7 Top FAQs Parents Have About White Dental Crowns for Their Children

Many people think that dental crowns are just for adults. But that’s not the case. There are many reasons why dentists need to put crowns on baby teeth. Since baby tooth enamel is thinner than that of permanent teeth, tooth decay can spread quickly. And dental crowns for kids are not only the perfect way to prevent the spread of decay and infection, but they are colored and designed to match your child’s adjacent natural teeth.

Your FAQ for white dental crowns for kids.

It’s only natural to have questions if your child needs a dental crown, so we’ve compiled our patients’ common questions and provided some helpful answers about what you need to know.

1. What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are protective covers placed over the tooth to restore it after decay. White dental crowns look and feel just like your child’s adjacent natural teeth as they are commonly constructed from zirconia, a tooth-colored ceramic material.

2. Why does my child need a crown for their baby tooth?

Baby teeth are more important than many parents realize. They serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, help guide those new permanent teeth into their places, and help children chew and speak properly as they grow. If baby teeth become damaged due to tooth decay, crowns offer additional support and protection. Placing crowns on baby teeth provides them with the necessary reinforcement until the permanent teeth come in.

3. When is a crown needed, as opposed to a filling?

Dental crowns are recommended when there is a need to treat severely damaged teeth. Dentists use fillings to treat minor tooth damage and decay. When that damage or decay is too big for a filling, a dental crown will often be the best solution to restore that tooth.

4. What is the best kind of crown for kids?

Silver and white crowns are both highly effective in kids—and both have their pros and cons.

Silver crowns tend to be stronger than white crowns, and because they are made of metal, they can bend and absorb the force of your child’s chewing. However, silver crowns aren’t very sightly, especially when needed for a child’s front tooth.

White dental crowns offer a seamless appearance as they blend in with your child’s other teeth, and there is no risk of them being affected by a metal allergy. The risk with a white crown is that it is more likely to break than a metal crown (although it is still much stronger than your natural teeth!), so your child should avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods as much as possible.

5. What is so special about white dental crowns?

Though silver crowns have been in use for decades, white crowns are becoming increasingly popular because they are long-lasting, do an excellent job of preserving your child’s baby tooth until their permanent tooth comes in, and are aesthetically pleasing. If your child needs a crown on a front tooth, their dentist will more than likely recommend a white crown over a silver crown.

6. Can white crowns go on the back teeth?

The quick answer is yes. Though there are situations where your child’s dentist might recommend a silver filling on back teeth, especially if there is a concern of breakage, white crowns can also be used in the back of the mouth.

Many parents prefer white crowns, too, regardless of whether the teeth are in the front or back of the mouth because the silver color of a stainless steel crown is quite noticeable when kids open their mouths. However, it is essential to note that most dentists don’t have the training or expertise to place white crowns on back teeth. But, we’re happy to tell you that your dentists at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry do have this specialty training.

7. How can I prevent further tooth decay in my child?

Parents often wonder what they can do to prevent their children from needing further crowns. It’s important to understand that all kids have bacteria in their mouths and are at risk for tooth decay. The following tips, however, can help:

• Limit the amount of sugar and starch that your child consumes.
• Ensure your child drinks enough water throughout the day.
• Teach your child how to brush and floss their teeth.
• Let your dentist know if your child is a mouth breather.

Let Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry answer any other questions you have about white dental crowns for kids.

If you have more questions about white dental crowns for kids or need cosmetic dentistry for children near Salem, OR, then you have come to the right place. Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry offers gentle dentistry just for kids. Request an appointment with our clinic today so that we can assess your child’s tooth decay. We have the training to place white dental crowns for kids, ensuring a comfortable fit that can help your kid get back to their busy day of play. We can help you make the best decision to protect your child’s oral health.