White Crowns for Baby Teeth
White zirconia crowns are increasingly popular in paediatric dentistry for restoring severely decayed or damaged primary (baby) teeth. Zirconia crowns offer both durability and aesthetics, making them an excellent option for young patients.
Key Features of White Zirconia Crowns for Paediatric Dentistry:
1. Aesthetic Appeal:
Natural Tooth-Like Appearance: Zirconia crowns are white and mimic the natural colour and translucency of a child’s teeth, offering a highly aesthetic solution, especially for teeth showing when a child smiles or talks. This makes them preferable to stainless steel crowns, which may be more visible.
No Metal Visibility: Unlike metal-based crowns, zirconia crowns have no visible metal, making them ideal when there are concerns about the cosmetic appearance.
2. Durability and Strength:
Highly Durable: Zirconia is a strong, wear-resistant material, which makes it ideal for paediatric crowns, as they need to withstand the forces of chewing and biting.
Fracture Resistant: Zirconia crowns are less likely to chip or crack compared to other types of crowns, making them suitable for active children.
3. Biocompatibility:
Non-Allergenic: Zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation in the gums or oral tissues. This is important in pediatric patients who may have sensitivities.
Smooth Surface: The smooth surface of zirconia crowns reduces plaque accumulation, helping prevent secondary cavities or gum inflammation around the crown.
4. Indications for Use:
Zirconia crowns in children are typically used when:
Extensive Tooth Decay: When the child has severe decay that cannot be managed with a filling alone.
Root canal treatments: For teeth with large or multiple cavities, where a root canal is required.
Fractured or Broken Teeth: In cases of trauma to primary teeth, zirconia crowns can restore both function and appearance.
Developmental Issues: Children with developmental conditions affecting tooth structure (e.g., hypoplastic enamel) may benefit from the durability and coverage provided by zirconia crowns.
5. Procedure:
Tooth Preparation: Zirconia crowns require more tooth reduction than stainless steel crowns, as they are pre-fabricated and cannot be adjusted as easily during placement.
Cementation: The crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth using biocompatible dental cement. The fit is precise, and the procedure is usually done in one appointment.
Sedation or General Anaesthesia: For young children or anxious patients, sedation or general anaesthesia may be used to ensure comfort during the procedure.
6.. Considerations:
Cost: Zirconia crowns tend to be more expensive than stainless steel crowns. However, many parents opt for them due to their superior aesthetics and durability.
Technique Sensitivity: Placement of zirconia crowns can be more technique-sensitive compared to other materials, so it’s important that the dentist has experience working with zirconia in paediatric cases.
Benefits for Children:
Improved Confidence: A more natural-looking smile can boost a child’s confidence and reduce any self-consciousness about their teeth.
Prevention of Future Issues: By protecting a decayed or damaged tooth, zirconia crowns can prevent the need for further, more extensive dental work in the future.