Stainless Steel Crowns (SSCs)
Stainless steel crowns are an effective solution for restoring and protecting baby teeth damaged by decay or fractures. These durable crowns cover the entire visible surface of the tooth, providing long-lasting protection and helping preserve the teeth until they naturally fall out at the appropriate age.
Why does my child need Stainless Steel Crowns?
The enamel on baby teeth differs significantly from the enamel on adult teeth. This difference makes fillings on baby teeth less durable, as the bonding strength is weaker. As a result, fillings on baby teeth can frequently dislodge or wear down. Stainless steel crowns offer a reliable solution by fully covering and protecting the entire tooth, ensuring long-lasting durability and protection.
How do I know if my child needs a Stainless Steel Crown?
We start with a thorough and gentle examination of your child’s teeth in a calm, friendly environment. Our goal is to ensure the experience is comfortable and enjoyable for your child. Plus, our ceiling-mounted TV keeps kids entertained and relaxed throughout the check-up!
If we detect any cavities during the examination, we carefully evaluate the extent of the decay both visually and through X-rays. Additional factors we consider include your child’s age, the expected timeline for the baby tooth to fall out, and the position of the incoming adult teeth.
For small cavities, a filling may be sufficient. However, for larger areas of decay, we often recommend a stainless steel crown to provide optimal protection and durability.
What is the process for getting a Stainless Steel Crown?
Once our Dental professional determines that your child needs a stainless steel crown, the procedure will vary depending on the type of preparation required.
No/Minimal Preparation: Hall Crown Technique
- Placement of Separators:
- Your child will visit the clinic 1–2 days before the crown appointment to have small rubber bands, called separators, placed between the affected teeth.
- These separators create space for the crown and must remain in place for at least 1–2 days. Avoid sticky foods and discourage your child from playing with the separators.
- Crown Placement Appointment:
- At this visit, we remove the separators, and the stainless steel crown is placed on the tooth.
- We choose the appropriate size and adjust for a snug fit.
- The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and a bonding material is applied to secure the crown in place. Any excess material is carefully removed.
- Post-Placement Adjustment:
- Initially, the crown may feel higher on your child’s bite, but the bite will naturally adjust over the next couple of weeks.
- This technique typically does not require anaesthetic.
Conventional Prepared Crown
If the tooth requires preparation or pulp therapy:
- Numbing the Tooth:
- We numb the area using special numbing gel and local anaesthetic to ensure your child’s comfort.
- Tooth Preparation and Crown Placement:
- The tooth is carefully prepared, and any necessary pulp therapy is performed.
- A preformed stainless steel crown is selected, adjusted, and fitted to the tooth using the same process as the Hall Crown.
Both methods restore your child’s tooth effectively and comfortably.
How Do We Care for a Stainless Steel Crown After Placement?
Caring for a stainless steel crown is similar to maintaining your child’s natural teeth. Follow these tips to ensure its longevity and success:
- Healthy Diet: Encourage a balanced diet and limit sugary and processed foods to occasional treats, not daily indulgences.
- Daily Brushing: Brush the crown along with the rest of your child’s teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, whether manual or electric.
- Flossing: Floss around the crown, especially at the front and back, to prevent plaque buildup and maintain gum health.
- Sticky Foods: Avoid very sticky lollies and snacks, as they can potentially loosen the crown.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Keep up with routine dental visits to monitor the crown and overall oral health.
With proper care, the stainless steel crown can protect your child’s tooth effectively until it naturally falls out.
Contact Dental at Keys For Your Child’s Dental Needs
We understand the importance of creating the ideal environment for your child’s dental visits. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care, ensuring every child feels comfortable and supported. We’re grateful to have earned the trust of so many families in our community to care for their most precious little ones.
Please see our Kids Dental page for more info!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Stainless Steel Crowns toxic?
Stainless steel crowns are made from medical-grade metal alloys, including iron, chromium, and nickel, and are thoroughly tested for safety. They are TGA-approved, meaning they meet the strictest regulations and standards. Rest assured, these crowns are completely safe for your child’s mouth.
If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help!
Do Stainless Steel Crowns contain mercury?
No, the stainless steel crowns we use contain 0% mercury, making them completely safe for clinical use. You can feel confident that these crowns are a reliable and safe option for your child’s dental care.
How much do Stainless Steel Crowns cost?
When parents hear the word “crown” for a baby tooth, they often assume it will be expensive. However, stainless steel crowns are much more affordable than custom-made crowns for adult teeth because they are preformed.
The cost varies depending on the type of crown needed. Hall Crowns are typically more cost-effective than conventional crowns. Prices start from $200+.
For an accurate quote or more information, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help!
How do I remove a Stainless Steel Crown?
There’s no special process required to remove a stainless steel crown. When the time comes for the baby tooth to fall out, the process is similar to how it would happen naturally. As the adult tooth erupts underneath, it will push the baby tooth (and crown) out, without any additional intervention needed.
Stainless steel crowns are a safe and effective way of restoring your child’s baby teeth. Call us or Book online now to see one of our friendly Dental Professionals to get an opinion!
