How a Stainless Steel Crown can save Baby Teeth

In the modern world of medicinal science, dentistry is perhaps one of the most prolific fields that has advanced so much over the years. Tooth Decay and Cavity is a problem that is faced by almost every person in the world at some point of their life. Without proper oral care or hygiene, this cavity or decay can become a severe form of pain and infection. It's not just tooth decay that affects Dental health but also factors such as having a crooked or misshapen tooth, fractured tooth, discolored tooth, or tooth that has fractures or is chipped. These are all some very common problems that people face when it comes to oral care and dental health. Most of these issues are as much present in kids as they are in adults as well. Many of us would presume that dental health issues are limited to adults but in fact, children below the age of 12 make the majority of dental health problems across the world.

Baby Teeth and its Characteristics

Baby teeth are also referred to as Temporary teeth. These start to appear in an infant's mouth as young as 6 months old and appear as small white buds in the gums. As the infant grows older, the teeth start sprouting and normal-looking teeth appear by the age of 2 to 3 years. There are about 20 teeth that come in by this age. These teeth are what they refer to as ‘Milk Teeth.

Although these teeth may look small and very temporary, they still have most of the same structure as that of an adult's teeth. These teeth can perform the same functionalities as that of an adult tooth. They only have a few differences such as the thickness of the enamel, the size of the pulp, and the distance of the pulp from the gums and nerves etc. Apart from these factors, they are pretty much the same as adult teeth. They can perform only the primary functions such as chewing and tearing of food but also teeth alignment and adjustment, giving shape to the jawline, and helping the child speak and enunciate properly. It also gives kids a confident toothy smile. So if baby teeth have the same functions and roles as of adult teeth, it is obvious that they require the same amount of care as adult teeth. This is why dentists recommend parents bring their children regularly to the dentist so that oral care and hygiene foundations are laid in strength.

Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth are very important for babies and children. Unlike the common perception that these temporary teeth are soon replaced or fall off on their own, it still takes about 12 to 13 years before they are replaced by a permanent set of teeth. This is a considerable period of time and therefore must not be neglected and deprived of proper dental care and hygiene.

Baby teeth have some very important roles to play and are listed below:

  • They help in the preparation and onset of the permanent teeth
  • They help in creating a proper jaw structure with proper alignment
  • They help in proper speech and enunciation in kids
  • They help in proper chewing and nourishment from food
  • They contribute to a good look with a toothy smile in kids
  • They are important for the growth of permanent teeth in their proper positions

These are some of the most important functionalities of baby teeth. Securing the baby teeth and keeping them healthy until they are naturally replaced by an adult or permanent teeth is imperative. Baby molars can stay in the mouth for as long as they are 13 to 14 years of age and therefore, baby teeth need proper care and maintenance just as permanent teeth.

Stainless Steel Crowns for Baby Teeth Issues

When a baby tooth is infected, has decay or cavity, has cracks or fractures or has rotten beyond a point, a dentist may suggest getting a crown affixed on the baby tooth to prevent the tooth from further damage. By placing a crown, the tooth is saved from any damage it already has and can save itself from further decay and damage. A crown sits right on top of the shaved-down version of the natural tooth, thereby securing the actual tooth and pulp. The crown helps in the continual usage of the tooth by carrying out all the same functionalities that a baby tooth has. Dental Crowns come in various forms and the materials to choose from are plenty. They can be Metal crowns, Porcelain Crowns, Ceramic Crowns, Zirconia Crowns, Porcelain fused to metal crowns, etc. But for baby teeth, there are certain materials and types of crowns that are more suited for the purpose. Stainless steel crowns are the most recommended option for baby teeth. They come in various shapes and sizes and with just a little bit of contouring and trimming, they can be affixed on top of the baby tooth. Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated for kids and therefore are very easy to adjust and adapt to the natural teeth. The process of restoration also becomes very hassle-free.

Why Stainless Steel Crown?

Stainless steel crown is a metal alloy-based crown made from stainless steel, chromium, and nickel. SSC's are the most widely used option for baby teeth restorations around the world.

Some of the most important benefits of Stainless Steel Crowns are mentioned below:

  • They are prefabricated and come in a variety of sizes and shapes
  • Have very minimal restoration and adjustment time
  • Have a smooth finish and can be contoured and trimmed easily
  • Have a short life and is best suited for temporary restorations
  • Have good strength and durability as is needed for baby teeth
  • Are the most economical option compared to other crowns
  • Are best suited for posterior teeth restorations
  • Has good coverage and can offer complete protection to underlying natural tooth
  • Can be easily cleaned and maintained by a child
  • Can act as an attachment for the need of space maintainer

These are some of the benefits of using stainless steel crowns for baby teeth. They have very few restrictions and have more benefits against cases where the child is suffering from mental health issues or needs anesthesia for treatment. Also, they act as a good option for those who require dental fillings and repair which is more likely to be successful when treated with a crown. For teeth that have considerable damage, stainless steel crowns can be more of an effective solution than fillings.