Stainless Steel Dental Crowns
Stainless Steel Dental Crowns: A Durable and Cost-Effective Solution for Children's Teeth
If your child has a damaged or decayed tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. While there are various materials used for dental crowns, stainless steel crowns are an excellent option for children’s teeth. We will discuss what stainless steel dental crowns are, how they’re made, what they’re used for, their benefits and drawbacks, and their cost.
What are Stainless Steel Dental Crowns?
Stainless steel dental crowns are prefabricated crowns that are made of a biocompatible metal alloy. They’re designed to fit over a damaged or decayed tooth to protect it and restore its function. These crowns are commonly used in pediatric dentistry because they’re cost-effective, durable, and can be placed quickly and easily.
How are Stainless Steel Dental Crowns Made?
Stainless steel dental crowns are made in a laboratory and come in different sizes to fit different teeth. They’re pre-made with a stainless steel shell that covers the tooth’s entire surface, including the cusps (the pointed parts of the tooth used for chewing). The crowns are also pre-shaped to fit the contours of the tooth and have pre-drilled holes for the dentist to use during the placement process.
What are Stainless Steel Dental Crowns Used For?
Stainless steel dental crowns are used to treat a variety of dental problems in children, including:
- To repair severely decayed or damaged teeth that can’t be fixed with a filling
- To protect a tooth that has undergone a pulpotomy (a procedure in which the pulp of the tooth is removed)
- To cover and protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal
- To restore a tooth that has been chipped, broken, or fractured
In general, stainless steel dental crowns are used for baby teeth, as they’re not meant to be a permanent solution. Baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, and stainless steel crowns can help protect the baby teeth until they’re ready to fall out.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Dental Crowns
Stainless steel dental crowns offer several benefits, including:
- Durability: Stainless steel is a strong and sturdy material that can withstand the forces of chewing and grinding. This means that the crown can last for several years, providing long-lasting protection for the tooth.
- Cost-Effective: Stainless steel dental crowns are one of the most cost-effective options for repairing damaged or decayed teeth. They’re much less expensive than other types of crowns, such as ceramic or porcelain crowns, and can be placed quickly and easily.
- Easy to Place: Since stainless steel crowns are pre-made, they’re easy to place and require less time in the dentist’s chair. This is especially important for children, who may have a harder time sitting still for long periods.
- Protection: Stainless steel crowns can protect the tooth from further decay or damage, helping to prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Dental Crowns
Like any dental procedure, stainless steel dental crowns have their pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Cost-effective
- Easy to place
- Protect the tooth
Cons:
- Appearance: Stainless steel crowns are silver in color and can be noticeable in the mouth. This may be a concern for some parents or children who are self-conscious about their appearance.
- Not permanent: Stainless steel crowns are not a permanent solution and will need to be replaced once the baby tooth falls out. This may mean additional trips to the dentist for replacement crowns.
- Not suitable for all teeth: Stainless steel crowns are typically used for molars and premolars, as they’re less visible in the mouth. They may not be suitable for front teeth, as they may be more visible and may affect the child’s appearance.
- Potential for allergies: While rare, some children may have an allergic reaction to the metal used in stainless steel crowns. It’s important to discuss any potential allergies with your dentist before proceeding with the procedure.
Cost of Stainless Steel Dental Crowns
One of the major benefits of stainless steel dental crowns is their cost-effectiveness. They’re much less expensive than other types of dental crowns, costing on average between $60 and $150 per crown. However, the cost can vary depending on the dentist’s location, the child’s age, and the complexity of the procedure.
It’s important to note that while stainless steel crowns are less expensive than other types of crowns, they’re not covered by all dental insurance plans. You’ll want to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover stainless steel crowns and if there are any restrictions or limitations.
Are Stainless Steel Dental Crowns Really for Children?
Yes, stainless steel dental crowns are primarily used for children’s teeth. This is because they’re a cost-effective and durable solution for baby teeth, which will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth. Stainless steel crowns can help protect the baby teeth and prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
That being said, stainless steel crowns can also be used for adult teeth in certain situations. For example, they may be used as a temporary crown while a permanent crown is being made, or they may be used to cover a tooth that’s at risk for further damage.
Stainless steel dental crowns are a reliable and cost-effective solution for restoring damaged or decayed baby teeth in children. They’re durable, easy to place, and can protect the tooth from further damage or decay. While they may not be suitable for all teeth or may affect the child’s appearance, they’re a practical option for many children and can help prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future.