Despite our efforts to help our kids practice the very best oral hygiene habits, sometimes things happen that may require dental treatment. Perhaps it’s a chipped tooth from playing kids’ sports, or a cavity worked its way into the tooth. Whatever the reason may be, the chances are that your child may require a dental crown along the way. 

But don’t let that be a cause for concern. Today’s crowns are so much different than the crowns we had available to us as kids. White crowns are becoming the norm, so your child can keep smiling brightly. 

Boosting confidence with white crowns. 

Your child may need a dental crown for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, they’ve experienced one of the following situations:

• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Severe tooth decay
• Sensitive teeth
• Root canal therapy, which requires restoration

And often, parents wonder what will happen to their child’s smile if they have a crown. They may fear a metal tooth that no longer blends in with your child’s natural teeth. But thankfully, modern dental technology has evolved. Today, kids can be treated with white crowns that blend in with the adjacent teeth. These crowns look so natural that in most cases, no one will know your child knows they have a crown, but you and your child, and your dental team, of course.

At Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the importance of a great smile. And we know that self-confidence in kids can be volatile and ever-changing. We work so hard to partner with you to protect your children’s teeth, keeping them free from tooth decay and preventing the risk of early gum disease.

Yet the reality is that things happen. In fact, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent illnesses among children in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over half of kids between six and eight years of age have had a cavity. Further, 57% of kids between the ages of 12 and 19 have experienced a cavity in their adult (permanent) teeth. While a simple filling can do the trick most of the time, there are times when a crown is the best solution.

When do kids require a crown instead of a filling?

The natural question that most parents ask is when does a kid need a crown instead of a filling? The simple answer is that if there is a small amount of decay on one or more teeth, the dentist will choose to use a filling. However, a crown will be more effective if the tooth has eroded due to excessive decay.

Creating Oral Health Awareness 

In addition to helping kids maintain their smiles by using tooth-colored crowns, we want to help teach kids about the importance of their oral health. This means providing an open and honest conversation with your kids when they are in the dental chair. If your child has developed a cavity, we’ll be sure to spend some time at their next visit talking about the importance of the following:

• Brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Flossing after meals, or at least at bedtime 
• Rinsing with a child-friendly mouthwash to loosen food particles and other debris in the mouth that has been loosened by brushing and flossing
• Eating a tooth-friendly diet and avoiding too much sugar
• Making good lifestyle choices as they get older

We’ve found that when we share these insights with kids and these behaviors are reinforced by parents, kids are less likely to develop cavities and more likely to set the stage for good oral health as they get older.

Can white crowns be used on any tooth?

We understand that you likely have more questions about white crowns, especially if they can be used on any tooth. The answer is yes. While in some situations, we might suggest a silver filling on the back teeth, white crowns can indeed be used on the back teeth as well. This means that no matter how your child smiles or flashes the inside of their mouth, it will be bright, white, and beautiful.

Does your child have a cavity and requires a white crown?

If you think your child might have a cavity and can benefit from a filling or a crown, we encourage you to request an appointment with Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry. We’ll assess your child’s unique situation and discuss the best options. 

Whether it’s white crowns on baby teeth or single-visit dental crowns for permanent teeth, we offer a great solution at your Salem pediatric dental clinic. Request an appointment for your child today.