When you first see silver caps on baby teeth, it can be surprising. Many parents often wonder why children need dental crowns at such a young age. The truth is that dental treatment for primary teeth plays a big role in protecting a child’s dental health, supporting proper development, and preventing further damage from tooth decay. In many cases, stainless steel crowns provide a cost-effective solution that keeps baby teeth healthy until the permanent teeth are ready to erupt.
Understanding why silver crowns are used, how they work, and what the process involves can help you feel prepared and confident during your child’s dental visit. This guide explains everything you need to know, from the reasons for treatment to the different types of crowns for children, including tooth-coloured crowns, zirconia crowns, resin crowns, and more.
Why Do Children Need Silver Caps on Baby Teeth
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they are essential for chewing, speaking, guiding adult teeth into the correct position, and supporting jaw development. When a child’s tooth experiences extensive decay or severe tooth damage, fillings alone may not be enough to restore the tooth structure. In these cases, dental crowns help protect the entire tooth and prevent further decay.
Supporting chewing and oral development
Supporting chewing and oral developmentPrimary teeth have thinner enamel compared to adult teeth, which makes them more vulnerable to cavities and large cavity formation. Since children chew with significant force on their molars and back teeth, a crown needs to withstand chewing pressure and constant use. Stainless steel crowns are durable and able to handle chewing forces that may cause fillings or other crowns to fail.
Preventing further damage and infection
When decay spreads deeper, the tooth becomes weakened. Without proper dental treatment, the tooth may break, causing more pain, infection, or further damage to other teeth. Silver caps offer a protective cover that fits snugly over the child’s tooth, reducing the risk of future dental issues and allowing the tooth to function properly until it naturally falls out.
Understanding Stainless Steel Crowns for Children
Stainless steel crowns have been used in pediatric dentistry for many years due to their reliability, long lifespan, and ability to protect molars. They are often referred to as silver caps or silver teeth because of their metallic appearance.
Why stainless steel crowns are commonly used
Many parents are surprised to learn that stainless steel crowns are often the recommended treatment for severely damaged primary teeth. These crowns are:
- Very durable
- Resistant to wear
- Able to withstand chewing forces
- Long lasting
- A cost-effective solution for extensive decay
Because most kids use their back teeth for grinding and chewing, stainless steel crowns are ideal for molars and other areas that are not highly visible.
Are silver teeth safe?
Parents sometimes worry about metal allergies, such as nickel allergy. However, stainless steel crowns have been safely used for decades. If your child has a known nickel allergy or sensitivity, the dentist may recommend alternative materials, such as zirconia crowns or resin crowns, depending on the type of cavity and location of the child’s tooth.
Types of Crowns for Children
There are multiple types of crowns used in paediatric dentistry. The type chosen depends on the child’s needs, the location of the damaged tooth, and how aesthetically pleasing parents want the result to be.
Stainless steel crowns
These are the most common for back teeth and molars. They are durable, reliable, and provide strong protection against further decay. Many parents choose them for teeth that are not visible when their child smiles.
Tooth coloured crowns
Tooth coloured crowns or white crowns are often used for visible areas, especially front teeth. They can be made from composite resin, strip crowns, or zirconia crowns. These materials blend with the natural tooth colour, making them more aesthetically pleasing.
Resin crowns and strip crowns
These work well for front teeth, especially when the enamel has been damaged, but the chewing surface does not require heavy strength. Resin crowns use composite resin to restore the tooth, while strip crowns use a mould that allows the material to form the correct shape before removal.
Zirconia crowns
Zirconia crowns are tooth coloured, strong, and suitable for children with metal allergies. They provide good coverage and a smooth appearance. They can also be used in visible areas where parents prefer a natural-looking result. However, they may require more tooth structure removal compared to stainless steel crowns.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed for Baby Teeth
Understanding why and when dental crowns are used helps parents make informed decisions about their child’s well-being.
Severe tooth decay or a large cavity
A large cavity weakens the tooth, making it difficult for filling material to stay in place. Fillings may fall out under chewing pressure, leading to repeated treatments. A crown protects the entire tooth and reduces the need for multiple procedures.
