow normal chewing and nutrition. If a baby tooth is severely decayed, fractured, or weakened after a nerve treatment (pulp therapy), a crown may be the most reliable solution. We also take into consideration the child’s age, risk of cavities going forward and the number of surfaces involved in making a recommendation for a crown versus a traditional filling.
Crowns provide full coverage and strength, ensuring that the tooth can continue to function until it’s naturally replaced by a permanent tooth. Without treatment, the tooth may break down further, causing pain, infection, or early tooth loss that could affect your child’s bite and future smile.
How Pediatric Crowns Differ from Adult Crowns
Crowns on permanent teeth are typically custom-made to fit perfectly and last many years. Pediatric crowns, however, are designed to be pre-formed and fitted chairside during your child’s appointment. This makes treatment quicker and more comfortable. Teeth needing crowns on baby teeth are prepped, crowns fitted and cemented all in one appointment.
Since primary teeth will eventually fall out, these crowns are a temporary but important way to keep teeth functional and healthy until nature takes its course.
Stainless Steel Crowns vs. Porcelain Crowns
Parents often want to know the difference between stainless steel crowns and porcelain crowns for children. Both options have advantages, and the best choice depends on your child’s needs and your preferences.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Benefits:
- Very durable and long-lasting.
- Less technique-sensitive, which means placement is faster and easier for children who may have trouble sitting still.
- Cost-effective and reliable, especially for back teeth that aren’t visible when your child smiles.
Downsides:
- Silver color makes them more noticeable.
- Nickle allergies may prevent a patient from having stainless steel as a treatment option (rare)
Preformed Porcelain Crowns
Benefits:
- Tooth-colored, blending more naturally with your child’s smile.
- Great for front teeth, where appearance is important.
Downsides:
- Less durable than stainless steel, with a higher chance of chipping or breaking.
- Placement can be more technique-sensitive, which may require more cooperation during treatment.
- More expensive than stainless steel crowns.
- Teeth generally require greater removal of tooth structure for a crown to fit which may put the tooth at a higher risk for needing a nerve treatment or potential for future problems.
Our Approach at Destination Pediatric Dentistry
At Destination Pediatric Dentistry in Round Rock, we provide both stainless steel crowns and porcelain crowns. Our goal is to help parents understand their options so they can make the best decision for their child’s health and confidence. Some families choose stainless steel crowns for molars and porcelain crowns for front teeth, balancing function and aesthetics.
We’re always happy to walk you through the pros and cons of each material, explain what’s best for your child’s unique situation, and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
A Crown Today for a Healthier Smile Tomorrow
While it can feel surprising to learn that a baby tooth may need a crown, these restorations play an important role in keeping your child’s smile healthy. By protecting primary teeth until they naturally fall out, pediatric crowns support proper oral development and prevent more serious dental issues down the road.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Round Rock who offers both stainless steel and porcelain crowns for children, contact our office today. We’re here to help your child smile brighter—now and in the future.