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Types of Dental Crowns for Kids: What Parents Should Know

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Dental crowns are a reliable way to protect and restore your child’s teeth, especially when cavities or dental injuries go beyond what a filling can handle. But not all dental crowns are the same. Understanding the differences helps parents make informed choices tailored to their child’s needs.

At Alamo Ranch Children’s Dentistry & Braces, we offer several types of restorative crowns designed just for kids—combining comfort, durability, and kid-friendly aesthetics.

Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC)

Best for: Back baby teeth, post-root canal protection, large cavities

Stainless steel crowns are the gold standard in pediatric dentistry, especially for restoring baby molars. As discussed in this video, SSCs are widely used because they’re extremely durable, cost-effective, and simple to place.

Why we use them:

  • Children’s molars take the brunt of chewing forces
  • They provide full coverage to protect weakened teeth
  • They fall out naturally when the baby tooth is shed

Pros:

  • Excellent longevity
  • Quick placement
  • Great for high-bite pressure areas (like molars)

Cons:

  • Silver appearance may be noticeable, though they're used on back teeth

At our San Antonio office, SSCs are often recommended when a tooth is significantly decayed or has undergone a pediatric root canal. They're reliable and require minimal maintenance—perfect for active kids.

Zirconia (White Ceramic) Crowns

Best for: Front baby teeth, visible areas, cosmetic-conscious families

Zirconia crowns offer a natural tooth appearance with the strength of ceramic. They're often chosen by parents who want a metal-free and aesthetic option.

Pros:

  • Looks like a real tooth
  • Long-lasting and durable
  • Great for kids with metal allergies

Cons:

  • Higher cost
  • Requires more preparation than SSC

These are typically placed on visible teeth or when aesthetics are a major concern.

BioFlex Crowns

Best for: Parents wanting aesthetics and flexibility, front and back teeth

Mentioned in this video, BioFlex crowns are a new, tooth-colored option made of flexible, biocompatible material. They offer an excellent alternative to zirconia for patients needing a more conservative, aesthetic option.

Pros:

  • Natural-looking and semi-translucent
  • Flexible and gentle on opposing teeth
  • Metal-free and less invasive to place

Cons:

  • Less long-term data than SSC or zirconia
  • Not as commonly available at all practices

Our office stays current with advancements like BioFlex and may recommend them based on your child’s bite and tooth location.

Composite Strip Crowns

Best for: Front teeth with small chips or discoloration

These crowns use a clear plastic mold filled with composite resin. Once cured and the mold is removed, you're left with a custom-colored front tooth.

Pros:

  • Tooth-colored and aesthetic
  • Cost-effective
  • Good for anterior restorations

Cons:

  • Not as strong as SSC or zirconia
  • More prone to staining or chipping

We often recommend these for cosmetic repairs on baby front teeth.

Resin Crowns

Best for: Temporary use, front teeth, lower bite pressure areas

Made entirely of tooth-colored resin, these crowns are not as strong as zirconia but may be used in certain short-term situations.

Pros:

  • Aesthetic
  • Easy to place
  • Budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Not suitable for heavy chewing
  • Prone to fracture

These may be considered when a tooth is close to naturally exfoliating or when cosmetic needs outweigh durability.

When Are Crowns Recommended for Kids?

A dental crown may be the right choice if your child has:

  • A cavity too large for a filling
  • Undergone a pulpotomy or root canal
  • A cracked, chipped, or broken baby tooth
  • Weak enamel due to developmental issues

Our pediatric team will assess the tooth and help you choose the crown that offers the best protection and appearance.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At Alamo Ranch Children’s Dentistry & Braces, we make crown placement as smooth and gentle as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Local anesthesia or sedation options (laughing gas, oral sedation, or general anesthesia)
  • A tooth cleaning and preparation phase
  • Fitting and securing the crown
  • Guidance on aftercare to ensure the crown lasts

We also offer child-friendly amenities like TVs, games, and a beverage bar to make the visit enjoyable.

Is your child dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth? Let’s talk about which crown option is right for their smile.
Call 210-361-5518 or schedule a consultation online today at Alamo Ranch Children’s Dentistry & Braces—San Antonio’s trusted pediatric dental home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which crown is best for my child?
It depends on the tooth’s location, your child’s age, cosmetic concerns, and budget. We’ll guide you through options like stainless steel, zirconia, BioFlex, and more.

Are crowns safe for baby teeth?
Yes. They’re often necessary to save a baby tooth that plays an important role in guiding permanent teeth.

Do crowns hurt?
We use gentle numbing techniques and offer sedation to make the experience stress-free and pain-free.

Will insurance cover my child’s crown?
Many insurance plans cover pediatric crowns. We’ll help you understand your coverage and offer flexible financing options.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns play a key role in protecting your child’s developing smile. Whether you’re considering stainless steel for durability or zirconia or BioFlex for a natural look, we’ll help you choose a solution that balances health, comfort, and appearance.

At Alamo Ranch Children’s Dentistry & Braces, we put your child’s needs first with custom treatment plans, gentle care, and advanced materials.