Broken or fractured tooth
A child’s tooth can break due to injury, grinding, or weakened enamel. Crowns protect the tooth structure and prevent further decay or damage.
After a pulpotomy
If decay reaches the pulp, the dentist may perform a pulpotomy to treat the infection inside the tooth. A stainless steel crown is then placed to keep the tooth stable and functional.
Developmental defects
Some children have enamel defects that make their teeth more fragile. Dental crowns help restore proper tooth shape and protect the chewing surface.
The Process: What To Expect During Your Child’s Dental Visit
Most crowns for children can be completed in a single visit. This is helpful for children who may have difficulty with longer treatments.
Step 1: Exam and diagnosis
The dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays if needed, and determines whether a crown is the best treatment option. They will also check the surrounding teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
Step 2: Preparing the child’s tooth
A small amount of tooth structure may be removed to allow the crown to fit snugly. This ensures proper shape and function while preventing further decay.
Step 3: Choosing the crown material
The dentist will recommend stainless steel crowns for most molars and tooth coloured crowns for front teeth or highly visible areas. They will also consider any concerns about metal allergies.
Step 4: Placing the crown
The crown is adjusted to match the child’s bite, then fitted securely. Since stainless steel crowns come pre-shaped, fitting them is quicker than fabricating adult crowns.
Do Silver Caps Affect Permanent Teeth
One common concern among many parents is whether silver caps on baby teeth will affect future adult teeth. Fortunately, they do not interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth. The crown stays in place until the baby tooth naturally loosens and falls out. As the natural tooth resorbs, the crown comes away with it.
Crowns help preserve space so permanent teeth can erupt in the correct position. Without treatment, premature tooth loss can cause the other teeth to shift, leading to alignment issues later on.
Appearance Concerns: Are There Tooth Coloured Alternatives
Some parents prefer tooth coloured results, especially for visible areas. While stainless steel crowns are strong and reliable, tooth coloured alternatives such as zirconia crowns, composite resin restorations, and white crowns can provide a more natural look.
These options may be more costly, but they can offer a pleasing appearance for front teeth or visible areas when a child smiles or speaks.
Are Silver Caps Long Lasting
Stainless steel crowns are known for their longevity and durability. Since children only keep primary molars until about age 10 to 12, these crowns are designed to last until the tooth naturally falls out. They are less likely to break compared to fillings or other crowns, making them a reliable choice in paediatric dentistry.
Benefits of Using Crowns for Children
The use of silver caps on baby teeth provides several important benefits, including:
- Protection from further decay
- Restoration of proper chewing function
- Reduced risk of infection
- Preservation of natural tooth structure
- Support for proper alignment of adult teeth
- A cost-effective solution for extensive decay
By restoring the child’s tooth early, parents help maintain healthy oral development and prevent complications that can affect the child’s well-being.
Final Thoughts: Making the Best Decision for Your Child’s Dental Health
Silver caps on baby teeth may look unusual at first, but they are highly effective in protecting primary teeth and preventing extensive decay. Whether your child needs stainless steel crowns, tooth coloured crowns, or zirconia crowns, the goal is to maintain the health and function of the tooth until permanent teeth are ready to take their place.
Understanding the treatment options, types of crowns available, and how the crown supports the natural tooth can help you feel confident during your child’s dental visit. If you have concerns about metal allergies, visible areas, or the right material for your child’s tooth, schedule a visit to Available Dental Care at (02) 4062 8763 or (02) 4628 0573 to help you choose a treatment that meets your child’s needs and supports long-term oral health.
References
Healthline. (2018, May 15). Tooth anatomy: Diagram, structure and function. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-anatomy
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, August 13). Pulpotomy: Procedure & recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/pulpotomy
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (n.d.). Dental caries (tooth decay) in children ages 2 to 11 years: Data & statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/children
Colgate Oral Care Center. (2024, August 30). How a stainless steel crown can save a baby tooth. Colgate. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/stainless-steel-crown-can-save-a-baby-tooth