Stainless Steel Crowns for Kids

Restoring little teeth with comfort and care

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns (SSC) are tooth-shaped metallic caps that fit over a tooth. They are commonly used in pediatric (childhood) dentistry to preserve or restore baby teeth that have cavities or cracks.

Although baby teeth will eventually fall out and make way for permanent adult teeth, they play a crucial role in the healthy development of adult teeth, which is why it is important to keep them healthy and prevent premature loss. Stainless steel crowns are the most effective and popular way to restore a damaged baby tooth and prevent further damage or tooth loss.

Children get their first tooth from around the age of 4-7 months old, and they usually lose their last baby tooth at around 12-13 years of age. During those formative years, it is important for your child to take care of their baby teeth to encourage the healthy and proper growth of their adult teeth.

What Are Stainless Steel Crowns?

Stainless steel crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are commonly used in pediatric (children’s) dentistry to protect baby teeth from further damage and loss. They are made of stainless steel and also contain chrome and nickel.

They are placed on a damaged baby tooth (usually the molars), and will eventually fall out at the same time a baby tooth does to make way for the permanent (adult) tooth. The use of stainless steel crowns acts as a placeholder for a future adult tooth to grow, and ensures that all permanent teeth are in their correct spot, reducing the need for further orthodontic treatment.

The Different Types of
Stainless Steel Crowns

Pre-trimmed
Stainless Steel Crowns

These crowns need to be trimmed and contoured before they are inserted onto the baby tooth, so they can fit the tooth properly.

Pre-contoured
Stainless Steel Crowns

These crowns are already contoured, although in some cases, some further contouring and trimming may be required.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Crowns

Why are stainless steel crowns the best choice for children’s restoration dentistry?

Affordable
Durable and strong
Long-lasting
Low risk of complications
They cover and protect the entire tooth
Avoids teeth extractions
Reduces the need for further treatment
High success rate
Falls out naturally when the baby tooth falls out
Simple procedure
Keeps a space for a future adult tooth to grow in the correct position
Easy to clean and maintain
They put less pressure on a weak tooth
Available in different sizes

Why Do Children Need
Stainless Steel Crowns?

Children may need stainless steel crowns for various reasons including:

If they have cavities
If their tooth is decayed
If they have a soft tooth due to weak enamel
If a tooth has nerve or root damage
If they have a cracked or misshapen tooth
If they have had a root canal procedure or pulp therapy
If their tooth has extensive wear due to teeth grinding

Stainless Steel Crown Procedure

The stainless steel crown procedure includes:

Preparation: A rubber dam (latex sheet) is placed over the mouth to isolate the tooth being treated, and to prevent any debris from entering the mouth. In some cases, spacers (dental bands) are placed on each side of the tooth which helps to create space around the tooth.
Anaesthesia and laughing gas: Depending on each individual case, local anaesthesia and laughing gas (nitrous oxide) are given to the patient, so they won’t feel any discomfort or pain.

In some cases, local anaesthesia won’t need to be used, as the crown is placed over the tooth without removing the decay. This is known as the ‘Hall Technique’.
Preparing the tooth: In some cases, tooth decay may need to be removed before the crown is inserted. The tooth may also need to be reshaped.
Select crown: The correct crown size is selected.
The stainless steel crown is inserted: The crown is cemented into place with ‘tooth glue.’
The crown is set in place: Once the crown has been cemented in place, the child is asked to bite down hard to set the crown in place.
Finishing touches: Any excess cement is rinsed off, and the surrounding teeth are flossed.

After-Care

Your child may feel some pain or discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Put them on a soft-food diet and give them children paracetamol for the pain.

It shouldn’t take too long for your child to become used to the crown and for the discomfort to go away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does My Child Need a Stainless Steel Crown?

If your child has a cavity or cracked tooth, or if there is significant wear and tear or some deformity to the tooth structure, then they most likely need a crown to protect the baby tooth and prevent further damage to it.

How Long Does a Stainless Steel Crown Last?

A stainless steel crown will stay on the baby tooth until the tooth falls out to make way for a permanent tooth. In rare cases, the crown may need to be replaced before the baby tooth falls out.

Does the Crown Affect Other Teeth?

No, the stainless steel crown does not affect any other teeth.

How is the Crown Attached Onto the Baby Tooth?

The crown is placed onto the baby tooth with dental cement (tooth glue).

Is the Stainless Steel Crown Procedure Painful?

No, a local anaesthetic can be given which will numb the mouth. The procedure at Atria Dental is largely pain-free, although there is some discomfort as pressure is applied to the crown and gums.

How Do You Care for Stainless Steel Crowns?

The crown should be treated as a normal tooth. Your child should continue to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. They should also limit their access to hard or sticky foods, as they could cause the crown to become loose.

Can Children Eat Normally with the Crown?

For 1-2 days after the stainless steel crown procedure, your child may be feeling some pain or discomfort, so a soft-food diet of soup, mashed potatoes, jelly and ice cream is a good idea.

It is also best for them to stay away from sticky, hard foods which can cause the crown to become loose and dislodged.