Many parents believe baby teeth don’t stay in their child’s mouth for long, but your child’s first set of molars can remain in their mouth until about age 12. Maintaining the molars until they are ready to come out naturally is important because the baby teeth save a place for the permanent teeth to grow. Extending the life of your child’s baby set of molars can help prevent orthodontic issues later in life.
At My Kidz Dentist, the experienced team of pediatric dentists offers dental crowns to protect and preserve your child’s teeth. Think of the baby teeth as the foundation for your child’s permanent teeth. Strong and healthy baby teeth can translate to a lifetime of good oral hygiene and fewer problems with their permanent teeth.
Crowns cover and protect damaged teeth to restore their shape, function, and strength. When cavities grow so large that there isn’t enough tooth structure left to support a filling, the crown covers the remaining tooth and offers durability.
Your pediatric dentist may also recommend dental crowns if the tooth needs a root canal or is cracked or broken because of tooth grinding or trauma.
It may seem unnecessary to crown a temporary tooth, knowing it will eventually be replaced by the child’s adult teeth. Even though baby teeth are temporary, it’s important to maintain their health. Baby teeth help children chew properly, speak clearly, and ensure the permanent teeth come into the proper location.
If you don’t take care of your child’s baby teeth, your child may experience toothaches, infections, and premature loss of teeth, which can affect the health and success of their adult teeth.
If it’s determined your child requires a dental crown, My Kidz Dentist offers two types of crowns. Your dentist will recommend the crown best-suited for your child’s needs.
Stainless steel crowns are more affordable than white crowns and are extremely durable. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends stainless steel crowns for children. If your child needs a crown on the back teeth, the silver color of the stainless steel crowns is barely noticeable.
White crowns are ideal for baby teeth in visible areas of the mouth. Zirconia looks and feels like natural teeth, and we match the color to your child’s natural teeth. Though Zirconia white crowns restore function and aesthetics, they are not as durable as stainless steel crowns.
Call the My Kidz Dentist office nearest you in Phoenix, or schedule an appointment online to learn more about pediatric dental crowns and whether they are the right option for restoring your child’s teeth.
