A damaged tooth doesn’t have to mean a silver cap in your child’s smile. Esthetic crowns are tooth-colored crowns that cover and protect a weakened baby tooth while matching the teeth around it. Parents often ask our pediatric dentists in San Antonio about them first, especially for front teeth or for molars that show when their child laughs.
Zirconia and BioFLX crowns
We offer two kinds of tooth-colored crowns for children:
- Zirconia crowns are made from a strong, white ceramic. They resist staining, hold their color and are a popular choice for both front and back baby teeth.
- BioFLX crowns are a newer tooth-colored crown made with a flexible material, which allows a snug fit on the tooth.
Your child’s doctor will discuss which esthetic crown is right for your child. That recommendation takes into account which tooth needs the crown, how much healthy tooth is left, how your child’s teeth meet when they bite and how well your child is likely to sit for the visit. In some situations a stainless steel crown may still be the better fit, and we’ll tell you why; see Stainless Steel Crowns.
When are tooth-colored crowns recommended?
An esthetic crown can be a good choice when:
- A front baby tooth has decay that is too large for a filling
- A tooth has had Pulp Therapy and you prefer a natural look
- Enamel didn’t form fully and the tooth is chipping or sensitive
- A molar needs full coverage and appearance matters to your family
As with any crown, the goal is to keep the baby tooth working until it falls out on its own, holding space for the adult tooth underneath.
What a crown visit looks like
Most esthetic crowns are placed in one appointment, which means fewer trips out of school and work. We numb the tooth with Local Anesthesia, clean away the decay and shape the tooth so the crown fits. Each crown is pre-formed, so there are no impressions or temporary crowns. Your child’s dentist tries in the right size, confirms the fit and cements it.
If your child is anxious, or several teeth need care at once, we can talk about Nitrous Oxide or Sedation Dentistry so treatment goes smoothly.
Caring for tooth-colored crowns
- Brush twice a day, guiding the bristles along the gumline where food can collect.
- Floss between crowned teeth to keep the gums healthy.
- Go easy on very hard foods and ice, which can chip any crown.
- Keep up with regular checkups so we can check the crown and the teeth beside it.
Are zirconia crowns safe for children?
Yes. Zirconia is a well-established dental ceramic, and tooth-colored crowns for baby teeth are a common option in pediatric dentistry. Your child’s dentist will recommend one only when it suits the tooth.
Are white crowns as strong as stainless steel crowns?
Both are designed to protect a baby tooth until it’s naturally lost. Stainless steel crowns have the longest track record, while tooth-colored crowns offer a natural appearance. We’ll walk you through the trade-offs for your child’s specific tooth.
Will my dental insurance cover a tooth-colored crown?
Plans differ in how they handle esthetic crowns. Our team can help you review your PPO or other dental benefits before treatment so you know what to expect.
Related: Dental Crowns, Stainless Steel Crowns, Dental Bonding, Fillings