Giving Your Child Their Best Smile: A Guide to Pediatric Dental Crowns

A bright, healthy smile is important for any child. At Just For Kids Pediatric Dentist in Waxahachie, TX, we understand that parents want to ensure their children have strong, beautiful teeth that will last a lifetime. That's why we offer pediatric dental crowns - an effective way to repair and protect damaged or decayed teeth.

Pediatric dental crowns are caps made from white zirconia, stainless steel metal, or white composite resin that fit perfectly over the visible part of the tooth. Crowns can restore teeth that are cracked, chipped, misshapen, or severely decayed. They are commonly placed on baby teeth, but are also used on permanent teeth when cavities are too large to fill.

Here's everything parents should know about pediatric dental crowns in Waxahachie, Texas.  

When Do Children Get Crowns?

Crowns can be placed as early as age 2 or 3 if a primary tooth is damaged. Most often, we see children needing crowns when cavities start progressing past the enamel or when they affect multiple surfaces of the tooth. The goal is to repair and protect teeth by doing as little dental work as possible.

The 3 Main Types of Pediatric Dental Crowns

There are a few options when it comes to the material and color of children's crowns. The three main types are:

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are the most common. They are silver/gray in color and made from surgical stainless steel.

Pros: Extremely durable and long-lasting. Cost effective. Requires minimal tooth reduction for placement.

Cons: Not aesthetic; many parents don't like the metallic look. Can come off if not properly fitted.

White Pediatric Dental Crowns

White crowns are made from zirconia. They match the color of the tooth quite well.      

Pros: Natural, tooth-colored appearance. Durable, yet aesthetic.  

Cons: More expensive than stainless steel crowns. Often not covered by insurance. Require more tooth removal for proper fit.  

Clear Composite Crowns

Made entirely from tooth-colored resin, these clear crowns are essentially a filling formed into a cap.

Pros: Excellent aesthetics. Mimics the translucency of real teeth. Minimal tooth reduction needed.

Cons: Prone to wear and staining over time. Less durable than stainless steel crowns.

How Do Dentists Choose the Right Crown?

We consider several factors when recommending the right type of crown for your child:

• Age and cooperation level - Very young or anxious kids do better with stainless steel crowns since they require less adjustment time. Older, cooperative children can handle aesthetic crowns.

• Location in mouth - Back molars are less visible so metallic or silver crowns work well. Front visible teeth look best with tooth-colored crowns, like zirconia crowns.

• Extent of damage - Extensive tooth decay or fractured teeth need the most durable option, while mild damage can be restored with composite ceramic crowns.

• Grinding or clenching - Kids who grind need stainless steel crowns to withstand the pressure.

• Cost - Insurance usually covers stainless steel crowns in full or at a higher percentage. Out-of-pocket costs are lowest with silver crowns.

We'll discuss these factors at your child's appointment to choose the right crown. Balancing durability, aesthetics, and affordability is our top priority.

Does Insurance Cover Pediatric Dental Crowns?

The good news is that pediatric dental crowns are covered by most dental insurance plans. Here's how it typically works:

• Dental plans categorize crowns as basic or major restorative care. They are considered medically necessary procedures, not simply cosmetic.

• Stainless steel crowns are usually covered at 50-90% after deductibles since they are the standard treatment for kids.

• White or clear crowns are covered at a lower percentage, usually 50%. These aesthetic crowns fall under upgraded services.

• Out-of-pocket costs are lowest for silver crowns and highest for porcelain types. We work to maximize your insurance benefits for the crown choice that's best for your child.

Talk to our team about your dental insurance coverage. We'll help you understand the percentages, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs you can expect for pediatric crowns, so you can budget accordingly.

The Pediatric Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect

Getting a crown is a simple, pain-free process with great benefits for your child's oral health. Here's how it works:

Initial Exam

We'll examine your child's tooth and take X-rays to assess the damage. If a crown is needed, we discuss options with you. A topical numbing gel is applied, so your child feels comfortable.

Tooth Preparation

The tooth is anesthetized and shaped down by a small amount to fit the crown. Your child will feel vibration but no pain due to the anesthesia.

Crown Placement

Crowns are immediately placed and cemented. They usually require no adjustment.

Follow-Up Visits

During your child’s next check-up, we’ll review the crown to ensure it's staying put. A properly placed crown should last several years until the tooth falls out naturally or is extracted.

The whole process is quick and takes 1 visit. We focus on keeping your child relaxed, comfortable, and cooperative. Pediatric dental crowns restore smiles - we make the journey there fun and stress-free!

Restore Your Child's Smile with Pediatric Dental Crowns

At Just For Kids Pediatric Dentist in Waxahachie, TX, we pride ourselves on giving children the brightest, healthiest smiles possible. Our experienced dentists enjoy making sure your child has a fun, comfortable visit while getting the dental treatment they need.

If your child has a damaged tooth that requires a crown, please request an appointment online or call us at (972) 351-9700. We'll discuss the pediatric crown options and make sure your child leaves with a big, beautiful smile!

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