In the Know for You to Know

You’re at your child’s dental check-up and you find out that the tooth you thought has a cavity does have one and that a filling just won’t do.

In my last post about crowns, we discussed stainless steel crowns. Stainless steel crowns are the classic reliable standard for taking care of baby (aka primary) teeth when placing a regular filling puts a tooth at risk for breaking. But let’s face it, they are not very esthetic.

When esthetics is a concern, there is another option and that is the zirconia crown.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on an esthetic children’s tooth crown alternative, the zirconia crown.

What Is Zirconia?

Zirconia is a high quality ceramic material which closely resembles natural teeth, providing durability and a natural appearance.

What Is A Zirconia Crown?

White zirconia dental crowns are an esthetic alternative to stainless steel crowns for children. 

In addition to being metal free, strong and biocompatible, they are esthetically pleasing since they can blend in with your child’s natural teeth; whether back teeth or front teeth.

These crowns are for restoring primary teeth that are chipped, damaged, broken, not developing properly, have had a pulpotomy, or have areas of tooth decay (aka cavity) which are too large for a filling because of the risk of breaking the tooth.

How Long Does A Zirconia Crown Last?

Zirconia is very strong and well suited for children who need their crowns to last for several years until they naturally lose their baby teeth.

How Do We Take Care Of A Zirconia Crown?

Your child’s daily brushing and flossing routine has the same importance now as it always has, and with increased emphasis now that your child has a crown.

It’s best to avoid biting anything hard, sticky, chewy and gooey since they can dislodge the crown or pull it off completely.

Are The Reasons For A Zirconia Crown Different From A Stainless Steel Crown?

The reason for a children’s tooth crown, whether it is a zirconia crown or a stainless steel crown are the same.

5 Indications For A Children’s Zirconia Crown

• Tooth decay has caused so much loss of tooth structure that a filling will break, break the tooth even more, or both,
• After a pulpotomy,
• A fractured tooth,
• A tooth that grew in with weak structure (not due to a cavity),
• Esthetics are a concern.

When Isn’t A Zirconia Crown Recommended?

There are 4 specific times when a Zirconia crown isn’t advised~

• When a child grinds their teeth,
• When there is space loss between the tooth needing the crown and the adjacent teeth,
• When there is too little tooth structure remaining to retain the crown on the tooth,
• When there is substantial crowding between the teeth.

What To Remember

Baby teeth may be small but their need is great.

This is because children’s primary teeth are essential for chewing, speaking, and maintaining space for the development and correct positioning of their adult teeth.

Zirconia crowns are a good treatment choice for these important teeth for 4 reasons ~

• They have good retention,
• They are fracture resistant,
• They are oral hygiene friendly,
• They have parent’s satisfaction and increase children’s self-confidence.

Have you been told your child needs a crown? Are you concerned about the crown’s esthetics? What do you think about zirconia crowns? Do you feel comfortable discussing zirconia crowns with your child’s dentist? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!